Ross Walkers are Welcome is a small group of volunteers who work collaboratively to help Ross be ‘welcoming to walkers’; and to benefit the local economy/community by attracting tourism and assisting with well-being through walking. One activity the group do, is to put on the annual Walking Festival on the last weekend of September with this year event running between September 26-28.
“2025 is special for our area, as it sees the 50th Anniversary of the Wye Valley Walk, which was created as a long-distance trail following the river from its source in mid-Wales to the mouth at Chepstow. The 2025 Festival Programme builds from the trail to include iconic local walks and the special features in the vicinity of the river, to help celebrate this anniversary,” said a spokesman.
“To create the festival, Ross is lucky to have two very active walking groups – Ross Walking Group and Ross Ramblers – whose members volunteer to develop, test out and lead walks; and we may also draw upon local farmers/naturalists/geologists/etc for specialist input. Where possible we might include stops for refreshments or a place of interest; and dogs will be welcome too if deemed feasible. The overall programme needs to be balanced over the three days, with a lot of tweaking and reviews!
“Then we collect photos, write descriptions, prepare maps and much more to populate the website and prepare flyers and marketing materials. The guided walks remain at £5 per person, with under 17s free; with additional costs when transport/food is included. This year the Festival Programme went live at the beginning of March and already over 60 tickets have been sold – a great start - www.walkinginross.co.uk
“We would like to encourage people from afar to visit and see how wonderful Ross-on-Wye is – but recommend booking early to get the best accommodation; and some local providers are part of our “free walks” promotion on the website.” she added.
Walking, often overlooked as a simple activity, offers numerous health benefits that can transform your well-being. Regular walking strengthens the heart, improving circulation and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. It also helps manage weight, burns calories, and supports muscle tone. Moreover, walking boosts mental health by reducing stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression. Studies show that just 30 minutes of brisk walking daily can enhance mood and energy levels. It also improves bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis, and helps lower blood pressure. For those with diabetes, walking aids in managing blood sugar levels. Easy to incorporate into daily routines, walking is a low-impact exercise suitable for all ages and fitness levels. In a world increasingly dominated by sedentary lifestyles, the simple act of walking offers a powerful tool for improving both physical and mental health.
The organisers would like to thank everyone involved who gives their time and contributes to the festival’s success. They are always looking for more help and if would like to join the team and help in any way, contact Ross Walkers are Welcome [email protected].