We are looking to do a last minute short break to the Welsh borders. Is Monmouth or Ross-on-Wye a better bet as a base for a young family?
Not directly answering the question, but we did a day canoeing down to Monmouth recently. Hired canoes from https://www.monmouthcanoe.co.uk/ who dropped us at Kerne Bridge. A glorious day paddling back down to Monmouth. Massively recommended (assuming kids are old enough for it. 6 plus, I reckon).
Monmouth was busy, everyone in a very good mood that things were opening up. Haven't been to Ross in years, I'm afraid.
Bookmarked - thank you.
Monmouth is the better centre. You don't (yet) need a mask to go shopping!
Second the canoe trip from Kerne bridge. Lovely.
Either is good, but agree with the above, Monmouth slightly better centre.
FoD just up the road for some family cycling, not sure if the butterfly centre at symonds yat west is open, but it's worth getting to symonds yat east for food at the Saracens head. There a lovely walk (not too far, but quite a climb) up from the car park at the end of the saracens' road up to yat rock. During the day, you might get to see peregrine falcons from the top, and the views from the rock are fabulous.
Both are good, but from Monmouth it’s easier to nip over to Abergavenny and the Black Mountains as well as being 10 minutes from the FofD.
Monmouth, definitely.
As above, FoD, Abergavenny, black mountains all easy reach, plus Wye canoeing, Yat Rock.
Yat will be packed during holiday time, if that's important.
food at the Saracens head
Heaving last Friday.
Monmouth is the better centre. You don’t (yet) need a mask to go shopping!
About a 50/50 split last weekend. (Waitrose, obviously, daaaahling! 😀)
As we have an airbnb in Monmouth, I vote Monmouth, but we're booked solid until end of Sept. Good luck finding anyehere to stay unless you're camping.
Saracens is always heaving in any sort of holiday / nice-weather-weekend.
Sticking at the Yat, Ye Olde Ferrie Inn just up river on t'other side is generally quieter for a spot of lunch. The Old Court does decent food but you can't see river. Wye Not is a bit more locals, less of a food joint.
Goodrich pubs are nice, Inn on the Wye and Cross Keys.
Goodrich is posh Forest.
Aaagh! No one allowed on the river due to the amount of rain over the last few days..the Kerne bridge trip looks like it would have been fab too. Still, we took the advice from an old post about beginner mountains and went up Pen y Fan instead. It was perfect for my kids and so thanks all, great recommendation.