Wye Valley 15-Day Self-Guided Walking Holiday

Follow the River Wye from sea to source during this fascinating 136-mile journey from Chepstow to Pumlumon. The route is ideal for nature lovers, who'll encounter kingfishers and otters at river level, and red kites overhead. You'll also encounter much of Wales' cultural heritage, from the Palaeolithic to the Industrial Age. The landscapes of the Wye Valley Walk are both stunning and varied, so you needn't worry about getting bored with the scenery!

Tour Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Chepstow.

Day 2: Chepstow to Tintern - 5 ½ miles (9 km)
A short introductory day, beginning with a walk around 11th century Chepstow Castle, will help you limber up for the journey ahead. You'll encounter lovely mixed woodland on the route to Tintern, site of the famous abbey.

Day 3: Tintern to Monmouth - 11 miles (18 km)
Leaving Tintern's monastic ruins behind, the path winds up into the wooded valley sides, offering fantastic views of the river. You'll stay overnight in the town of Monmouth, originally founded by the Romans.

Day 4: Monmouth to Symonds Yat - 6 miles (10 km)
Delve into the heart of the specially protected Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Spectacular craggy limestone cliffs and dense woodland as you approach Symonds Yat.

Day 5: Symonds Yat to Ross- on- Wye – 12 miles (19 km)
Experience great views of Goodrich Castle today and probably some company along the river – this is a stretch favoured by canoeists. Finish in historic Ross- on- Wye, a thriving market town situated on a bend above the river and the only town within the boundaries of the AONB

Day 6: Ross -on -Wye to Fownhope - 11 miles (18 km)
A more open, agricultural landscape on Day 6 as the valley broadens out to offer easy walking and a chance to spot the elusive otter!

Day 7: Fownhope to Hereford - 6 miles (10 km)
A short day to the market town of Hereford, astride the river and founded by the Saxons around 700 AD. Use the afternoon to explore the town - don't miss Hereford Cathedral, home to the Mappa Mundi, the largest surviving medieval world map.

Day 8: Hereford to Bredwardine - 14 ½ miles (23 km)
The character of the landscape changes as the path heads east through the apple orchards of Herefordshire. Expect easy walking, with views of the Black Mountains to the South.

Day 9: Bredwardine to Hay- on -Wye - 8 ½ miles (14 km)
An easy day along a salmon-rich stretch of the river brings you to the famous book town of Hay on Wye.

Day 10: Rest day in Hay-on-Wye
Use today to rest your weary feet! Book-browsing, cosy pub meals, shopping or a visit to the Llanthony Priory are on offer.

Day 11: Hay-on-Wye to Erwood – 14 miles (22 km)
Time to put your boots back on - a woodland route for most of the day as you follow the valley northwards into Mid Wales.

Day 12: Erwood to Builth Wells – 7 miles (11 km)
A shorter day and some fantastic views as you head for Builth Wells, a Victorian Spa Town and home to one of the most popular agricultural shows in Britain.

Day 13: Builth Wells to Newbridge-on-Wye - 7 miles (11 km)
By now you'll be easily outnumbered by sheep. This is hill-farming country, and away from the towns there is only a thin scattering of habitation on the landscape.

Day 14: Newbridge- on- Wye to Rhayader- 9 ½ miles (15 km)
The route crosses the confluence with the River Elan, today, before following a rockier, faster-flowing Wye to the small town of Rhayader.

Day 15: Rhayader to Llangurig - 12 miles (19 km)
More uninterrupted natural beauty on this section of the walk and an excellent chance to see red kites, the once-endangered bird of prey that now flourishes in the open spaces of Wales. Sightings are guaranteed at Gigrin Farm, a red kite feeding centre just south of Rhayader.

Day 16: Llangurig to Rhyd-y-Benwch - 12 miles (19 km)
The final day is one of the more challenging on the walk, as you climb the slopes of Pumlumon, the birthplace of the River Wye. On a clear day there are fabulous views – as far as Cardigan Bay off the west coast of Wales. Then it’s down to finish in the Hafren Forest.