Monros one

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

July 2023. Direction: Monmouth to Ross-on-Wye.

An excellent walk through varied terrain, with some superb riverside walking for some long stretches. There was a lovely sight just after Pencraig as the path opened - a field full of Borage (Photo X). Just a couple of negatives... (1) The two sections of the B4229 road between the top end of Whitchurch and the bottom end of Goodrich, as it`s a busy road with no path. The third stretch along this road from Goodrich down to Kerne Bridge at least has a narrow causeway. (2) Where the path first approaches the A40 road just after Pencraig, the path is very overgrown - definitely machete season during July, but is only for a couple of hundred metres before it opens out again into the riverside fields.

Photo 1 - Path looking back to Kerne Bridge
Photo 2 - Goodrich Castle
Photo 3 - Fields and woods below Goodrich Castle
Photo 4 - A field full of Borage
Photo 5 - Ross-on-Wye from Wilton Bridge.

As previous reviewers have stated, this breaks down into 3 clear sections. The first part leaving Monmouth along the river is flawless and charming. The second around Goodrich makes use of a road for short way, which is not ideal and a slight diversion here is possible that would make for a safer walk and an easier side quest into Goodrich castle.

The final section returns to the charming river walking but this route is used less often than the first. sections of it are very overgrown (did this walk in June, other times of year this section may require less thoughts along the lines of "should have brought a machete") and a section through woods is very weathered with some clambering over trees needed.

A viable route. But a slight tweak makes it perfect.

A route of three different parts :
(1) Through the woods from Monmouth along the River Wye - this is definitely the most beautiful section with fantastic woods and cliffs alongside the river. Great pub stop with an amazing view along the river. Saint Dubricius is a pretty church and is well worth a stop right on the banks of the Wye. As a side quest, before you get to Biblins suspension bridge, there is a steep walk up through the woods to Little Doward which is a very pretty nature area and a good place to spot deer.
(2) Along a B-road near Goodrich Castle - take care here as cars and vans drive fairly fast along here and it is a windy road. It is lovely countryside and by the tall railway arch you can take another side quest to Goodrich castle - well worth a visit.
(3) Along the river to Ross on Wye is straightforward mostly following the river across fields. Plenty of swans and herons to see en route. There is a tricky section through the woods with quite steep muddy sides, fallen trees to climb over and under, and a very brambly / nettle section further on. Good views as you get into Ross on Wye on the bridge. Some of the stiles are a bit of a challenge.

Mostly amazing walk along the river which I did from Ross to Monmouth in late April. The sun was blazing, the route was carpeted with bluebells and wild garlic and the cider pit stop at the old ferrie in symonds yat was both welcome and deserved. Some of the path is overgrown and uneven in places and there were several trees down which required climbing over or limboing under. The only thing that let the whole trip down was the section along a busy 60mph B road out of Goodrich. But other than that, beautiful.

Share your views about this route, give it a star rating, indicate whether it should be verified or not.

Include information that will be useful to others considering to walk or wheel it.

You can add up to 15 photos.