Guidebook for Upper Wye Valley
River Wye
The river Wye is best seen from the water, in a canoe or kayak. Watch out for kingfishers, heron, leaping trout and even a glimpse of an otter if you are lucky. There are areas suitable for wild swimming, though the current can be strong in places.
Best seen from a canoe or kayak, but otherwise from our section of bank with a glass of wine at sunset. The river teams with wildlife— from clouds of damselflies and butterflies along the banks, shoals of fish fry in the shallows to passing waterfowl of all kinds (herons, geese, goosander, little egret). You may be lucky and see the kingfishers that nest on our upper bank or a glimpse of the local otter.
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Wye
Best seen from a canoe or kayak, but otherwise from our section of bank with a glass of wine at sunset. The river teams with wildlife— from clouds of damselflies and butterflies along the banks, shoals of fish fry in the shallows to passing waterfowl of all kinds (herons, geese, goosander, little egret). You may be lucky and see the kingfishers that nest on our upper bank or a glimpse of the local otter.
Sightseeing
Hereford
The ancient cathedral is stunning
Museum dedicated to the history of the many black & white medieval houses so characteristic of Herefordshire
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The Black and White House Museum
Museum dedicated to the history of the many black & white medieval houses so characteristic of Herefordshire
Lovely old town famed for its literary festivals and many book shops. Also worth visiting for its good antique shops and many great little cafés
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Hay-on-Wye
Lovely old town famed for its literary festivals and many book shops. Also worth visiting for its good antique shops and many great little cafés
Kilpeck is unique, one of the most stunning examples of early medieval church carving in the whole United Kingdom, well worth stopping off to see en route to Abergavenny. Kilpeck is just one of many interesting churches in the county, the highlight of leg 3 of the Great English Church Trail that also includes Dore Abbey, St Michaels Eaton Bishop and others for those with a serious interest in early church history, architecture and medieval carving.
https://www.greatenglishchurches.co.uk/html/the_world-s_greatest_church_trail_iii.html
Kilpeck
Kilpeck is unique, one of the most stunning examples of early medieval church carving in the whole United Kingdom, well worth stopping off to see en route to Abergavenny. Kilpeck is just one of many interesting churches in the county, the highlight of leg 3 of the Great English Church Trail that also includes Dore Abbey, St Michaels Eaton Bishop and others for those with a serious interest in early church history, architecture and medieval carving.
https://www.greatenglishchurches.co.uk/html/the_world-s_greatest_church_trail_iii.html
Probably one of the best collections of medieval ‘black and white’ timber framed houses in the county, a short drive from our site.
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Weobley
Probably one of the best collections of medieval ‘black and white’ timber framed houses in the county, a short drive from our site.
Traditional Welsh town with lively marketplace (local produce/antiques/bric-à-brac etc) with great little food shops and cafes.
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Abergavenny
Traditional Welsh town with lively marketplace (local produce/antiques/bric-à-brac etc) with great little food shops and cafes.
Brecon is a market/garrison town in the heart of the Beacons national park with a cathedral, a Norman castle and the regimental museum of the Royal Welsh/South Wales Borderers, home to the famous annual jazz festival. Great stop off point for cafés, galleries, or a short walk along the canal en route for a longer trip to the beaches of the Gower peninsula or the castles of Carmarthshire (Carreg Cennnen, Parc Dinefwr, Kidwelly etc)
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Brecon
Brecon is a market/garrison town in the heart of the Beacons national park with a cathedral, a Norman castle and the regimental museum of the Royal Welsh/South Wales Borderers, home to the famous annual jazz festival. Great stop off point for cafés, galleries, or a short walk along the canal en route for a longer trip to the beaches of the Gower peninsula or the castles of Carmarthshire (Carreg Cennnen, Parc Dinefwr, Kidwelly etc)
Lovely old ‘black & white’ town filled with antique and bric-à-brac shops
https://www.leominstertourism.com
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Leominster
Lovely old ‘black & white’ town filled with antique and bric-à-brac shops
https://www.leominstertourism.com
Walled garden designed by Humphrey Repton, with additional gardens running down to the Wye, a short 5 minute drive away. “A garden with a history on the river banks in an unspoilt corner of the Wye Valley. Wander across the grassy orchard and discover the three-sided walled garden. On a sunny day this area is simply glorious as it traps the suns rays. Make sure you pay a visit to the impressive glasshouse too, there's plenty to see in there.”
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National Trust - The Weir Garden
Walled garden designed by Humphrey Repton, with additional gardens running down to the Wye, a short 5 minute drive away. “A garden with a history on the river banks in an unspoilt corner of the Wye Valley. Wander across the grassy orchard and discover the three-sided walled garden. On a sunny day this area is simply glorious as it traps the suns rays. Make sure you pay a visit to the impressive glasshouse too, there's plenty to see in there.”
‘Forgotten and neglected for over 350 years, Snodhill Castle is emerging as one of the oldest and most unusual Norman castles in Britain.‘ Ideal afternoon trip for those who like ancient monuments and romantic ruins a short 15 minute drive away.
Snodhill Castle
‘Forgotten and neglected for over 350 years, Snodhill Castle is emerging as one of the oldest and most unusual Norman castles in Britain.‘ Ideal afternoon trip for those who like ancient monuments and romantic ruins a short 15 minute drive away.
The ‘Golden Valley’ of the River Dore is considered one of the most beautiful spots in the English countryside, a sheltered valley with ancient oaks and old meadows overshadowed by the striking rocky outcrop of Hay Bluff/Black Mountains. A beautiful place for a cycle ride or drive, taking in the pretty villages of Abbey Dore, Peterchurch, Dorstone and Ewyas Harold and their unusual churches. There is a circular walk at Dorstone (see below). Twenty minutes away by car or an hour by bike along reasonably level terrain.
River Dore
The ‘Golden Valley’ of the River Dore is considered one of the most beautiful spots in the English countryside, a sheltered valley with ancient oaks and old meadows overshadowed by the striking rocky outcrop of Hay Bluff/Black Mountains. A beautiful place for a cycle ride or drive, taking in the pretty villages of Abbey Dore, Peterchurch, Dorstone and Ewyas Harold and their unusual churches. There is a circular walk at Dorstone (see below). Twenty minutes away by car or an hour by bike along reasonably level terrain.
Moccas Park has some of the largest and most ancient and magestic oak trees in the UK. Although Moccas Court is not open to the public, there is a footpath walk through the deer park which is only a 15 minute drive away.
Deer Park Close
Deer Park CloseMoccas Park has some of the largest and most ancient and magestic oak trees in the UK. Although Moccas Court is not open to the public, there is a footpath walk through the deer park which is only a 15 minute drive away.
The more adventurous can take a longer day trip across red kite country to my native territory at the wild western edge of the Beacons National Park, and the feeding station at Llandeusant (1 hour 15 minutes drive away). Finish off with brisk walk to Bronze Age burial carns at Tair Carn Uchaf or make the short journey to dramatic Carreg Cennen Castle, where you can climb the precipitous slopes to explore the Norman ruin or just take tea in the traditional family-run farm tea room in an ancient barn. I might be biased but it is amazing countryside for those who love truly wild and dramatic landscapes
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Red Kite Feeding Station Llanddeusant
The more adventurous can take a longer day trip across red kite country to my native territory at the wild western edge of the Beacons National Park, and the feeding station at Llandeusant (1 hour 15 minutes drive away). Finish off with brisk walk to Bronze Age burial carns at Tair Carn Uchaf or make the short journey to dramatic Carreg Cennen Castle, where you can climb the precipitous slopes to explore the Norman ruin or just take tea in the traditional family-run farm tea room in an ancient barn. I might be biased but it is amazing countryside for those who love truly wild and dramatic landscapes
The Brecon Mountain Railway (Rheilffordd Mynydd Brycheiniog) is a narrow gauge tourist railway on the south side of the Brecon Beacons. It climbs northwards from Pant along the full length of the Pontsticill Reservoir with great views
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Брекон Маунтин Рейлвей
Pontsticill RoadThe Brecon Mountain Railway (Rheilffordd Mynydd Brycheiniog) is a narrow gauge tourist railway on the south side of the Brecon Beacons. It climbs northwards from Pant along the full length of the Pontsticill Reservoir with great views
Big Pit National Coal Museum is an industrial heritage museum in Blaenavon, Torfaen, Wales. A working coal mine from 1880 to 1980, it was opened to the public in 1983 as a charitable trust called the Big Pit Trust.
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Национальный музей Большой шахты
Big Pit National Coal Museum is an industrial heritage museum in Blaenavon, Torfaen, Wales. A working coal mine from 1880 to 1980, it was opened to the public in 1983 as a charitable trust called the Big Pit Trust.
Ledbury is a scenic little town, great place to stop off for afternoon tea. Take a walk up the crocked street with medieval houses to visit the impressive church.
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Ledbury
Ledbury is a scenic little town, great place to stop off for afternoon tea. Take a walk up the crocked street with medieval houses to visit the impressive church.
Outdoor pursuits
The upper Wye catchment includes some of the most stunning scenery in the UK and many different ways of seeing it—on foot, on the water or even on horseback. The Brecon Beacons, Radnor Hills and the Elan Valley are all within an hour’s drive of here to the west, the Malvern hills a similar distance to the east.
Canoeing is one of the best ways to enjoy the Wye, it’s stunning views and abundant wildlife
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want to canoe?
Canoeing is one of the best ways to enjoy the Wye, it’s stunning views and abundant wildlife
Dorstone Hill Wood walk is a short if rather steep circular ramble of about 2.5 miles in total in the heart of the famous ‘Golden Valley’ that takes about an hour to complete, only a 20 minute drive from us. Includes ‘Arthur’s Stone’, a Neolithic burial chamber and some stunning views of Hay bluff. Stop off afterwards at the pub at Dorstone.
Dorstone Hill
Dorstone Hill Wood walk is a short if rather steep circular ramble of about 2.5 miles in total in the heart of the famous ‘Golden Valley’ that takes about an hour to complete, only a 20 minute drive from us. Includes ‘Arthur’s Stone’, a Neolithic burial chamber and some stunning views of Hay bluff. Stop off afterwards at the pub at Dorstone.
Serious cycling enthusiasts should checkout Two Valleys Cycle route, a great 40 mile round trip right on our doorstep which takes in both the Wye and Golden Valleys through glorious countryside and quaint villages (Madley, Dorstone, Peterchurch, Bredwardine, Madley). Bordered to the South by the foothills of the Black Mountains, the route is dotted with pubs, cafes, and shops where you can fill up on local produce and drinks. The route is generally level with a few hills.
Golden Valley
Serious cycling enthusiasts should checkout Two Valleys Cycle route, a great 40 mile round trip right on our doorstep which takes in both the Wye and Golden Valleys through glorious countryside and quaint villages (Madley, Dorstone, Peterchurch, Bredwardine, Madley). Bordered to the South by the foothills of the Black Mountains, the route is dotted with pubs, cafes, and shops where you can fill up on local produce and drinks. The route is generally level with a few hills.
The Brecon Beacons offer some of the most stunning mountain scenery in the UK, really the only mountain range in the southern half the the UK. While the ‘Beacons Way’ route is quite physically challenging, there are some gentler alternative routes that still offer amazing scenic views ( e.g. along the river at Hay-on-Wye, the Govilion way which follows the canal near Abergavenny, or around Graig-y-Nos country park in the southern end of the Beacons). Checkout the Brecon Beacons website for more details https://www.breconbeacons.org/things-to-do/walking
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Brecon Beacons
Beacons ParkThe Brecon Beacons offer some of the most stunning mountain scenery in the UK, really the only mountain range in the southern half the the UK. While the ‘Beacons Way’ route is quite physically challenging, there are some gentler alternative routes that still offer amazing scenic views ( e.g. along the river at Hay-on-Wye, the Govilion way which follows the canal near Abergavenny, or around Graig-y-Nos country park in the southern end of the Beacons). Checkout the Brecon Beacons website for more details https://www.breconbeacons.org/things-to-do/walking
The Monmouthshire & Brecon canal runs between Brecon and Abergavenny. Following a good level route along the towpath, this is an ideal way to see some stunning views of the mountains and valleys when strenuous climbs don’t appeal or aren’t possible. Can be accessed from Govilon near Abergavenny or Brynich Lock near Brecon, both are about 40 minute drive from here.
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Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal
The Monmouthshire & Brecon canal runs between Brecon and Abergavenny. Following a good level route along the towpath, this is an ideal way to see some stunning views of the mountains and valleys when strenuous climbs don’t appeal or aren’t possible. Can be accessed from Govilon near Abergavenny or Brynich Lock near Brecon, both are about 40 minute drive from here.
The best way to see the Welsh mountains is definitely from the back of a horse! Pony trekking for novices, hacking for more experienced riders
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Tregoyd Mountain Riders
The best way to see the Welsh mountains is definitely from the back of a horse! Pony trekking for novices, hacking for more experienced riders
Grange Pony Trekking
Food scene
Great local produce, café and gift shop only a 5 minute drive from our site.
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Oakchurch Farm Shop
Brecon RoadGreat local produce, café and gift shop only a 5 minute drive from our site.
Abergavenny is a old Welsh market town about 40 minutes from us with great choice of shops local produce, a covered market with a old-fashioned Welsh market café as well as a range of more modern bistros and pubs. The general market operates on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays 9-5pm. Abergavenny market is also host to a prestigious food festival that runs over a weekend mid September for real foodies ( tickets do need to be booked in advance though )
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Абергавенни Маркет
61 Cross StAbergavenny is a old Welsh market town about 40 minutes from us with great choice of shops local produce, a covered market with a old-fashioned Welsh market café as well as a range of more modern bistros and pubs. The general market operates on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays 9-5pm. Abergavenny market is also host to a prestigious food festival that runs over a weekend mid September for real foodies ( tickets do need to be booked in advance though )
There are a very range of good restaurants and pubs at Weobley, a 15 minute drive from us. Checkout the choice available via Tripadvisor as there is quite a wide range of dining opportunities to suit different tastes.
https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurants-g503885-c7-Weobley_Herefordshire_England.html
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Weobley
There are a very range of good restaurants and pubs at Weobley, a 15 minute drive from us. Checkout the choice available via Tripadvisor as there is quite a wide range of dining opportunities to suit different tastes.
https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurants-g503885-c7-Weobley_Herefordshire_England.html
Рекомендации для путешественников
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You will need a car to get around
Don’t miss Hereford cathedral! Hereford is a small town easily seen in a day on foot. Herefordshire is a sparsely populated county however, to get the most out of the surrounding sights ideally you need a car. Alternatively experienced kayakers can see the countryside from the water, following the course of the Wye perhaps stopping to camp along the way. There are several areas of white water however that may prove challenging for novices. Canoes can be hired a few miles up the river.
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Dark skies
Our part of Herefordshire has very little light pollution so is a great place to observe the night sky on a clear night, to view planets and star constellations hard to see in the middle of most cities. Download a star scape app to get the most out of our dark sky.
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River footwear
If you plan to go canoeing or even just paddle in the river it’s worth bringing suitable footwear as your best shoes might not enjoy getting wet. The river is very shallow in places so you may need to get out to lift your canoe/kayak over rocky places. The river bed here is rocky and slippery in places, not kind on bare feet. Crocs are ideal footwear for both activities, or an old pair of sandals or flip-flops; wellies are okay can get rather hot and sticky in summer.
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Binoculars for birds and other wildlife
The river is a good place to watch birds, we even have a pair of kingfishers nesting on our bank, fallow deer often come down to opposite riverbank to drink in the mornings. There are otters breeding in the area too, we’ve found their spraint along the bank and found footprints in the mud. All much easier to observe through a pair of binoculars.
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Insect repellent / clothing
We have amazing insect life along the upper Wye — clouds of butterflies and dragonflies/damselflies a long the bank none of which are harmful . As the river is fast-moving mosquitoes aren’t as much of a problem as in other waterside areas, we very rarely get bitten but there are some tiny midges. There are nettles along the bank, plus Blandford fly is known to bein the area. Pack some mild repellents such as citronella and antihistamine cream just in case plus long-trousers if you plan to hike through grassy areas.