Hereford cathedral has Norman lower nave with dog-tooth ornaments, but it is gothic above. There are many carved figures on tombs. It was always a church (i.e. never a monastery). Then at 10 am we went in to see Mappa Mundi - a world map from 1300 drawn with black and red inks on cowhide. The red ink looked really new. Next door is the chained library - books were linked together with chains to prevent people stealing them. Books were hard to get in those days.

This was a good sunny day and we were able to stop for a picnic above the Wye close to the village of Brockhampton; we noted that a walk passes that spot. We looked round the “Arts and Crafts” style church in Brockhampton designed by William Morris workshops and containing a tapestry by Edward Burne Jones.

Ross-on-Wye is sited at the top of a cliff above the river Wye - you climb a steep hill into the centre of the town where there’s a little square with old market hall (now the Heritage Centre), you go round a bend, past the lane to the church and arrive at the top of Wye Street which runs down to the river. We sat down outside a pub called Man of Ross (it’s named after James Kyrle a 17th century benefactor to the town, mainly known for planting trees and laying out the ‘Prospect)’ for a coffee, then went down the slope to the B and B at White House. Our landlady, Judy was very friendly and the rooms have good views of the River Wye.

We visited the 400 year old Heritage Centre which has an excellent view of the Wye Valley from its upstairs window, then walked through the churchyard and an area called the ‘Prospect’, past some new excavations (Roman remains, we gather), then on to the ‘The Royal’ for a drink - it is situated at the top of a cliff with view over the river Wye. In the end we stayed for a paella as well.

As it began to get dark, we went down the slope to the riverside for a walk - although we are generally very interested by outdoor public art, we were less than impressed by the very silly metal swan sculptures.