THE John Kyrle Walk could be in line for a refresh, thanks to the efforts of two walking enthusiasts.

Recently, Heather Hurley, one of Ross Town Council’s footpath officers and Daniel Lister of EnviroAbility, spent the morning exploring the John Kyrle Walk, a three-mile circular route that starts at John Kyrle’s house, opposite the historic Market House.

The route then makes its way past St Mary’s Church, following the very path John Kyrle himself would have walked to his summer house, before dropping down along the river to the Hope and Anchor, through the Thomas Blake Gardens and back into the Market House.

The walk is named after John Kyrle, the 17th century philanthropist, and this walk around Ross is believed to be a favourite of his and it is said that

he planted many trees along the route. The walk has had a number of postcards made about it showing some of the points of interest; these date from the early 1900s.

During their inspection, Daniel and Heather logged all the defects they found. These ranged from missing way-markers and fingerposts to overgrown vegetation blocking sections of the footpath or signage.

The footpath has significant historical value and is reportedly the earliest town walk in the county, dating back to the 18th century, with the later section of the route dating from the Victorian period.

Heather, as a member of the civic society and local author and historian, has always been involved with the walk, mapping it and sharing the history behind it.

The John Kyrle Walk deserves this makeover and greater recognition that it exists.

A report will now be submitted for consideration, with a roll out of improvements planned for late September.

A copy of the map can be downloaded from the travel and transport pages of Herefordshire Council’s website.