Motoring journalist, Tony Yates, regularly drives around Herefordshire and has selected a couple of his favourite routes.

Being a motoring journalist in the UK means I get lots of time to myself to explore many roads around England, Scotland and Wales. Some are pretty good, and some are not so good – and some, to be honest, are pretty boring. So, this got me thinking about which are my favourite roads, where they are and why I like them so much.

Because I do seem to spend a lot of my time driving around the roads of Herefordshire, I thought I would use this area as an opportunity to tell you about the ones I like the most in and around the town of Ross-on-Wye and further afield.

I must visit Ross at least every two to three weeks, and I always stick to the same route – and stop at the same area of outstanding natural beauty, just so I can watch the seasons change between each of my visits.

As a child, my parents always took me, my brother and my sisters on camping holidays in and around The Wye Valley, The Forest of Dean and The Malvern Hills. These are areas that I feel played a big part in my childhood development and where I spent a lot of time as a child exploring the countryside.

I now return each summer with my own children to do the same things I did and its pretty special treading the same paths with my own children 35 years later.

Anyway, back to the roads. There are a couple of roads I like the most and below are what I consider to be some of the best driving roads in and around Ross-on-Wye because not only are they simple to find – they also contain some of the most stunning views you will ever come across in this fantastic part of Herefordshire.

I have tried to note it all down correctly – but I am sure, even with my not so good map reading skills – they should still be pretty easy to follow.

Ross-on-Wye to Brockweir: 19 miles: I want to talk a little bit about some of the special things on this route and why it’s one of my top three routes. Firstly – the views of the valley on either side of the B4234 as you drive along are stunning and every time I am on this road, I find something different to look at.

The church at Walford which is on this route is worth a short stop. This is a glorious old church and well worth a visit. After you pass through Walford the road flows out a little more which allows great views of the River Wye on your right – I often see boats on this stretch of the river and sometimes I pull over to watch them navigate the fast flowing waters of the Wye.

Last but not least is the town of Coleford – you are nearly at Brockweir once you reach here – but don’t miss the chance to stop off at Coleford and have a wonder around – it’s a fantastic place to visit and it reminds me of a village in Yorkshire I visit each year.

The Route: Turn left onto Copse Cross St/High St/B4234 and Continue to follow B4234 after 6.2 miles, turn left to stay on B4234 then at 7.1 miles – turn slight right onto New Rd and continue onto Hangerberry New Rd. At around 8.1 miles turn right onto A4136 and then turn slight left onto High Beech Ave/B4028. Continue to follow B4028 then at 10.8 miles turn left onto Lord’s Hill/B4228. Continue to follow B4228 and then at12.1 keep left to stay on B4228. After 17 miles turn right onto Hewelsfield Common and follow the signs to Brockweir.

When you do finally arrive at Brockweir - please visit The Brockweir and Hewelsfield Village Shop, as it’s the perfect place to grab a great cup of tea while also taking in the views on the banks of the River Wye.

Bromsash to Ledbury: 12.3 miles: This is my favourite route of all because of the views on either side of the A449 as you make your way to Ledbury and I don’t think there are that many roads that feel so well thought out as the A449.

You also get a great view of the valley either side of the A449 and can usually spot the odd Morgan with his roof down thundering along this road - whilst soaking up all the sun. I am also into bikes in a big way and I have taken this route many times on my Ducati because it just feels so right.

If you are looking for a good place to stop and grab a bit of lunch then The Royal Oak is a another fantastic pub. Once again, the food and service are brilliant. I usually have a cheese salad sandwich when I stop off here along with a glass of lemonade - and then just sit outside soaking up all the views. There is also a garage on this route called ‘Much Marcle Garage’ I love this old building – as it reminds me of a 1950s style garage where you would pull up and a bunch of guys would rush out to put air in your tyres, fill your tank and clean your windscreen. Wonderful!

The Route: From Bromsash head north-west on B4224 towards Fording Lane, after about one mile, turn right onto A449 and then stay on this road all the way to Ledbury, passing towns such as Perrystone Hill, Preston Cross and Ludstock. When you do finally get to Ledbury – a visit to Church Lane with its cobbled streets and medieval buildings are well worth a visit.

Don’t forget to visit the town of Ross-on-Wye. There are some fantastic places to eat, serving wonderful local cooked food. Please do remember to drive safely, respect the countryside and finally enjoy the views.

Do you agree with Tony or do you have another favourite place to drive, email [email protected] and let us know.