ブランプトンアボッツでの周辺の簡単なハイキングとウォーキング

Fabulous and iconic Sandstone building, centrepiece of Ross on Wye.

The view of Ross on Wye on its hill as seen from the end of Wilton Bridge. Dominating the scene is the spire of the church of St Mary the Virgin, which is one of the biggest churches in Herefordshire. Using the words of Ross on Wye.com, the spire towers 205 feet into the air and dates back to the 14th Century but was rebuilt in 1721 and the pinnacles were added using funds supplied by John Kyrle. The spire was repaired in 1852 after lightening struck it and more repairs were needed in 1911. More recently, the top of the spire was rebuilt in 1952 using funds donated by the public.

In the words of the National Tranport Trust - Wilton Bridge is an exceptionally fine red sandstone bridge. In 1597 an Act was passed authorising its construction. It was completed within the next 2 years. There are five semi- circular arches each with 3 ribs and massive cutwaters on each side, carried up and splayed back from the outer angle at parapet level forming semi-hexagonal refuges. At the point where the splay dies out is a moulded string which is mitred and carried up to the angle against the spandrils of the arches and then mitred and carried across to form a label above the arches. The voussoirs of the arches are chamfered and joggled and have various masons' marks. On the upstream side the bridge has been widened but now the parapet has been replaced by a wooden handrail. The South East approach to the bridge has been rebuilt in ashlar with 2 flights of stone steps to the river bank. The sundial, formerly in one of the refuges has disappeared, and only the base of the pedestal remains. All in all it is a fine bridge, and has done well to weather the floods that happen most winters - as evidenced by the erosion of even the top stones on the arches.

Another example of a delightful little valley that descends from the nearby hills down to the river. Mainly grassland with woodland, it is quiet and peaceful.

The route gives a view across fields to Foy suspension bridge, which is a foot bridge across the Wye. It was built following repeated disputes with the ferrymen, and there are other similar bridges nearby in this area.

The little valley just north of Eaton Hill farm is a delightful example of rolling Herefordshire countryside, with sheep grazing undulating grassland that is interspersed with fine trees.

Eaton Hill is a bit of a prairie as it is currently growing winter wheat and there are no hedges, but it does make for easy walking and the path is clear. It also gives extensive views especially to the west and south.

You can see the remains of the railway bridge pillars which look as if they should be part of the old town walls or a castle. There are good information boards that give a lot of detail of the railway and life back then.