Thisguide contains eight lovely walks in the beautiful WyeValley between Herefordand Chepstow, and two in the sylvan Forest of Dean. Woodland walks feature prominently,reflecting the mostly rural and largely arboreal character of the region, setin Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and Monmouthshire. TheRiver Wye has formed the boundary between Englandand Walesfor centuries. The walk at Tintern, as well as enjoying the atmospheric abbeyruins, crosses the border from Walesinto Englandand back again. Routes lead you to the imperious Wye Valleyviewpoints at Symonds Yat Rock, the Devil’s Pulpit and the Eagle’s Nest, fromwhere an extraordinary meander in the river can be seen at its best. Two of themore energetic walks follow a section of the Offa’s Dyke Path, from nearTidenham Chase, and descend the 365 Steps at Wyndcliff. More relaxing strollscan be enjoyed in riverside parkland at Ross-on-Wye; along the peaceful banksof the river below Capler Camp; and by the Wye in the historic cathedral cityof Hereford. Inthe Forest of Dean, keep a look out for wild boar. AtBeechinghurst, you could offset an adrenaline-fuelled treetop adventure withthe benefits of quiet woodland walking; while at Speech House, there’s theopportunity to relish exotic and native trees at the Cyril Hart Arboretum.
