The Wye Valley
Four hundred million years ago, the rivers of north and mid-Wales drained towards the south-east leaving deposits of sandstone and limestone, later to be followed by the entire area being flooded by the rising sea level at the thawing of the Ice Age. Two million years later the early River Wye began to flow over these deposits, cuttings its way through the rocks it gradually eroded as the sea level fell, to form today's large sweeping loops. The course of the Wye developed slowly, creating a sloping sandstone valley with steep limestone outcrops and spectacular cliffs giving superb vantage points.
The
origins of the River Wye are deep within the hills of Wales at Plynlimon, a
heather-clad mountain dominating central Wales. From its birthplace, it gently
meanders some 248km (154 miles) through five British counties in both England
and Wales.
The
journey starts as a slow, trickling stream in the Welsh hillside, crossing the
border into England at Hay-on-Wye to flow through the Herefordshire plains, then
crossing the border returning to Wales at Monmouth to head southwards to re-join
its sister river, the River Severn, in the Severn Estuary at Chepstow.
Throughout its length, it winds and curves its way through undulating rural
countryside, through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Site of Special
Scientific Interest.
Some of the best areas of ancient British woodland are to be found here with dense, broadleaf woodlands providing a varied range of habitats for birds, insects, flora and fauna and wildlife alike. The trees and overhanging branches provide a tranquil and sheltered canopy over a safe haven for the many rare plants nestling in the dense, rich undergrowth.
Guides Available:
Photographic Journey
above: sample images from the Wye Valley Photographic Journey
180 full-page photographs illustrating the River Wye's journey from the Welsh hills of Plynlimon through the Welsh borderlands into western and south Herefordshire, crossing the border again near Monmouth and flowing through the beautiful lower Wye Valley to the Severn Estuary at Chepstow.
Available on computer CD or DVD.
The Wye Valley - from Source to Estuary (area guide)
Follow the route of the River Wye from its source in the hills of Plynlimon as it passes through redundant tin mines, remote hamlet, rural villages, picturesque towns and the City of Hereford on its journey south to the Severn Estuary at Chepstow.
Learn how the Wye Valley developed from flooded plains during the Ice Age, through a turbulent era of bloody battles the returning to tranquillity and becoming a popular visitor destination promoted by the Wye Tour and Wye Valley Railway.
Appreciate the natural and heritage attractions of the Wye Valley - prehistoric caves and a burial tomb, mysterious standing stones, imposing castles, Roman sites, remains of ironworks - all linked by one of the most attractive rivers in Britain.
Guide available on computer DVD.
The Wye Valley and Elan Valley
Video clips of the Wye from Plynlimon to the Severn at Chepstow, the Elan Valley reservoirs and dams in winter and the River Elan at Pont ar Elan. Approx running time: 48 mins.
Perfect gifts or holiday souvenirs!
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