Ross on Wye became known as “the birthplace of Picturesque Tourism” after being featured in the first travel guidebook about the Wye Valley in 1782. The accounts of the first organised boat trips along the picturesque River Wye from Ross to Chepstow set in motion the British tourism industry that has prospered since.

Ross-on-Wye was on my itinerary since the inception of the plan to visit Hereford. http://gotthefridgemagnet.com/?p=13812

It was rather fortuitous that there’s a stop for bus 33 to Ross-on-Wye 5 minutes’ walk from where we’re staying.

From the vantage point on the upper deck of the bus it was a joy to admire the passing view of lush green fields and pretty villages. It was particularly so when we got to Ross where the bus meandered around narrow streets to set down passengers before reaching the final stop.

Just opposite the main bus stop on Cantilupe Road I found the charming “The Spirit of Ross” mosaic picture outside the ultra modern library with its roof covered in solar panels!

Ross-on-Wye

The appeal of Ross-on-Wye is not grandeur. It doesn’t assault the eyes with instant jaw dropping beauty, but it soothes the senses with subtle demure charms, like gentle breezes on a warm summer day.

The Market House

This striking sandstone building was built between 1650 and 1654. It’s an imposing structure which is also the pivot from which four streets branch out, making it rather challenging to cross the road at times!

The ground level is still being used on market days on Thursday or Saturday while the upper floor is the home of the Made in Ross gallery selling arts and crafts made by local people

The Market House is flanked by some interesting period buildings….

…… but these terraces of pastel-coloured dwellings on Kyrle Street also caught my eyes!

On the way down for the riverside walk, there’re also brightly-coloured and more substantial dwellings

Gazebo Tower Folly

Gazebo Tower Folly with mock-Gothic walls on St Mary’s Street was built in 1833 as a viewing point. It is now a privately owned luxury home. The panoramic view from up there must be priceless! 

St Mary’s Church

St Mary’s Church which dated back to the 17th century, could be just another church if not for the fact that its spire can be seen from miles around making it an iconic landmark that graces countless photos and postcards of Ross-on-Wye

River Walk at Ross-on-Wye

Being at the heart of the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Beauty, Ross-on-Wye attracts a lot of walkers. No wonder it bills itself as a “Walkers are Welcome” Town!

No visit to Ross-on-Wye would be complete without taking a turn around River Walk!

This Swans in Flight sculpture in stainless steel on the green along the river walk is a head turner

Also in this series: Leominster or Ledbury? http://gotthefridgemagnet.com/?p=13919

My souvenirs from Ross-on-Wye