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Wye Valley Walk 15-Day Self-Guided Walking Vacation offered by supplier M16809 (read about supplier) Key Information: Tour Duration: 15 day(s) Group Size: 1 - 20 people Destination(s): Wales   Specialty Categories: Walking Tours   Wildlife Viewing   Season: January - December Airfare Included: No Tour Customizable: Yes Minimum Per Person Price: 985 Pound Sterling (GBP) Maximum Per Person Price: 985 Pound Sterling (GBP)

Follow the River Wye from sea to source on this 136-mile journey from Chepstow to Pumlumon. The route is ideal for nature lovers - who can look forward to kingfishers and otters at river level, and red kites overhead. Wales' cultural heritage, from the Palaeolithic to the Industrial Age, is in evidence too. The landscapes of the Wye Valley Walk are both stunning and varied, so you needn't worry about getting bored with the scenery!

Tour Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Chepstow.

Day 2: Chepstow to Tintern - 5 ½ miles (9 km)
A short first day, beginning with a wander around 11th century Chepstow Castle, will help you limber up for the trail. Lovely mixed woodland on the way to Tintern, site of the famous abbey.

Day 3: Tintern to Monmouth - 11 miles (18 km)
Leaving Tintern's monastic ruins behind, the path climbs up into the wooded valley sides, giving wonderful views of the river. Overnight in the town of Monmouth, originally founded by the Romans.

Day 4: Monmouth to Symonds Yat - 6 miles (10 km)
Day 4 takes you into the heart of the specially protected Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Spectacular craggy limestone cliffs and dense woodland as you approach Symonds Yat.

Day 5: Symonds Yat to Ross on Wye – 12 miles (19 km)
Great views of Goodrich Castle today and probably some company on the river – this is a stretch favoured by canoeists. Ross-on-Wye is the only town within the boundaries of the AONB. Finish in historic Ross on Wye, a thriving market town situated on a bend above the river.

Day 6: Ross on Wye to Fownhope - 11 miles (18 km)
A more open, agricultural landscape on Day 6 as the valley broadens out. Easy walking and a chance to spot the elusive otter!

Day 7: Fownhope to Hereford - 6 miles (10 km)
A short day to the market town of Hereford, astride the river and founded by the Saxons around 700 AD. There’s plenty of time this afternoon to explore the town - don't miss Hereford Cathedral, home to the Mappa Mundi, the largest surviving medieval world map.

Day 8: Hereford to Bredwardine - 14 ½ miles (23 km)
The character of the landscape changes today as the path heads east through the apple orchards of Herefordshire. Easy walking, with views of the Black Mountains to the South.

Day 9: Bredwardine to Hay on Wye - 8 ½ miles (14 km)
An easy day along a salmon-rich stretch of the river brings you to the famous book town of Hay on Wye.

Day 10: Rest day in Hay on Wye
A chance to let your feet recover and enjoy the delights of Hay on Wye. Book-browsing, cosy pub meals, shopping or a visit to the Llanthony Priory are on offer.

Day 11: Hay on Wye to Erwood – 14 miles (22 km)
Time to put your boots back on! A woodland route for much of the day as you follow the valley northwards into Mid Wales.

Day 12: Erwood to Builth Wells – 7 miles (11 km)
A shorter day and some wonderful views as you head for Builth Wells, a Victorian Spa Town and home to one of the most popular agricultural shows in Britain.

Day 13: Builth Wells to Newbridge on Wye - 7 miles (11 km)
By now you will be easily outnumbered by the sheep. This is hill-farming country, and away from the towns there is only a thin scattering of habitation on the landscape.

Day 14: Newbridge on Wye to Rhayader- 9 ½ miles (15 km)
The route crosses the confluence with the River Elan, today, before following a rockier, faster-flowing Wye to the small town of Rhayader.

Day 15: Rhayader to Llangurig - 12 miles (19 km)
More uninterrupted natural beauty on this section of the walk and an excellent chance to see red kites, the once-endangered bird of prey which now flourishes in the open spaces of Wales. Sightings are guaranteed at Gigrin Farm, a red kite feeding centre just south of Rhayader.

Day 16: Llangurig to Rhyd-y-Benwch - 12 miles (19 km)
The final day is one of the more challenging on the walk, as you climb the slopes of Pumlumon, the birthplace of your watery companion, the River Wye. On a clear day there are fabulous uninterrupted views – as far as Cardigan Bay off the west coast of Wales. Then it’s down to finish in the Hafren Forest.

Tour summary:
- Duration: 14 days hiking, 1 rest day
- Distance: 136 miles (220 km)
- Grading: Moderate/Strenuous

Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.

The price is 985 Pound Sterling (GBP) per person based on 2 people sharing a twin/double room. Contact operator for sole traveller/single occupancy rates.

Price Includes:
- 15 nights accommodation in quality B&Bs, Inns and small hotels;
- Daily luggage transfer, so your baggage is waiting for you on arrival;
- Detailed, customised maps, with your daily walk highlighted;
- Written route notes giving directions and background information;
- Transfers to/from the nearest rail or bus station at the start and end of the tour.

- Meals: Cooked breakfast included. Packed lunches and evening meals can be arranged at additional cost.

- Options: Add an extra night at any stage of the tour, prices from 40 Pound Sterling (GBP) per person per night.

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Also see tour packages in:
Europe   Wales   Outdoor: Land Rambler   Walking Tours   Wildlife Viewing  

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