Walk Details
The final stage of the Wye Valley Walk offers an early climb before a long woodland walk opens up to one of the most expansive views on the whole of the walk. We then make our way towards Chepstow where we finish our walk. You can park your car in the Castle car park and catch the number 69 bus from Chepstow to Tintern to start the walk, avoiding any worry of missing the last bus back to Tintern!
Starting at the magnificent Tintern Abbey, we’re walking up to the A466 to cross the road in front of a post box and then turn right up the lane.
Hints of the ecclesiastical associations of this area can be seen in the arched gate. At St Anne’s House bear left at the junction, and then walk behind the former Beaufort Hotel. Cross the cattle grid, immediately turning left to go uphill along an ancient track. This is a garlic lined path in spring time and soon passes limekilns on the right. The path climbs alongside a conifer plantation, and to the left you may be able to catch a glimpse of the river and abbey during winter months. The path becomes stony just before going through a gate where the view opens out across Reddings Farm. Bear right, to go through another gate and then head diagonally left across the field. (The gateways in these fields can be extremely muddy when wet so make sure you’re wearing appropriate footwear). Go through two more gates close together and head across this field to a gap in the hedge. Continue across the third field to the nearest corner of the wood in front of you. Pause for a moment at the top to catch your breath whilst looking back at the view – taking in the cottages dotted about on St Briavels Common.
When you’re ready, we’re going through the gate into Black Cliff Wood, following the track as it zig-zags uphill, taking a sharp left turn towards the end of the climb where the path becomes very steep. There’s a few feet of clambering over stones, before reaching the top – please watch your step as you go. The gnarled and weirdly shaped trees here give a mystical feel to this ancient wood. Follow the path to the left, which after a very short distance goes quickly down and up, where you can make out the ditch and banks of the Black Cliff Iron Age Hillfort.
We are now walking along the top of some of the highest river cliffs in England, with sheer drops to our left. Continue along this woodland path, ignoring tracks off to either side. Don’t take the signed footpath to the left when you reach the field fence to your right, but instead continue alongside the fence and then walk through a lovely copse of young beech trees. Look out for a gap in the trees to the left and a small WVW marker sign on the right, identifying a steep path leading down to the Eagle’s Nest with its incredible view over the Lancaut peninsula, Chepstow Racecourse, Chepstow Castle and the Wye flowing out to meet its sister river the Severn. On a clear day you can see as far as North Devon. As you hear sounds of traffic below and see the river Severn in the distance, it’s a sign that you are reaching the end of this magnificent walk.
Retrace your route up the steps and turn left. If you wish to take the extreme route down to the Lower Wyndcliff car park follow the signs to the left for the Eagle’s Nest Trail and the 365 Steps. These steps, one for each day of the year, were constructed by the Duke of Beaufort in 1828. They include a short metal bridge with steps, and many narrow and often slippery stone steps, especially so in wet or humid weather – so please take care if you decide to do this. Alternatively, continue straight on downhill as the path descends gently to the Upper Wyndcliff car park. Turn left here to walk down through the woodland. The junction of paths in the quarry marks where the 365 Steps route rejoins the main path for those who felt brave enough to try them!
Turn right passing a forestry barrier to reach the A466. Cross the road and bear right to the far end of the Lower Wyndcliff car park where you will find the path continues. The Wye Valley Walk now follows the paths designed by Valentine Morris all the way to Chepstow (sections can be very muddy in wet weather – so again, please be sure you have suitable footwear). The path winds down through woodlands, with steep drops off to the left, eventually crossing a stream. This sheltered hollow was the site of the Cold Bath – that was once a plunge pool.
Keep on the path which becomes narrow and windy with steep drops to the side down to the river, stones and exposed tree roots, bounded by beautiful ferns glowing green in the dappled light. This is a section you need to take extra care on! Eventually the path starts to rise and in the distance you can make out the dark stone entrance to the Giant’s Cave. Walk through to the spectacular view which greets you on the other side.
At the junction of paths carry straight on, winding around the cliff face and the exposed roots of ancient yew trees, with steep drops to the left. Further along pass a giant stone in the middle of the path, which was one of a circle of upright stones known as the Druid’s Temple. Shortly after is a yellow way marker post indicating a path on the right.
If you would like to view Piercefield House, where Valentine Morris lived, turn right here taking a very short there-and-back detour over a stile. The ruined mansion is on the right, with expansive views to the left and Chepstow Racecourse straight ahead.
The Wye Valley Walk keeps straight on and the path becomes less precipitous, passing what was the Double View, where once you could see the Severn to the right and the Wye to the left. Opening out to a more cleared area you soon pass the remains of The Grotto on the right.
The path turns sharp right after a short downhill section of tree roots and steps and then bears to the left (ignore track to right). Follow steps down, passing giant horse chestnut and beech trees probably planted in the 1750s by Valentine Morris and now veteran trees. Follow the path to the left again until reaching some yew trees and, on the left, metal railings, which mark the site of The Platform, another (now lost) viewpoint.
Ignore the path to the right when you can see railings in the distance. Follow the railings round to the left to the final viewpoint, The Alcove, which looks towards Chepstow Castle.
We’re following the path from The Alcove, up a flight of steps and then left through a gap in the stone wall. Continuing along a fenced path, we emerge beside the Wye Valley Walk sculptural marker in Chepstow Leisure Centre car park. Walk slightly to the left to leave the car park, turning left onto the main road and then following the pavement downhill. Soon after passing The Dell Primary School, turn left onto the footpath through the Castle Dell, walking beside the imposing fortifications of Chepstow Castle. The large stone boulder on the right, just before the car park, marks the official end (or start if you’re going from sea to source) of the Wye Valley Walk.
Cross the car park to Chepstow Tourist Information Centre to collect your last passport stamp and, if you wish to pay a final farewell to the river, which has been your companion if you’ve done the full walk for the last 136 miles, turn left at the TIC and walk down to the Wye Bridge and riverside area. From here you can continue walking on Offa’s Dyke National Trail and the Wales Coast Path if you’re up for another challenge!
If you need to get back to Tintern where you started today, you can catch the number 69 bus that runs between Chepstow and Monmouth.
Read more ...
