Wye Valley Walk
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.
Holiday Highlights
- Crossing through five counties as you zigzag along the River Wye on the border of England and Wales.
- Admiring the majestic Red Kites in the skies above Rhayader.
- Walking through unspoilt riverside scenery.
- Enjoying the sight of Tintern Abbey as it emerges on the route to Chepstow.
Wye Valley Walk
| Total Distance | 137 miles (219 km) |
| Start and Finish | Rhyd-y-benwch to Chepstow |
| Availability | All Year |
| Tour Code | Itinerary | Tour Price | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WVW1 | 11 nights, 10 days walking | £760 per person | More Information | Book Online | |
| WVW2 | 12 nights, 11 days walking | £830 per person | More Information | Book Online | |
| WVW3 | 13 nights, 12 days walking | £905 per person | More Information | Book Online | |
| WVW4 | 14 nights, 13 days walking | £970 per person | More Information | Book Online | |
| Our prices are based upon two people sharing a room. If you are walking on your own, or are part of a group, but require a room of your own, the following charges apply: | |||||
| Solo Walker Supplement: | £27 per person / per night | ||||
| Single Supplement: | £15 per person / per night | ||||
| You can add rest days at any of the overnight stops. For each extra night add £47 per person. All of our prices are in British pounds (£). Use our currency converter to convert British pounds (£) to your country’s currency. | |||||
| The price that you pay includes accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, door to door luggage transfers for every day of your tour, maps, guidebooks and a tour pack detailing specific information about your holiday. In the event of an illness or injury where you are unable to walk, the tour price also includes lifts to your next accommodation. | |||||
Don’t have the time for the complete walk?
We also offer the Wye Valley Walk in three sections, each of which is a spectacular walk in its own right, giving those with less time the opportunity to complete the trail in stages.
If you've only got three or four days to spare, the Wye Valley Short Break follows Offa's Dyke Path along the eastern flanks of the Wye Valley to Monmouth, a delightful market town enclosed on three sides by the rivers Wye and Monnow. From here it follows the Wye Valley Walk back to Chepstow along the western side of the valley.
Wye Valley Walk - North Section
| Total Distance | 62 miles (99 km) |
| Start and Finish | Rhyd-y-benwch to Hay-on-Wye |
| Availability | All Year |
The North Section of the Wye Valley Walk starts at the pretty Rhyd-y-Benwch and traces the course of the River Wye as far as Hay-on-Wye, on its eastern bank. The trail passes through some of the most spectacular scenery in Wales, taking in the winding valleys and wild Cambrian Mountains.
After spending your first night in Llanidloes, you will be transported to the pretty picnic site of Rhyd-y-Benwch, which rests in the heart of the Hafren Forest and marks the start of your Wye Valley Walk. Crossing through pine and spruce trees, the trail takes a challenging route up the heather clad slopes of Plynlimon, the highest point in the Cambrian Mountains and the source of the River Wye. From here, there are far reaching views over mid-Wales and on a fine day, over to the Welsh coastline, as well as the five heads of Plynlimon.
Soon, the trail arrives in the scenic village of Llangurig, before the rugged hills give way to lush farmland on the approach to Rhayader, the first town on the Wye Valley Way. The small market town of Rhayader is the perfect place from which to spot the stunning and rare Red Kite, which can be seen gliding the hills near to the Gigrin Farm Red Kite Centre.
The open moorland in the area surrounding Rhayader soon becomes more isolated and the wild rapids of Penddol Rocks appear on the approach to Builth Wells, where the remains of Edward I’s Builth Castle can be explored. The final section of the walk from Boughrood follows the banks of the Wye into Hay-on Wye, known as the ‘town of books.’ This small market town is home to more than thirty bookshops as well as two Norman castles and the famous ‘Hay Festival.’ With much to see and explore, Hay-on-Wye is the perfect finale to the North section of the Wye Valley Walk.
Holiday Highlights
- Following the River Wye from its source on Plynlimon, through the Cambrian Mountains and into Hay-on-Wye.
- Watching the fantastic Red Kites glide through the skies of mid wales.
- Exploring the second hand and antiquarian bookshops in Hay-on-Wye.
| Tour Code | Itinerary | Tour Price | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WVWN1 | 6 nights, 5 days walking | £425 per person | More Information | Book Online | |
| WVWN2 | 7 nights, 6 days walking | £495 per person | More Information | Book Online | |
| Our prices are based upon two people sharing a room. If you are walking on your own, or are part of a group, but require a room of your own, the following charges apply: | |||||
| Solo Walker Supplement: | £27 per person / per night | ||||
| Single Supplement: | £15 per person / per night | ||||
| You can add rest days at any of the overnight stops. For each extra night add £47 per person. All of our prices are in British pounds (£). Use our currency converter to convert British pounds (£) to your country’s currency. | |||||
| The price that you pay includes accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, door to door luggage transfers for every day of your tour, maps, guidebooks and a tour pack detailing specific information about your holiday. In the event of an illness or injury where you are unable to walk, the tour price also includes lifts to your next accommodation. | |||||
Wye Valley Walk - South Section
| Total Distance | 75 miles (120 km) |
| Start and Finish | Hay-on-Wye to Chepstow |
| Availability | All Year |
The southern section of the Wye Valley Walk starts in the famous ‘book town’ of Hay-on-Wye and continues along picturesque riverside scenery to the historic market town of Chepstow.
‘The town of books’ is a charming market town on the border of England and Wales. Otherwise known as Hay-on-Wye, the town is home to more than thirty second hand and antiquarian bookshops. Along with the annual Hay Festival, the town is particularly popular with fans of art and literature and will provide much to see and explore before you embark on your journey through pretty fields and woodland to the tiny hamlet of Monnington-on-Wye, where the Welsh prince, Owain Glyndwr is said to be buried.
Passing through the town of Brewardine and the historic city of Hereford, the trail continues against a backdrop of the Black Mountains and the Brecon Beacons as it makes its way to Fownhope, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, not far from the Iron Age Hill Fort at Capler Hill.
Soon, the way reaches Ross-on-Wye, where the town’s location on top of a high sandstone cliff offers wonderful views over the River Wye. From here, the walk leads to the beautiful riverside village of Symonds Yat in the Forest of Dean. Goodrich Castle is located a short distance away and from its battlements, there are superb views over the surrounding riverside woodlands.
Crossing the border into Wales, the trail visits Monmouth, a border town steeped in history, including the 13th century bridge over the River Monnow, the Norman church of St Thomas and the ruins of Monmouth Castle, the birthplace of Henry V.
The trail visits Redbrook-on-Wye and continues through rich pastures to the Cistercian abbey of TIntern, which inspired the poetry of William Wordsworth and remains one of the most romantically beautiful buildings in England and Wales.
Finally, the trail arrives in the wonderful walled town of Chepstow, where the great presence of Chepstow Castle, high on the cliffs over the River Wye, serves to welcome you from your walk along this fantastic walk along the south section of the Wye Valley Way.
Holiday Highlights
- Exploring the many book shops in the ‘book town’ of Hay-on-Wye.
- Enjoying the tranquil riverside scenery as you follow one of Britain’s longest rivers from Hay-on-Wye to Chepstow.
- Visiting a series of historic attractions, including the castles at Chepstow and Goodrich and the romantic Tintern Abbey.
| Tour Code | Itinerary | Tour Price | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WVWS1 | 7 nights, 6 days walking | £495 per person | More Information | Book Online | |
| WVWS2 | 8 nights, 7 days walking | £560 per person | More Information | Book Online | |
| WVWS3 | 10 nights, 9 days walking | £635 per person | More Information | Book Online | |
| Our prices are based upon two people sharing a room. If you are walking on your own, or are part of a group, but require a room of your own, the following charges apply: | |||||
| Solo Walker Supplement: | £27 per person / per night | ||||
| Single Supplement: | £15 per person / per night | ||||
| You can add rest days at any of the overnight stops. For each extra night add £47 per person. All of our prices are in British pounds (£). Use our currency converter to convert British pounds (£) to your country’s currency. | |||||
| The price that you pay includes accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, door to door luggage transfers for every day of your tour, maps, guidebooks and a tour pack detailing specific information about your holiday. In the event of an illness or injury where you are unable to walk, the tour price also includes lifts to your next accommodation. | |||||
Wye Valley Walk - Short Break
| Total Distance | 34.5 miles (55 km) |
| Start and Finish | Circular trail beginning at Chepstow |
| Availability | All Year |
Starting at the old border town of Chepstow, this short circular walk follows Offa's Dyke Path along the eastern flanks of the Wye Valley to Monmouth, a delightful market town enclosed on three sides by the rivers Wye and Monnow. From here it follows the Wye Valley Walk back to Chepstow along the western side of the valley.
Highlights include the spectacular viewpoints of Wintours Leap, the Devil's Pulpit, the Eagle's Nest and Kymin Hill; Chepstow's magnificent castle, the first stone-built fortress in Britain; the unique medieval fortified bridge gateway into Monmouth; the romantic ruin of Tintern Abbey; the varied birdlife along the river and ancient woodlands containing the finest selection of native British trees to be found anywhere in the wild.
Holiday Highlights
- Visiting the fascinating castles at Monmouth and Chepstow.
- Admiring the view from Wintour’s Leap and spotting Peregrine Falcons on the cliff tops.
- Enjoying beautiful riverside walking in ancient woodlands.
| Tour Code | Itinerary | Tour Price | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WVSB1 | 3 nights, 2 days walking | £235 per person | More Information | Book Online | |
| WVSB2 | 4 nights, 3 days walking | £315 per person | More Information | Book Online | |
| Our prices are based upon two people sharing a room. If you are walking on your own, or are part of a group, but require a room of your own, the following charges apply: | |||||
| Solo Walker Supplement: | £27 per person / per night | ||||
| Single Supplement: | £15 per person / per night | ||||
| You can add rest days at any of the overnight stops. For each extra night add £47 per person. All of our prices are in British pounds (£). Use our currency converter to convert British pounds (£) to your country’s currency. | |||||
| The price that you pay includes accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, door to door luggage transfers for every day of your tour, maps, guidebooks and a tour pack detailing specific information about your holiday. | |||||
