Walking in Monmouthshire
Monmouthshire is a great destination for walking because there are many long-distance footpaths and trails to choose from.
Offa’s Dyke Path
Offa’s Dyke Path is a 177 mile (285 Km) long walking trail.
It is named after the spectacular Dyke King Offa ordered to be constructed in the 8th century, probably to divide his Kingdom of Mercia from rival kingdoms in what is now Wales.
The Trail links Sedbury Cliffs near Chepstow on the banks of the Severn estuary with the coastal town of Prestatyn on the shores of the Irish sea.
It passes through no less than eight different counties and crosses the border between England and Wales over 20 times.
Gloucestershire Way
The Gloucestershire Way is a 100-mile linear footpath connecting Chepstow Castle with Tewkesbury, passing through the Forest of Dean, Severn Vale, and the Cotswolds AONB in Gloucestershire.
Monmouthshire Way
The Monmouthshire Way is a 121-mile circular walk that explores the ancient county of Monmouthshire in South East Wales.
The walk will visit the towns of Chepstow, Monmouth, Abergavenny, Pontypool and Usk.
In doing so it will follow two key Welsh rivers, the Wye and the Usk.
Wye Valley Walk
The Wye Valley Walk is 136 miles long starting opposite Chepstow Castle and follows the beautiful river valley all the way to Rhayader in Powys, criss-crossing the border between England and Wales.
It explores the heart of Wye Valley AONB.
Wales Coast Path
From Chepstow you can also follow the Wales Coast Path for 870 miles (1,370 km) to the border with England in the north.
Usk Valley Walk
The 48-mile Usk Valley Walk follows the Usk valley upstream past the historic market town of Usk, via riverside, field and woodland paths and some minor roads to Abergavenny.
Here it takes to the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal towpath which it follows to Brecon.
Mainly an easy waterside walk but there are two climbs, to the Kemeys Ridge north of Caerleon, and to Glanusk Park west of Crickhowell.
Cool Places to Explore: Symonds Yat Rock | Tintern Abbey | Hereford Cathedral | Llanthony Priory | Table Mountain.
Cool Places to Eat: No3 Ross-on-Wye.
Cool Places to Stay: Rose Cottage.
