Experience the best of Ross-on-Wye

Ross stands on a sandstone cliff above a wide loop of the River Wye, on the south-eastern edge of Herefordshire. The seventeenth-century Market House, raised on stone pillars, anchors the central square, and the spire of St Mary's church can be seen for miles. A public garden called the Prospect runs along the cliff edge and looks out over the river's meander.

In the eighteenth century boat trips down the Wye gorge from Ross to Chepstow became fashionable, and canoeists still paddle the same stretch today. Goodrich Castle, a red sandstone ruin with round corner towers, stands a few miles to the south, and the rock viewpoint at Symonds Yat looks straight down on the river. The Forest of Dean begins across the water to the south-east.

The Wye Valley Walk passes through the town, and the river is fished for salmon and trout. Cider, perry and cheese from the surrounding farms turn up in the delis and pubs, along with Herefordshire beef. Misty spring mornings on the water are still and quiet, and the valley woods turn deep gold in October.