The Wye Valley Walk
This long distance footpath follows the route of much of the River Wye from Rhayader in Powys to Chepstow in Monmouthshire along 113 miles (182km) of clearly way-marked footpaths, crossing the border from Wales into England at Hay-on-Wye then returning into Wales near Monmouth. The route is ideally suited to dedicated walkers and the casual family rambler and there are several circular loop walks off the main route - ideal for that lazy Sunday afternoon stroll. Sometimes the route deviates from the course of the River to climb steep hillsides or follow quiet country lanes and woodlands tracks, providing views across farmland, apple orchards, rural villages and quiet hamlets or the Wye Valley from a number of splendid vantage points. Much passes through the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and some sections are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest.
The Wye Valley Walk route from Chepstow to Rhayader is best followed in a northerly direction in order to avoid walking into direct sun. A special route booklet has been published dividing the route into sections of approximately 5 miles (8km) per page to provide comprehensive and clear directions along the way. Each page includes a detailed map and route-finding information as well as some information about features of interest. The book is available from bookshops, some libraries and local Tourist Information Centres. Another excellent book is "The Wye Valley Walk" by keen local walkers and historians, Heather and Jon Hurley, which gives more comprehensive and very readable information about the towns and villages, folklore and history of towns and villages on the route. An additional route has been added, linking the way-marked Wye Valley Walk with a supplementary route taking the walker up to the River's source, high up on Plynlimon.
The route can be very muddy in wet weather so stout footwear is recommended.
The route is not suitable for mountain bikes or horses.
