Nestled at the foot of the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, where Wales and England meet, Chepstow is often referred to as the gateway to Wales. Within easy reach for visitors from England, across the stunning Prince of Wales and Severn bridges, Chepstow is the ideal location from where to explore the beauties of this spectacular landscape. With local bus companies serving all the main arteries through the County of Monmouthshire, there are fantastic opportunities for linear walks on long-distance trails or local paths.

In Chepstow, the 177-mile Offa’s Dyke Path meets the Wye Valley Walk, the Gloucestershire Way, and the famous Wales Coast Path (the first to span an entire country’s coast). There is also a network of local footpaths, such as the Picturesque Piercefield 6-mile circular route, with its amazing views from Eagle’s Nest and Lover’s Leap, truly a walk for all seasons. It was this walk in the early 18th Century that was much enjoyed as part of the Wye Valley Tour, considered the birth of British Tourism.

The varied landscape of the area has something to offer all walkers, be it a gentle stroll along a beautiful river, or a challenging walk to really stretch the legs.

Chepstow became an accredited Walkers are Welcome town in April 2012 to coincide with the official opening of the Wales Coast Path which has its start/finish point in Chepstow. With an enthusiastic, dedicated volunteer steering group from various sections of the local community who all share the same ambition, namely to provide the best possible walking experience for visitors and residents, and open their eyes to the breath-taking beauty of the Lower Wye Valley and its rich heritage, all year round.

The town offers a programme of free walks throughout the year and a Walking Weekend in Autumn. Each of these walks being led by experienced walk leaders who either live or work in the area and want to share some of their favourite walks with you. The principal event of the year is the exceedingly popular, annual 5-day walking festival, which usually consists of 35 guided walks beginning on the Wednesday following Easter Bank Holiday Monday. The festival showcases the stunningly beautiful landscape of the lower Wye Valley and the many and varied local food producers, not forgetting the rich heritage and culture of the area. With more castles in Monmouthshire than anywhere else in Europe, the only hard decision is which walks to feature in the festival. The festival has become so popular that they have regular attendees from across the UK and the world, including visitors from Australia and Chicago. All come to discover the delightful, hidden gems; ancient woodlands, pretty villages, historic churches, and majestic rivers, all of which enchant the visitor with spectacular views.

The many walker-friendly accommodation providers of Chepstow may offer special arrangements, such as baggage transport to your next destination, drying facilities, picnic lunches, or complete walking holiday packages. Look for the Walkers are Welcome logo to be sure of a warm welcome.

With excellent road access from England along the M4 and M48, and rail and National Express services from London, Gatwick and Heathrow, with connections to Cardiff, Gloucester and beyond, there is every reason to visit us.

If you do decide to come then please get in touch, they would love to meet you!

Photo: Eagles Nest, Chepstow