The Wye Valley is literally on your doorstep whilst staying here at The Cottage of Content and is one of our nation’s most treasured landscapes, stretching between Hereford and Chepstow, and designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty [AONB].

Known for its spectacular scenery, this borderland territory between England and Wales is steeped in history, provides a haven for wildlife and hosts a wealth of archaeological gems and impressive geological features.

Quite simply a walker’s paradise, hundreds of miles of footpaths lead through this area. Ramble its riverside, linger in its leafy glades, awe at its views, delve its hidden industrial past and you’ll soon be captured by its rich and varied tapestry.



A disputed boundary for more than two thousand years, castles and fortifications, like those at Chepstow, Goodrich and St Briavels, are a prominent part of the landscape. Together with the majestic ruins of Tintern Abbey, intriguing local churches and historic market towns, they guarantee a wealth of attractions.

If you prefer more rugged pursuits, take your choice from canoeing, rowing, bike-riding, horse-riding, rock-climbing, abseiling and caving. The area is also renowned for its fishing. Ask for details at one of these local Tourist Information Centres [TIC].

While you are here, experience the Wye to the full by getting the taste for fresh, local, seasonal produce. And instead of visiting by car, why not use the local bus services? By respecting this special environment and by supporting the local rural economy, you can help us ensure that it remains a treasured landscape for future generations.

WALKING & WANDERING

This wonderful stretch of countryside offers the dedicated walker and the afternoon stroller a wealth of interest and variety – from spectacular viewpoints overlooking the river, to trails through woodland carpeted with bluebells in Spring, ablaze with ochre hues in Autumn. Two long-distance walking routes cut through the heart of this area.

WHY VALLEY WALK

Way-marked by the distinctive “leaping salmon” logo, this 136-mile route starts at Chepstow Castle and continues to the source of the Wye in mid-Wales. The official Wye Valley Walk Guide comes with a free guide to accommodation and services along the route. It is available locally and from TICs or by contacting the Wye Valley AONB unit on 01600 710846.

OFFAS DYKE NATIONAL TRAIL
Step back into the past by following the Offa's Dyke path, which runs for 177 miles through the Welsh border country. For some of its length it traces the late eighth century Offa's Dyke earthwork, Britain’s longest archaeological monument. The walk starts from Sedbury Cliffs near Chepstow and it waymarked by yellow arrows and the “acorn” logo. More information and walkers’ guides can be obtained from the Offa's Dyke Centre in Kington, Powys, tel: 01547 528753.

OTHER SUGGESTIONS
For walks from and to bus stops, pick up our booklet “Discover the Wye Valley on Foot and By Bus”. For walks, starting and ending at inns and restaurants serving local food, ask for our “Savour the Wye” leaflets. Both are available from local TICs where staff can help with routes for other walks through the AONB.

CLOSE TO NATURE
The area abounds with wildlife, much of it protected by three Special Areas of Conservation and 45 Sites of Special Scientific Interest. There are also numerous Nature Reserves managed by the local Wildlife Trusts and the Woodland Trust. Not all sites are accessible. Here are some favourites that are. Ask at the nearest TIC for more details.



HAUGH WOOD
This large wooded area in north of the AONB is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, nationally important for butterflies and moths. Two butterfly trails lead from the Forestry Commission picnic site, making it a good place to visit from April to July.

COPPET HILL
Near Goodrich, this area, largely common land, is actively managed by the Coppett Hill Common Trust. It can be accessed from Goodrich Castle car park. Walking leaflets are available locally.

YAT ROCK
Peregrine Falcons breed on the cliffs here in May. The birds and their young can be watched from the Yat Rock viewpoint. There are also wonderful views of the river from this outlook, near the Forestry Commission car part and picnic site. Nearby walks include a steep path down to Symonds Yat East.

HIGHBURY WOOD
This area of ancient woodland, just off the A466 near Redbrook in the Forest of Dean is a National Nature Reserve. You can park in the village and walk along the Offa’s Dyke National Trail to the reserve. Public access is limited to marked rights of way and a way-marked circular route that leads through the reserve. Visit in Spring to see primroses and early purple orchids.

CADORA WOODS
These woods incorporate Bigsweir Woods, accessible from a car part and picnic site not far from Bigsweir Bridge. Take the road leading from the bridge towards St Briavels and the site is 300 metres on the left. A number of public paths cut through these semi-natural ancient woodlands, designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO – Get a Taste of the Country
Plan a leisurely picnic in an idyllic spot. Choose from any of the picnic sites identified on the map. Here are some suggestions, from north to south:

BROADMOOR COMMON
On a minor road between Mordiford and Woolhope, this site is in a local nature reserve.

BRINKLEY HILL
Combine a visit to Brockhampton Church, a mile away, with a picnic here. Then stroll along the Wye Valley Walk, accessible from the car part, to Capler Camp and viewpoint.

BACKNEY BRIDGE
A tranquil site, near the ruined Backney Railway Bridge.

KERNE BRIDGE
Near the route of the Wye ValleyWalk, this site includes a large car park, picnic benches and a canoe launch.

WHITESTONES
At this woodland site near Llandogo there are several way-marked walks, picnic, barbeque and play areas. Ser Viewpoint list.

THE OLD STATION, TINTERN
On the A466 to the north of Tintern, this former Victorian Railway Station now operates as a visitor centre and has a programme of events and exhibitions. Discover its circle of life-sized wooden sculptures. Tea room on site.

DISCOVER THE AREA’S CULTURE AND HISTORY

CHEPSTOW
Chepstow Castle, an imposing Norman ruin, dominates the border town. For opening hours and details of events phone [01291] 624065.

Chepstow Museum displays the history of the once important port. Take in the town’s winding back streets, old town walls and the 15th century gatehouse.

There are regular race fixtures at nearby Chepstow Racecourse including Family Days and themed race events. Contact: 01291 622260.

COLEFORD
A market town surrounded by industrial history. Visit nearby Puzzlewood to explore ancient iron surface mines, which pre-date the Roman period. Go underground to visit the ancient iron mines at Clearwell, still worked to this day to produce ochre for artists.

GOODRICH CASTLE
One of the most complete medieval castles in Britain, built to guard a ford across the River Wye. Tel: 01600 890538.

HEREFORD
An old walled city, dating from Saxon times. Visit Hereford Cathedral [01432] 374202 to see some fine examples of architecture from Norman times to the present day and to view the Mappa Mundi and Chained Library.

MONMOUTH
One of the town’s gems is the unique medieval gatehouse on the 13th-century Monnow Bridge.

Visit The Castle and Regimental Museum [01600] 772175. The castle, now ruined, was the birthplace of King Henry V, victor of Agincourt.
The Nelson Museum [01600] 710630 houses personal and commemorative objects associated the famous admiral.
Monmouth’s Blake Theatre [01600] 719401 has a varied arts programme.

ROSS-ON-WYE
The only town within the boundaries of the AONB, Ross is built on a cliff overlooking a large loop in the river. Visit St Mary’s Church, the nearby Prospect Gardens, and the Market House Heritage Centre.
Visit the town’s antique shops or meander along the riverside. Follow the John Kyrle Walk and find out more about the life and good works of “The Man of Ross”. Cross Wilton Bridge to glimpse privately-owned Wilton Castle.

TITERN ABBEY
Now a picturesque ruin, Tintern Abbey [01291] 689251 was founded by Cistercian monks in 1131, and largely rebuilt in the late 13th century. It is the best-preserved medieval abbey in Wales, and an outstanding example of Gothic architecture. Tintern village is also worth a visit for its craft, art and antique shops, and even to delve into its past as one of the earliest major industrial sites in South Wales.

VISITING WITH CHILDREN?
Look out for re-enactments and events at Goodrich Castle and Chepstow Castle, and don’t miss a trip on the Symonds Yat hand ferry [from outside the Saracens Head in Symonds Yat East]. You can also take a river cruise from the same point. Visit the Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo in Symonds Yat West or get thoroughly perplexed in the adjacent Amazing Hedge Puzzle [01600 890360].

From Easter to October at The Old Station, Tintern there’s a series of organised events for adults and children, including craft events and nature hunts. For details phone: 01291 689566.



GARDENS AND GROUNDS

HOLME LACY ESTATE
The woodlands and medieval deer park are managed for their wildlife interest. Paths for walkers, riders and cyclists have opened up this area to visitors. Nearby is Shipley Gardens, with its nursery and tea-rooms.

HOW CAPLE COURT GARDENS
These Edwardian gardens include a medieval church with beautiful stained glass windows. Seasonal opening hours – ring for details. There’s a tea room on site. Tel: 01989 740626.

BROOME FARM, PETERSTOW
Traditional farmhouse cider has been produced here since the early 1980’s. Stroll the footpaths around the orchards and then treat yourself to a cream tea, made using local produce. Tel: 01989 562824.

VIEWPOINTS

There are wonderful viewpoints round every turn in the Valley made popular by 18th Century visitors on the “Wye Tour”. The best-known is Yat Rock, but here, listed from north to south, are some other best-loved spots.

CAPLER CAMP AND CAPLER VIEWPOINT
Capler Camp, near Fownhope, is an iron-age hill fort offering distant views towards Ross-on-Wye. There is also a viewpoint overlooking the river from the car part at the foot of the camp.

THE KYMIN, MONMOUTH
A two-story circular Georgian banqueting house and naval temple. The Kymin is set is wooded hilltop grounds, which afford spectacular views over the surrounding countryside. One mile east of Monmouth, this National Trust site is reached by car or by footpath from the town.

WHITESTONES
This was where Wordsworth wrote his “Few Lines above Tintern Abbey”. Viewpoints over Llandogo and the River Wye can be reached from the Whitestones Forestry Commission car part, new Llandogo. There are also several waymarked woodland walks and a picnic, barbeque and play area here.

DEVIL’S PULPIT
Giving spectacular views over Tintern Abbey and the River Wye, Devil’s Pulpit is sign-posted from the Forest Enterprise car part on the B4228, near Tidenham Chase.

LOWER WYNDCLIFF AND EAGLE’S NEST
There’s a good outlook from Lower Wyndcliff car park, alongside the A466 between St Arvans and Tintern, and breathtaking views from Eagle’s Nest at the top of a steep, wooded limestone cliff – see seven counties on a clear day. You can get to Eagle’s Nest by footpath from the car park. Descend by the “365” steps cut in the rock in 1828 as a tourist attraction.

THE ALCOVE AND LOVER’S LEAP
From the car park at Chepstow Leisure Centre, pick up the Wye Valley Walk as it follows a trail along the Wye river cliff, laid out by the owner of Piercefield Park, Valentine Morris, in the 18th Century. Among the attractions for “Wye tourists” were the Alcove viewpoint, a Grotto, a Giant’s cave and the Lover’s Leap viewpoint. The trail ended at Eagle’s Nest.