Wye Valley Walk

Riverbanks, woodland slopes, and a journey from estuary to uplands.

The Wye Valley Walk is a long-distance route following the River Wye from Chepstow on the Severn Estuary to Rhayader in the Cambrian uplands of Mid Wales. Linking riverside landscapes, woodland, farmland, market towns, and upland countryside, the trail traces the course of one of Britain's most celebrated rivers through Wales and the English borderlands.

As a self-guided journey, the route connects places such as Chepstow, Monmouth, Ross-on-Wye, Hereford, Hay-on-Wye, Builth Wells, and Rhayader while passing through the Wye Valley National Landscape, wooded gorges, river meadows, historic settlements, and open countryside. The river remains a constant presence throughout, creating a route defined by continuity, gradual change, and a strong sense of place.

With a mixture of riverside paths, woodland trails, and countryside tracks, alongside regular access to towns and villages, the Wye Valley Walk offers a rewarding long-distance journey through some of the most varied landscapes in Wales and the Marches. The trail combines natural beauty, history, and river heritage while revealing the changing character of the Wye from estuary to upland source.

Overview

Distance 136 miles / 218 km

Duration 8–10 days

Difficulty Moderate

Start Chepstow, Monmouthshire

Finish Rhayader, Powys

Terrain Riverside paths, woodland tracks, field paths, minor roads, hillside trails, towns, and villages