Walk 
3 to 16 nights
14 to 136 mls (km)
Welsh Borders
Easy to Moderate 
Mar to Oct
£390
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 town of Ross-on-Wye
- Goodrich Castle, a huge Norman castle between Monmouth and Ross-on-Wye
- See the 'Mappa 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 peregrine falcons, red kites and riverside species
Walking The Wye Valley
The 136-mile (218 km) route follows the lower border between Wales and England. This well-trodden path begins in the remote green uplands of Mid-Wales, weaves through the rolling countryside of Herefordshire, and leads to the dramatic limestone gorges that define the lower Wye Valley.
Don’t forget your binoculars—this path is a wildlife lover’s paradise! Keep an eye out for the distinctive fork-tailed red kites, peregrine falcons, cobalt-blue kingfishers, and an array of river life, including otters and the elusive water vole. As you approach Chepstow, you might even catch a glimpse of Sammy, the resident seal.
The Wye Valley National Landscape is a recognised Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offering a fascinating blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue. Shaped by centuries of borderland conflicts and once renowned for its industrial innovation in the 1600s, this landscape has been reclaimed by nature, creating a truly one-of-a-kind walking experience. Walk among forts and castle ruins, pass towering red sandstone cliffs carved by the Wye, and admire the area's geological wonders.
Along your journey, you’ll discover iconic landmarks and historic sites that make this walk truly special. Marvel at Tintern Abbey’s stunning seven-lancet window and impressive arches, explore Britain’s only remaining fortified river bridge with its gate tower in Monmouth, and visit the world-famous Mappa Mundi exhibition in Hereford. Stop at Goodrich Castle, with its commanding views over the Wye Valley, and wander through the charming book town of Hay-on-Wye. These captivating places offer perfect opportunities to pause, explore, and unwind along the way.
Why We Love the Wye Valley Walk
It’s no coincidence that we choose the Wye Valley to base our business. Nestled in the historic village of Tintern, Celtic Trails is inspired daily by the beauty of Tintern Abbey overlooking our office and the surrounding Wye Valley National Landscape. This protected area, straddling the England-Wales border, offers scenic walks through lush woodlands and along riverside paths, providing stunning views from the river source through to the sea.
As the leading organiser of Wye Valley walking holidays, Celtic Trails arranges comfortable, welcoming accommodations and daily luggage transfers, allowing you to fully relax while we handle all the details. You'll enjoy a seamless walking experience, with each day's walk enriched by beautiful landscapes, historic sites, and peaceful riverside paths.
Path Walkthrough
The terrain along the Wye Valley varies quite frequently, with leisurely riverside stretches interspersed with short, sharp climbs through forest tracks. The uphill sections are well worth the effort, offering superb views from dedicated platforms along the valley—some truly spectacular vantage points await you.
One of the best parts of walking the Wye Valley is passing through tranquil villages and emerging from dense woodland onto open hilltops, following the river towards its source in Rhyd y Benwch.
Despite its length, the trail involves surprisingly little tarmac. Much of the route remains beautifully wild and rural, with minimal development. This means that while some sections can feel a bit rugged, the landscape retains its natural character, including reminders of a more industrious past—Victorian paper mills and old railway lines still trace the river’s 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.
Our Wye Valley Walk Itineraries
Rhyd-y-Benwch to Chepstow Castle
Distance: 136 miles (218.5km)
Rhyd-y-Benwch to Hay-on-Wye
Distance: 62 miles (99.5km)
Hay-on-Wye to Chepstow Castle
Distance: 76 miles (122km)
Hereford to Chepstow Castle
Distance: 52 miles (83.5km)
A Taste Of The Wye Valley
Distance: 14 miles (22.5km)
- Good standard accommodation at a mixture of guesthouses, farmhouses, local inns and B&Bs with en-suite or private facilities wherever possible
- Breakfast
- Luggage transfers
- Personal transfer between accommodation and path that form a part of our standard package
- Route planning
- Walk pack including Trail Guide and mapping, itinerary, accommodation directions and route notes, lunch and dinner information, restaurant recommendations and holiday planning details
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.
Walkers may want to consider visiting in Autumn, when the surrounding valley woodlands are lit up in colours of red and gold - it's an ideal place to witness one of nature's most dazzling phenomena.
Rail
Railway stations are located in Chepstow and Llandrindod Wells, Caersws.
Bus
Bus stations are located in Chepstow and Llangurig, Llanidloes.
Car
If you prefer to arrive by car, we can advise on car parking arrangements at the start of your walk 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.
Wye Valley Walk Client Reviews
4.7/5 based on 59 reviews
Very efficient and accommodating of our requirements
Michelle C, London - September 2024
Well organised and the walk went smoothly; a couple of small glitches were sorted out promptly and easily
Mark - September 2024
Friendly and helpful. Good administration and organisation
Linda (Coventry) - September 2024
An efficient organisation which provided a good package
Anon - September 2024
This experience far exceeded our expectations. Celtic Trails was really wonderful to work with from the planning to the completion of our trip.
Anon - September 2024
This experience far exceeded our expectations. Celtic Trails was really wonderful to work with from the planning to the completion of our trip.
Anon - September 2024
Celtic Trails included the Wye Valley Walk where other companies I had previously used, did not. They took care of all arrangements which makes the whole trip pretty simple.
Sue Foster - August 2024
Celtic trails saw to every detail and was very responsive to all of ours needs and questions. We loved working with Celtic Trails and are happy to recommend you to anyone and everyone.
Barbara and Brian , Boston, MA USA - August 2024
The email and phone service by all staff members was excellent! Always helpful, polite, prompt and lovely to deal with.
Anon - July 2024
Celtic Trails are straightforward to deal with and answered queries promptly and we stayed at a good choice of accommodation. Taxi drivers were all great, they phoned in advance to check the timings and were invariably pleasant and helpful. We were rejuvenated by the exercise and fresh air.
Carol Robinson - July 2024
I would recommend Celtic Trails to my friends. The walk has had a great improvement on my health.
Jack H. - May 2024
Celtic Trails were really friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. I feel great having completed the walk.
Pam, London - April 2024
A wonderful weekend together with Celtic Trails.
Chris Read - October 2023
Excellent tour company! Well organized, responsive, friendly, detail oriented.
C. Davis, USA - September 2023
It was very enjoyable and we were very impressed with the hotel. All the information provided was excellent and easy to follow. On the phone Celtic Trails were very friendly and helpful.
Anon - September 2023
Celtic Trails made it easy by saving me lots of time on planning the trip. They know the area and service providers well. The B&Bs and taxi companies all have good relationships with Celtic. It was well worth the money.
Alan Bryant - September 2023
Celtic Trails efficiently organised the trip exactly as I wanted.
Tricia Golinski - September 2023
Great service and helpful staff. Everything?s went very smoothly.
Anon - September 2023
With Celtic Trails, you don?t have to worry about any of the details and can just enjoy the experience of the walk. Someone else has you covered when it comes to the finer details, which is definitely a load off!
Britt Siess - July 2023
We found a section of the Wye Valley trail very difficult to plan accommodation without the help of Celtic Trails.
Anon - July 2023
We would definitely do a long distance walking holiday again. Celtic walks were well organised, helpful and everything ran smoothly.
Anon - July 2023
We always get a very good service with Celtic Trails. Good documentation. Superb and reassuring level of service this time when one of the party had a knee injury. Great support from Sarah in the office
Caroline butler - June 2023
Celtic Trails were excellent to deal with, most helpful with advice and there for backup if you got into any trouble. We enjoyed the beautiful scenery and loved the various villages we came across and stayed in. We were surprised at the few people who were walking the Wye Valley Walk. In 15 days of walking we saw a handful only.
Allan Wills - May 2023
Our experience with Celtic Trails was excellent. Much better than other companies. Well organised. "On top of everything." All you have to do is walk and enjoy. I would recommend them. I would like to do several of your walks in Wales and England, as well as the walk in Aragon, Spain.
David Huebert - March 2023
Celtic Trails allowed us to have a stress free walking holiday. A really beautiful area - was surprised how few people we saw.
Anon - September 2022
Celtic Trails were very responsive, helpful and thorough. Great maps and notes. Kate was especially helpful. After being badly let down by another company (with whom we did the southern half of the walk in Sept 19(, we could not have been more delight
Paul Deany - September 2022
Celtic Trails were well organised, covered all the details, were accommodating, flexible and friendly. They were so helpful. We appreciated the delivery of trekking poles to our first inn, and Kate's taxi arrangements when I wanted a shorter day.
Melody, Oil City PA USA - September 2022
I would certainly not hesitate to recommend Celtic Trails to anyone - excellent organisation, very responsive, excellent descriptions of the walks, with lots of options.
Anon - September 2022
Our experience with Celtic Trails was excellent. Would recommend.
Mrs Wallace - September 2022
Our experience with Celtic Trails was professional, reliable and enjoyable. The Wye Valley was a beautiful part of the country - the trail was quieter that we expected. The opportunity to visit Chepstow and Goodrich castles, Tintern Abbey and Hereford Cathedral was a real bonus.
Anon - July 2022
Lovely walking with good B&Bs, good baggage carriers and good book and map guidance. Thank you for a great holiday. Considering Ireland next.
Annie Barrell - July 2022
Celtic Trails were excellent. Always there to help with transport or lodging issues. Reliable and detailed planning insured a good walking trip.
Steve and Meg, Boston, USA - June 2022
Celtic Trails were very organised. It is always positive to walk - rain or shine.
Ms Helen Lloyd - June 2022
With Celtic Trails you get well-planned walks, trouble-free transfers and helpful staff. The Wye Valley walk foes through beautiful and quiet scenery and deserves to be better known.
Chris, Swansea - May 2022
Celtic Trails were friendly, accessible and local to the Wye Valley area. Most enjoyed the bluebells and birdsong and people along the way.
M. Prentice - April 2022
Efficient service, prompt responses, excellent information. The beauty of this walked lifted our spirits. We have experiences trekkers, both here and overseas, and this was as lovely as any.
Liz Atkins - April 2022
This was a great route. Celtic Trails offer great peace of mind in terms of the logistics, especially given Covid uncertainties. We were delighted to see different landscapes after 2 years of staying at home.
J. Cunningham - March 2022
We have always walked with Celtic Trails. All very enjoyable and more than exceeded expectations, thank you. It was good to have such an enjoyable week after lockdown.
Chris, Swansea - September 2021
We have always walked with Celtic Trails. All very enjoyable and more than exceeded expectations, thank you. It was good to have such an enjoyable week after lockdown.
Chris, Swansea - September 2021
Tintern Short Break - Celtic Trails are friendly, helpful, efficient. We liked the idea of being able to park our car and stay at one accommodation to get used to being out and about again. We have booked the Coleridge Way and would like to complete the Wye Valley Walk next.
Angela D - June 2021
Celtic Trails were helpful and efficient.
Anon - June 2021
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
Always wanted to walk the Wye Valley - loved the wooded sections. Celtic Trails were: Efficient. Organised. Professional.
Anon. - May 2019
Celtic Trails are better than other companies - they provide more detailed information, are efficient, organised and 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
