Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

It is understandable why the term ‘Picturesque’ was used by Rev. Gilpin to describe the Wye Valley in 1782. The Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) has some of the finest landscapes in Britain ranging from dramatic gorges through wooded glades and gentle, meandering river meadows.

This unique AONB straddles the English/ Welsh border and the landscape echoes an historic legacy of castles, grand ruins and Iron Age hill forts. From the awesome beauty of Tintern Abbey to the ruined grandeur of Goodrich and Chepstow castles the area is packed with archaeological and industrial heritage.

As the birthplace of British tourism and one of the first great landscapes to be ‘discovered’, the Wye Valley’s particular attraction was, and still is, its river scenery. The gentle course through the Herefordshire lowlands gives way to dramatic limestone gorges, including the famous Symonds Yat Rock where wooded cliffs offer spectacular views down the valley where peregine falcons can be glimpsed nesting.

In recognition of the importance of its nature conservation significance, the Wye was the first major river to be designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) along its entire length. It contains four National Nature Reserves (NNRs), forty five SSSIs and incorporates several local nature reserves. Many rare wildlife species are found here, including lesser horseshoe bat, otters, nightjar and goshawk and it contains one of the few remaining tracts of ancient broadleaved woodland.

Containing areas of Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and Monmouthshire within its boundary, the Wye Valley is a paradise for dedicated walkers, as well as casual strollers. Two popular  long-distance walking routes, the Wye Valley Walk and the Offas Dyke Path cut through its heart and the AONB produces several publications including Walk this Wye a series of twelve walks throughout the area. There are hundreds of miles of footpaths and cycleways and for those who prefer more rugged pursuits, canoeing, mountain biking, rock climbing, horse riding and caving can be experienced.

An estimated two million people visit the Wye Valley each year to enjoy the landscape, heritage and attractions of towns such as Monmouth, Chepstow, Ross-on-Wye and Hereford. Highly accessible from urban South Wales, Bristol, Gloucester and the Midlands, this area provides the visitor with a unique and unrivalled
experience.