The Folly

High on a ridge above Ross-on-Wye stands a proper Victorian folly - all red sandstone and architectural ambition, built in the 1870s by a local chap who clearly had money and opinions about views. It's essentially a tower, circular and sturdy, the sort of structure that makes you wonder what on earth its creator was thinking. The answer: he wanted a vantage point over the Wye Valley, and frankly, he chose well.

Climbing to the top rewards you with genuine panoramic views across Herefordshire countryside - on a clear day you can pick out the Forest of Dean to one side. The walk up from Ross-on-Wye itself takes about forty minutes at an easy pace, following country paths that are pleasant enough without being spectacular. The folly itself doesn't take long to explore - maybe twenty minutes unless you're really into Victorian eccentricity - but the surrounding grounds give you time to breathe and photograph.

History enthusiasts will get the most from a visit, particularly if they're interested in the Victorian obsession with folly-building. Families with energetic teenagers won't be bored by the walk, though younger children might find the climb a bit much. It's free to visit, which is the only sensible price for something this niche.

If you're based at Doward Park Campsite just down the road, this is a straightforward half-day outing. Combine it with a proper walk along the Wye Valley Walk itself, and you've got a decent day sorted without straying far from your pitch.