South-East Wales
South-East Wales is easily accessible from southern England and contains a number of alluring walking areas. The most notable of those areas are the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (just north of Chepstow) and the Brecon Beacons National Park. Chepstow, a common entry point into south-east Wales, is 180 kilometres west of London.
The Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty straddles the border of England and Wales. It follows the River Wye, one of the longest rivers in the UK. The stretch of the river that has received the “Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty” designation is the river’s final 72 kilometres from near Hereford in the north down to Chepstow where it empties into the River Severn.
The remains of the 13th century Tintern Abbey and its beautiful surrounds are star attractions of the Wye Valley. Tintern, together with the 11th century Chepstow Castle and the attractive river scenery, were largely responsible for this region becoming one of the first areas of Britain to experience tourism (in the early 18th century).
The Brecon Beacons National Park covers an area of 520 square miles. It is a favourite place for walkers seeking untamed heather-clad mountain scenery. The landscape is wild and vast, offering incredible views from its highest peaks including Pen y Fan in the central Beacons mountain range (2,907ft/886m).
The remote limestone uplands also feature limestone caves and rock formations. There are deep wooded gorges, waterfalls, lakes, rivers, valleys and forests to explore. History abounds and trails pass ancient hill forts, medieval castles and priories. Carreg Cennen Castle and Llanthony Priory are particularly popular and beautiful landmarks.
There are many charming and lively towns to visit in the Brecon Beacons region. The entire park is an International Dark Sky Reserve (one of seven in the world). This designation recognises the outstanding quality of the park’s night sky and the ability to see thousands of stars and planets clearly.
South-East Wales offers many day and multi-day walks and there are a number of tour operators offering a variety of walking trips.
However, there are innumerable other multi-day walks, including many considerably shorter than the above. And the walking tour operators have been very inventive in crafting walking itineraries suited for all. We can help you choose a walk and an operator that best suits your needs.
Offa’s Dyke Path is just one of the many South-East Wales walks we can tell you about, and help you to plan and complete.