The Wye Valley Walk is an easy grade walking holiday in Wales that follows the river valley from Chepstow to Rhayader, ultimately arriving at its source near Pumlumon in the hills above Aberystwyth.
6 to 16 nights
52 to 136 mls (km)
Welsh Borders
Easy to Moderate
Mar to Oct
£530
Idyllic Woodland Scenery on the Wye Valley Walk
The historic ruins of Tintern Abbey cut an impressive figure in the landscape
Visit the charming riverside village of Ross-on-Wye
Goodrich Castle, a huge Norman castle betweem Monmouth and Ross-on-Wye
See the 'Mapa Mundi' (a spiritual as well as geographical map of the medieval world) at Hereford Cathedral
Hay-on-Wye, 'Book Capital of the World' with a world-famous annual festival of literature
Important habitat for buzzards, peregrine falcons and red kites
The 136 mile (218km) route intersect along the lower border between Wales and England. There are few challenges present with walks in the Wye Valley, as you follow the route through the dramatic limestone gorges that define this route. Walking through a protected area, you'll find allows for a more reflective experience as the trail weaves through the rolling countryside of Herefordshire and the remote green uplands of Mid-Wales.
The route along the river is a haven for wildlife - Red Kites, Peregrines and the Heron are all native to this area. The walk takes place in a recognised 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty', protected for both its cultural importance and its status as a site of 'specific scientific interest' (natural habitat of rare and protected species).
Stunning early medieval Tintern Abbey appears along your route, and old historic towns and villages – Monmouth, Hereford (with its famous Cathedral and Mappi Mundi) and Goodrich Castle. The route also meets the areas most famous old book-town, with walks around Hay-on-Wye. These are just a few of the many interesting places you can take time to explore and unwind along the way.
Where is the Wye Valley Walk?
Skirting the border between England and Wales, The Wye Valley is an internationally protected Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Its a predominantly rural region (there is one town Ross-on-Wye), where you can find some of the more dramatic scenery the UK has to offer. Walks in the Wye Valley cover dense woodland, riverside walks and climbs up forest tracks - offering you a far reaching vantage point over the valley.
Celtic Trails is based in the Wye Valley, and is the leading organiser of walking holidays on this interesting and enjoyable walk. You stay in comfortable accommodation along the way and each day your luggage is transported forward - while we take care of all the details.
Celtic Trails map detailing the Wye Valley Walk from Chepstow to Rhyd y Benwch (Llangurig)
Path Walkthrough
The going underfoot along the Wye Valley will vary quite often, with idle stretches along the river interspersed with short, sharp sections climbing through forest tracks. That being said, the climb up does bring great rewards, with dedicated viewing platforms stationed along the valley - there really are some spectacular vantage points along your way. The best part of walking the Wye Valley will be spent bypassing mellow villages and walking out of dense woodland tracks into airy field tops, as you follow the river to its source in Rhyd y Benwch.
For such a long stretch of trail, there is surprisingly little compromise made in terms of tarmac. In fact, a lot of the route is fairly wild and rural, with very little in terms of development. Although this means that the route can be fairly unruly, it also means that a lot of the landscape stays intact, including the remnants of a more industrious past, with old victorian paper mills and railway lines left among the tributaries.
For a fantastic introduction to the “Picturesque Beauty” of the Wye Valley - we've launched a 3 and 5 day itinerary to celebrate the 250th anniversary of William Gilpin taking the Wye Tour, learn more here.
High standard accommodation ranging from Guesthouses, Farmhouses, local inns and B&Bs with en-suite or private facilities wherever available
Breakfast
Luggage transfers
Personal transfer between accommodation and path where necessary
Route planning and Walk Pack including Trail Guide, itinerary, accommodation direction, local interest leaflets and holiday planning
You choose which day you would like your holiday to start on. We will book your holiday in accordance with your requirements.
Our Wye Valley Walk holidays are available to walk March to October.
The Wye Valley can be walked quite comfortably in most seasons, depending on the section and undertaking involved. We advise walkers to avoid January to February, as the river tends to flood, making progress quite difficult underfoot.
Walkers may want to consider visiting in Autumn, where the surrounding woodland of the valley are lit up in colours of red and gold - it's an ideal place to witness one of natures most dazzling phenomenons
Rail
Railway stations are located in Chepstow and Llandrindod Wells, Caersws.
If you prefer to arrive by car, we can advise on car parking arrangements at the start of your walk
(approximately £2.00 per vehicle per day in Chepstow) and transfers back to your vehicle at the end.
Taxis
Llangurig to Llandrindod Wells - prices available upon request.
Llangurig to Caersws - prices available upon request.
Llangurig to Chepstow - prices available upon request.
Chepstow Railway Station to Chepstow accommodation - prices available upon request.
If you wish to upgrade your overnight accommodation on occasion, we will be happy to arrange this wherever availability allows - prices to be advised The Official Guide Book should be sufficient to undertake this walk, but if you would like the relevant OS maps we can supply these at a reduced cost. The maps required to cover the whole path are: OS Explorer 13, 14, 188, 189, 200, 201, 202 and 214 Looking for different mileages or a different number of nights? Please contact us to discuss how our itineraries can be adjusted to meet your specific needs. Call one of our helpful team on +44 (0)1291 689774 or e-mail us here.
Wye Valley Walk Client Reviews
4.7/5 based on 18 reviews
Celtic Trails are a wonderful company that goes out of their way to help you when needed and books the most magnificent B&Bs. S. Descamps - November 2019
Thanks for everything, Kate - I look forward to planning next years trip. I would describe Celtic Trails as friendly, efficient, supportive and gracious.
These walks restore my soul - that i why I do them G. Beare - November 2019
Walk not too difficult, lovely scenery, good accommodation. Wye Valley sign are not always clear / visible, especially in the latter stages of the walk. Duke - September 2019
Celtic Trails are better than other companies - they provide more detailed information, are efficient, organised and professional. Anon. - May 2019
Always wanted to walk the Wye Valley - loved the wooded sections. Celtic Trails were: Efficient. Organised. Professional. Anon. - May 2019
I would describe my experience with Celtic Trails as trouble free. S. Davies - April 2019
The best thing about this holiday was the good organisation and the very friendly people.
All of the accommodation was very good, too. Anon. - October 2018
We love your choice of B&Bs - top notch! We heard about you via an article in the New York Times; we hadn't walked with a company before, only on our own, but we WOULD walk with you again. Mr & Mrs Tuthill - September 2018
We would use you again. Whitlam, DElla & Terry - September 2018
We could find no fault with Celtic Trails. A & P - August 2018
We thought that section around Symonds Yat Rock was absolutely stunning - so peaceful and beautiful. Thank you. Anon. - August 2018
We most enjoyed the wonderful hill scenery - especially the start to Erwood J.H. - July 2018
We most enjoyed the beautiful countryside - each day was completely different. Harden - June 2018
We had a very good holiday and loved the Wye Valley Trail. Anon. - May 2018
We most enjoyed the scenery, the people and the hosts. Anon. - May 2018
"Thank you for your friendly professional service." Maddison - October 2016
"I like being able to focus on the walking, knowing the details are being taken care of. Thanks again for another lovely walking holiday – I recommend you to all my friends." Runde - September 2016
"[I enjoyed] the variety of the landscape, the river, the silence - all in all there is not much tarmac on this walk. I find walking a long-distance track most relaxing, especially when there is enough time and only a light backpack to carry. There is nothing much to decide. You just get up in the morning and go on. It’s a very good way to slow down." Hennike - August 2016
Leave your own review of your Wye Valley Walk Walking Holiday with us - add review.
We will check your details and come back to you within two working days with a personalised estimate based on your requirements. We will then formally request a deposit of £150 per person (£100 per person for a single centre break) and book all your arrangements - find out about our full booking process here.
Please note this does not constitute a booking confirmation, we kindly ask you to refrain from booking any travel until we have confirmed all your arrangements.
Still Have Questions?
If you are still unsure on any of your requirements, please do enquire with us first and one of our friendly team will be happy to help you with any queries you have.
Walk 
Chepstow Castle to Rhyd Y Benwch
