St Briavels and the Wye Valley

This delightful circular guided walk of approximately 13km/8 miles has been crafted to take in some of the best scenery and features of the Wye Valley AONB, from a starting point in the historic village of St Briavels.
We will meet on The Tump beside the 12th century castle which is now a Youth Hostel (there is free street parking in the roads around the moat) with a panoramic view across the River Wye to Wales. We will walk through the ancient woodland of The Hudnalls on the eastern slopes of the Wye Valley down to the river itself, then stride along the Wye Valley Way through the water meadows upstream to the picturesque bridge at Bigsweir.
From here the walk takes us through open farmland and meadows to the mixed Cadora Woods, with views up and down the Wye Valley. We follow part of Offa’s Dyke path then traverse Wyegate Hill with views back across to St Briavels before descending down to the tiny hamlet of Mork where we take a little known path up through the secluded valley of the Slade Brook. This is a gentle climb back up to St Briavels through woodland beside a cascading brook with a surprise rare geological feature that earns its SSSI status. At the top we walk back through farmland to St Briavels taking in the expansive views of the route we have walked.
There will be opportunity for well-earned refreshments in the village (Covid permitting) and a chance to explore the village and castle before a pleasant drive back across the Severn to Bristol.

If it is clear we may see to the Black Mountains and will be able to appreciate why the continuous wooded slopes of the Wye Valley are regarded as one of the best places in the world to enjoy autumn colours. We criss-cross Offa’s Dyke and several streams along our route also passing badger sets and haunts of deer and wild boar. Birdlife varies from kingfishers and woodpeckers to buzzards and red kites.

There are a couple of steady uphill climbs along good woodland tracks and several stiles, so this walk will suit people who like to earn their grand views with a hill or two, and don’t mind clambering over stiles. The terrain is generally good underfoot with just a short section along a quiet country lane. A gem of a circular walk and worth the 40 minute drive from Bristol.

How it works:

Buy your ticket in advance: Buy your ticket here in advance – you can buy for friends and family too. We’ll email your tickets plus send you more information closer to the day including what to bring and travel arrangements.

Make your own way to the walk meet point: Many of our walks have good public transport links, but if you’re needing a lift email us at info@letswalkbristol.co.uk and we will pass the message on to other walkers booked onto your walk. If you’re wondering about the health and safety issues surrounding car sharing there’s some helpful information on the Liftshare travel happy website: https://liftshare.com/uk. 

Meet your guide: Your walk guide will be at the meet point to welcome and register you. We have an amazing team of experienced, insured guides who have designed some fabulous walking routes and who will be able to share interesting information with you along the way. They will also have details of any health/medical notes you told us about when you registered.

Nordic walking? This walk is open to both Nordic and regular walkers, so bring your poles and enjoy the day. There won’t be a pre-walk Nordic warm-up so if you’d like to do your own we’d recommend you arrive a bit early. 

Looking after your health and safety: Your health and safety is important to us and we have the following provisions in place on this walk: A requirement for everyone to complete and bring a Covid-19 declaration and waiver in order to participate. A limit on walker numbers to 16 people. A walk assistant to help should anyone in the group need to drop out for any reason. 

Don’t forget to book onto our evening socials for afterwards! 
We’ve two great Evening socials organised so you can meet up with others, continue to enjoy the Festival and experience Bristol’s vibrant culture. Underfall Yard is a working boat yard with a stunning view across the harbour. Toto’s is a trendy wine bar on the harbour front with a great private terrace. There’ll be food, music and plenty of outdoor space for you to enjoy.
 

Distance: 8 miles
Difficulty: Moderate + stamina
Time: 10am - 3.30pm*
Meet: St Briavels, Forest of Dean
Cost: £18

*Time built in for lunch stop