Pocket Mountains - Wye Valley

Pocket Mountains - Wye Valley

Since 1971 the Wye Valley has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), covering on average an 8km wide corridor from just south of Hereford in the north to Chepstow in the south. The lower Wye Valley, which has the AONB as its core, divides the lowlands of southern England and the uplands of South Wales, and incorporates significant parts of three counties, Herefordshire, Gloucestershire, and Monmouthshire. From the broad riverside meadows of the Herefordshire plain to the soaring limestone cliffs of the lower gorge near Chepstow, from the industrial heritage of the Forest of Dean in the east to the far-reaching views of the Trellech plateau in the west, the landscape of the lower Wye Valley can claim to be one of the most varied and picturesque places in Britain to explore on foot. The Wye Valley has long claimed to be the birthplace of British tourism.

At the end of the 18th century, tourists in search of the picturesque came to experience the dramatic river scenery on a two-day boat trip from Ross to Chepstow, in what became known as the Wye Tour. At the same time, it was also an industrial centre producing iron ore, coal, wire, paper, bark for tanning, and timber for the building of ships and cathedrals. In this connection the Forest of Dean has looked both east to the Severn and west to the Wye. The flotilla of boat tours and the spoils of the industrial age may have long since faded, but their effects and influence have not been completely effaced. One of the joys of walking in an area with such a rich past is stumbling across the remains and reminders of past inhabitants and the lives they led.

About this guide

This guide contains forty circular routes, covering an area somewhat broader than the AONB but within similar north-south boundaries. This collection of walks is split into five areas: Hereford Lowlands and the Woolhope Dome; Archenfield and the Monnow and Trothy Valleys; The Wye Gorge; The Forest of Dean; The Trellech to Chepstow Plateau. In part, the areas reflect the diverse geology and ecology of the landscape, but they are in no way essentially distinct or separate. Each has its own particular attractions and character, but there is much that is shared between all five areas.

Most of the routes are intended as comfortable walks or strolls, manageable by all willing to put one foot in front of another, at most requiring half a day to complete. Occasionally, the cumulative ascent may leave unseasoned legs a little stiffer, but in general the walking is on well-worn paths, lanes and tracks, which should require minimal time and effort for route-finding. However, the sketch maps serve an illustrative purpose and it is recommended that the relevant OS 1:25,000 map is carried – just two are needed to cover all areas (OS Explorers OL14 and 189), both of which are readily available in local shops. For those who enjoy full day walks, some routes can readily be lengthened, while others can be combined for a longer excursion. The recommended time given for each walk is an estimate based on average walking speed, with an allowance added in for ascent and the type of ground. This will vary significantly, with individual ability and preference as well as the seasonal effects on conditions underfoot – especially across fields. It is hoped that there is plenty of interest along the routes themselves and it would be very possible to spread a short walk over a half day; conversely, most routes are short enough to attempt two in a day.

Getting around and accommodation

The main towns of the lower Wye Valley are Hereford, Ross-on-Wye, Monmouth and Chepstow. All are on regular bus routes, while train stations are located at Hereford and Chepstow. An effort has been made to include walks which can be reached by using local bus services. However, many of the outlying rural areas are only intermittently served on both a weekly and seasonal basis. Further information is available from the tourist information centres in the towns listed above and from Traveline. Parking in small villages and hamlets can be a sensitive issue, but there are often areas designated for visitors. Pubs and inns are usually very accommodating, especially if the intention is to visit before or after a walk. Cycling is becoming increasingly popular in the area, and it would be feasible to combine the two activities, especially in the Forest of Dean which has an extensive network of cycle tracks. For accommodation, the area is well served by hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs, both in towns and villages and also in the surrounding countryside. In addition, there are campsites, youth hostels and even wigwams available.

Access and dogs

The Wye Valley is an area of mixed farming, with arable, dairy and sheep farming all present. At lambing time, farmers request that dogs are kept on leads. The presence of dogs for cows with calves can be problematic and it is not unheard of for cattle to behave in a very protective way. Even without a dog, cows which have recently calved should be left well alone. If in doubt, it is usually advisable and possible to find a short detour to avoid livestock. Most paths covered in the routes are well used and well maintained by various agencies, but in spring and summer hedges and undergrowth grow vigorously and nettles and brambles can infiltrate narrower paths and stile crossings.