Dappled wooded glades, eye-stretching views,  ancient ruins, towering cliffs and gentle river meadows all hold the key to the lure of the uniquely special Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

It is the combination of the dramatic and the peaceful in this superb river landscape which makes this an exceptional area for walking, cycling, canoeing and other outdoor pursuits. Long-distance trails, Offa’s Dyke Path and the Wye Valley Walk, as well as many miles of footpaths and bridleways give you the chance to discover the beauty of this special place.

The Wye Valley is rewarding at any time of year.  In spring, woods are carpeted with bluebells, wild garlic and wood anemones. During summer, the meadows come alive with wild flowers.  Autumn sees trees bursting into red and gold, and the crisp cold of winter brings crystal clear views to the Black Mountains, Golden Valley and across to the Forest of Dean.

This is castle territory. As a disputed border for more than a thousand years, signs of war and power are evident from the ramparts of Offa’s Dyke to the stone walls of Chepstow and Goodrich Castles.

Here tourism started and the Picturesque movement founded, which was the birthplace of a strong artistic heritage which is still evident today.

Discover relics of an agricultural and industrial heritage which once shaped life in the border valley where, gnarled Herefordshire orchards show origins of a cider industry. In the lower Wye, tiny ancient meadowland is encircled by stone walls and cinder tracks echo the days of the railways which once hauled stone, wire and coal through the valley.