Ever since the 18th century, when it was 'discovered' by artists, writers and poets like Turner, Coleridge and Wordsworth, the Wye has been described as the most beautiful river in Wales . This delightful trail follows the Wye from its source on the slopes of Plynlimon in mid-Wales to Chepstow, where the waters of the river empty into the Severn Estuary. The river passes through some of the finest scenery in Wales . It begins by tumbling through the rolling hills and secluded valleys of the Cambrian Mountains , meanders through the water meadows, farmland and apple orchards of Herefordshire and then sweeps through deep gorges beneath towering limestone cliffs and ancient woodland to reach the sea.

Highlights of the trail include historic market towns like Rhayader, Builth Wells, Ross-on-Wye, Monmouth and Chepstow; Hay-on-Wye, the 'book capital' of Britain; Hereford with its magnificent cathedral, whose treasures include the Mappa Mundi and the largest chained library in the world; Gilfach, a unique Medieval Welsh Longhouse; sleepy villages with ancient parish churches; the Monnow Bridge Gate at Monmouth, the only surviving example in Britain of a fortified bridge gateway of a medieval walled town; the parishes of the Victorian diarist, the Rev Francis Kilvert; the romantic ruin of Tintern Abbey; and magnificent viewpoints including Merbach Hill, Yat Rock and the Eagle's Nest, which provides views of seven counties.

The Wye Valley is noted for its wildlife. The Wye provides superb fishing not only for wader-clad fly fishermen seeking salmon and trout but also for heron, kingfisher and otter. The ancient broad-leaved woodlands bordering the river support deer, squirrel and a wide variety of birds. Nesting peregrine falcons may be seen near Yat Rock and the rare red kite may be spotted soaring over the hills of mid-Wales.