Ross was the start of the Wye Tour. The riverside was a busy place. Pleasure boats left from the river bank near the Hope and Anchor for the trip downstream to Monmouth and Chepstow.
Lord Nelson was just one of many who took the tour from Ross. The Royal Hotel, built in 1837 and a well known local landmark high above the river, was the favoured place to stay at the start of the Wye Tour.
Ross stands high, and commands many distant views; but that from the churchyard is the most admired, and is indeed very amusing … but it is not picturesque.
At Ross we planned our voyage … and provided a covered boat, navigated by three men.
William Gilpin – Observations … 1770 / 1782
Gilpin 2020 