Walkers are welcome in Ross-on-Wye hosted some special guests last week; some visitors from the Japan Footpaths Association.

Sam Phillips is both the National and local Chairman of Walkers are Welcome. This summer marked the 7th annual walking festival put on by the organisation. The Japanese visitors came to Ross-on-Wye as a part of their visit to the UK, to enjoy various walks around the country.

Sam explained that this visit is important for the town; he said it would be a positive step to get Ross on the Japanese tourism map. Ross is not a traditional tourist destination for Japanese visitors; London, the Cotswolds, and Stratford-upon-Avon are more popular destinations. Sam argued that Ross could become one of these frequently visited destinations, if Ross made a lasting impression on the group.

On Wednesday, August 26th, the visitors met in the Town Council Chamber, and were given some presentations from various guest speakers about walking and footpaths, the history of the area and tourism in Herefordshire. After lunch, local historian, Mary Sinclair Powell, led the group around Ross town, detailing the local history. Mary’s tour began at the Market House, where she also pointed out John Kyrle’s house, telling the group about his life. She then led them to John Kyrle’s summer house, a rare treat, as this summer house does not often open to the public.

Read the full report in this week’s Ross Gazette.