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From Fownhope the route is a mixture of woodland and farmland, passing through Lea and Pagets Wood SSSI, which has some of the finest broadleaved woodlands in the Wye Valley AONB. The walk then crosses farmland to join the Wye at How Caple. A 3km section of narrow tarmac lane is followed to the delightfully named 'Hole in the Wall', continuing on past Foy suspension bridge (which provides easy access to pretty St Mary's Church).
Soon after the bridge join a mostly level footpath which leads all the way to Ross, following a short section of old railway track further along. In summer look out for sand martins nesting on the opposite bank at Backney Common. The path continues past Ross Rowing Club to reach the Hope & Anchor pub. Note, the farmland between How Caple and Ross-on-Wye can be very muddy in wet weather.
Enjoy a coffee break or a picnic on this bench which looks out over the river Wye, where it loops around the Ballingham peninsula. This bench is a short walk from the Iron Age hillfort of Caplor Camp.
Looking out over a meander in the River Wye this bench is the perfect place to watch the sand martins swooping above their nests on the opposite bank at Backney Common. There are often swans and cormorants here too!
The Willow Man celebrates the willow weaving heritage and coracle-fishing traditions of the River Wye. He gazes out over the ‘WithyBeds’, the riverside fields where willow was cultivated for the basket making industry in Ross-on-Wye. ‘Withy’ was the name given to the harvested willow sticks. There is also a picnic bench looking out of the riverside fields.
Rest and enjoy the view on this Wye Valley Walk Bench - the perfect coffee break or picnic stop.
It’s a fantastic achievement to walk all 136 miles. Mark the miles by keeping a record of your journey, collecting (digital) passport stamps along the route…
MAKE A PASSPORT
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