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NOTES
www.walkscene.co.uk
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Wye Valley Walk |
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Notes and points of interestBredwardine Look out for a fine arched bridge, the Red Lion pub, and the church (one of the past vicars was Kilvert, the writer) at this riverside village. The area is good for fishing (take a look at the preserved specimen salon in the Red Lion). Bulmers Cider The walk passes through and beside several of Bulmers' cider orchards and they cover considerable acreage. Look out for lots of mistletoe on some of the orchard trees. Caplor Camp Hill Fort (Capler Camp) Note that the different spellings are not our mistake. Both versions appear on the map and signs and reflect changes over the years. The 'camp' is the site of an Iron Age Hill Fort. Chepstow The Castle car park in Chepstow marks the official end (or start) of the Wye Valley Walk, but don't rush past and miss this impressive monument. The Castle is large and well-preserved and stands on a prominent cliff overlooking the River Wye. Chepstow also has an attractive riverside walk (opposite high cliffs) and and unusual bridge. The town itself is bustling and attractive and includes a number of other distinctive buildings, including a stone gateway higher up the hill. Common Hill (near Fownhope) is designated as a site of special scientific interest (SSI) and justly so. This hillside area of semi-wild grassland boasts in heartening display of tradtional wildflowers. The cowslips are particularly impressive in season. Eagles Nest Protected by stone walls and provided with a stone seat, this impressive viewpoint lies just a few yards off the Wye Valley Walk path. Stop and enjoy the view, which takes in the Rivers Wye and Severn and both Severn Bridges. Foy Bridge is a stylish footbridge close to Hole-in-the-Wall. Goodrich is not on the Wye Valley Walk route but is recommended as an overnight stop. The village has an ancient, though somehat damaged, castle on the hill above the River Wye (Kerne Bridge). Hay-on-Wye This small town is famous for its book stalls and shops and, in the middle of town, you can't escape them! Books are sold from all manner of permanent and temporary units (they ar even stacked up on outdoor windowsills). But, even without its books, Hay is an attractive and ancient market town. Hereford The "ford" element of the name gives away that the river crossing was the original impetus to creating this settlement (actuall meaning "ford of the army"; but it has had a long history since then. The cathedral is its most noticeable feature today and it is worth a visit to see its impressive architecture and the famous "Mappa Mundi" (part of a chained library). Nearby Wye Bridge gives a good view of the cathedral and is an ancient structure itself. The park beside the bridge (opposite the cathedral) leads to an iron suspension bridge (Victoria Bridge) from where you can cross back over the river to a mound that marks the site of the former Castle. On your way out of Hereford (in the Ross-on-Wye direction) you pass a house called "Plas Gwyn", which was the home of Elgar, the composer. Lea & Paget Woods Designated as sites of special scientific interest (SSI) it is not easy to tell where Lea Wood ends and Paget Wood begins. But, whatever the name, you should be impressed by the unspoiled nature of these deciduous woodlands. They have a lot of wildflowers (especially in Spring) and many woodland animals (though you are unlikely to see any whilst walking during daylight). Locksters Pool The Wye is a good salmon river and Locksters Pool has a reputation as a good spot for catching these fine fish. Merbach Hill At 1043 feet (318 metres) this hill provides and impressive vantage point to view the Wye Valley and surrounding areas. A stiff climb through woodland eventually brings you out to an open path with Wye views. The summit is only a few yards off the Wye Valley Walk route and is worth the diversion. Sit down awhile and enjoy the view. Monmouth The town's name derives from the River Monnow, which feeds into the River Wye at this point. This border town has a long and distinguished history and historice links with royalty. Henry V was born at the castle (which was destroyed during the Civil War). Admiral Nelson also had links with the town and is remembered at the Nelson Museum in Priory Street. Monnington Close to the large Bulmers orchard you will find Monnington church (St Mary's) at which is is said that the welsh leader, Owain Glyndwr, was buried. Notice Court Farm (just before the church) and its striking selection of statues at the end of the long straight track known as Monnington Walk. Mordiford This tiny village has a bridge crossing the River Lugg, which you will certainly want to photograph. Bt any standards, it is a pretty view. Ross-on-Wye The classic view of this popular tourist town is of the town on its hillside leading down to the river and dominated by its parish church. Ross makes the most of its riverside location and provides extensive and well-kept lawns alongside the Wye. Boat trips are run from beside the Hope & Anchor pub. Wilton Bridge is a picturesque traditional arched bridge, leading to the Wilton district (where many of the B&B establishments are located). Symonds Yat This popular tourist spot makes the most of its riverside location and traditional ferry-crossing point. The ferry is a hand-over-hand human-propelled vessel which many people cross just for the experience - then ride straight back! Kingfisher Cruises (telephone 07831 297672 run river cruises from a jetty close to the Saracens Head pub. Nearby Yat Rock is an overhanding headland that pays host to nesting pairs of Peregrin Falcons. The Moor This tower, which overlooks Summerhill Golf Course is the remnant of a once impressive house and garden. Only the walled garden and this tower now remain. Tintern The Old Station and the Abbey are both worth a visit (although the Abbey is beyond where the Wye Valley Walk turns away from the river - but the diversion is recommended). Tintern Old Station is what the name implies, but it now hosts a small museum and an interesting group of wooden sculptures. The tidal reaches of the River Wye end just above Tintern.
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