The Wye Valley Walk
Follow the Wye for 136 miles of river & hill walking
- Classic long-distance walk tracing the Wye from source to sea
- Celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2025
- Winds through the magnificent Wye Valley National Landscape
- Herefordshire in home to 8 of the walk's 17 stages
- Day hike options if you base yourself in Hereford, Ross-on-Wye or Fownhope
- Special guided Wye Valley Way walks running throughout the summer
Discover the Wye Valley Walk
The Wye Valley Walk is a linear route, totalling 136 miles which can be walked in either direction. Tracing the Wye from source to sea, the long-distance trail meanders in and out of Herefordshire. The county is immensely proud of the Wye Valley National Landscape and has a rich tradition of welcoming visitors to savour the stunning scenery and wildlife.
After all, it was in Ross-on-Wye that Rev John Egerton began entertaining his guests on the river, starting a fashion for The Wye Tour, a two day boat trip from Ross to Chepstow. It became a huge trend in the late 18th century, its popularity assisted by the publication of the very first tour guide published in Britain, ‘Observations on the River Wye’ by William Gilpin. It invited a new type of travel, focusing on the appreciation of landscape. Poets, painters and writers came to be inspired and The Wye Valley became known as the birthplace of British tourism.
The route journeys from Hay-on-Wye in the west, through Brewardine, Byford, Hereford, Fownhope, Ross-on-Wye, Kerne Bridge and Symonds Yat. A new Guidebook for the Trail is available from local bookshops, Tourist Information Centres and other venues.
For more detailed information: www.wyevalleywalk.org
50th Anniversary: Guided Walks 2025
The Wye Valley Walk is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year and to mark this milestone, special guided walks are being run along the length of this much-loved route. With transport provided to the start of each section, all you need to do is pack a picnic and enjoy the views.
There will be lovely walks on the Herefordshire stages, ranging from 8 to 14.5 miles, each with a knowledgeable and interesting guide, see more information by clicking on thelinks below:
29 June: Hay to Bredwardine
13 July: Bredwardine to Hereford
30 August: Hereford to Fownhope
27 September: Fownhope to Ross-on-Wye
In Herefordshire, ramble through rolling fields, cider orchards and The Wye Valley National Landscape, with its outstanding natural beauty, dramatic limestone gorges, stunning viewpoints and romantic ruins
Day hikes on the Wye Valley Walk
Byford to Hereford, 9.75 miles (stage 10)
Make a base in Hereford, perhaps at the Green Dragon Hotel or at Castle House. In the morning, catch the 446 to Byford, which takes around 25 minutes. Peek into Byford Church to see the wall paintings uncovered in 1951, then set off. It starts with a very short section along the A438 and then a long stretch of fairly quiet road, which crosses the line of Offa's Dyke. The route follows a section of old Roman road past the site of Magna Castra, a Roman walled town, believed to be home of the local British Dobunni tribe group. Back on footpaths cross the A438 again to walk through orchards and fields to the pretty church at Breinton with its lychgate and links to Sir Edward Elgar.
After the church, the path hugs the riverbank. On the outskirts of Hereford, a track on the left leads to the Waterworks Museum. Soon after you will climb steps up to the old railway bridge to cross the Wye, continuing under the new road bridge to reach the 15th century Wye Bridge. Once in the city, take the chance to explore the iconic Hereford Cathedral and Museum of Cider.
Hereford to Fownhope, 6.75 miles (stage 11)
Stay at The Greenman, an award-winning pub with rooms, in the pretty village of Fownhope. Fuel up at breakfast and hop on the 453 bus towards Hereford. There's two options here, you can either start your day in the city with a look around Hereford Cathedral before following the riverside path through Bishops Meadow and along urban routes out of Hereford, following the flood plain to Hampton Bishop and a pub called the Bunch of Carrots. Alternatively, if you would prefer to avoid road walking, then get off the bus in Hampton bishop or Hampton Park for a shorter, but more rural walk.
The footpath tracks the river Lugg to Mordiford, before encountering a hilly stretch which skirts ancient woodland between Mordiford and Fownhope. Here you'll pass Bagpiper's Tump. During the English Civil War Scottish soldiers of the Parliamentarian army camped here and a bagpiper probably practiced on a small hill known as a 'tump'. After crossing the road just south of Nupend Farm, look out for a footpath on the right which leads you down to the village of Fownhope 750 yards (700m) away. Relax over a well-earned pint of local cider or ale!
Ross-on-Wye to Kerne Bridge, 10.5 miles (stage 13)
Ross-on-Wye is an historic market town with super accommodation along the river, such as the The Hope & Anchor, as well as up the hill in town, including The Royal and The Kings Head Hotel. Jump on the 35 or 24 bus service to Kerne Bridge and enjoy an excellent yomp back.
From the start at Kerne Bridge, you'll catch glimpses of imposing Goodrich Castle. The route takes you along a maze of tracks, paths and lanes around Leys Hill, including a section through the vineyard at Upper Wythall. The Wythall Estate opens their garden on selected dates during the year for vineyard tours and wine tastings. At Coughton you will pass The Wye Valley Farm Gate Shop which, depending on season, may be selling local rhubarb and asparagus.
It’s a mix of woodland and fields with a steady climb up to Chase Hill where you might just be able to make out some of the humps and bumps to your left which are the remains of and Iron Age hillfort. Emerging from Merrivale Wood there’s a lovely view as you descend into Ross-on-Wye with a stretch of urban walking taking you to The Prospect, with its viewpoint looking out over a swooping loop of the Wye and St Mary's Church.
Drop down to the Wye for a well-earned drink on the riverside, at the Hope & Anchor and Pavilion.
Quote
“The Wye Valley Walk passes through this beautiful part of the world which I am lucky enough to call home. Don’t rush the walk. The route often climbs away from the river providing a different perspective on the unfolding landscapes that are frequently, and sometimes literally, breathtaking. Remember to stop once in a while and take in your magnificent surroundings.”
Selected Walks
Wye Valley Walk Anniversary Walk 6: Hay to Bredwardine
This section of the Wye Valley Walk leaves Wales behind as we cross the border into England. It is a lovely mix of field walking and country lanes, passing through quiet hamlets and enjoying expansive views back into Wales and the Bannau Brycheiniog.
Wye Valley Walk Anniversary Walk 7: Bredwardine to Hereford
This section of the Wye Valley Walk starts at Bredwardine Church, where the 19th century nature writer and diarist Francis Kilvert was curate. Passing Brobury House and Gardens we follow lanes to Brobury Scar and the oddity of the Monnington Mile!
Wye Valley Walk Anniversary Walk 8: Hereford to Fownhope
Urban paths lead out of the city, passing Edward Elgar's home, picking up a path across the floodplain of the river Wye which takes us to Hampton Bishop and its church with an unusual black and white timbered belfry.
Wye Valley Walk Anniversary Walk 9: Fownhope to Ross-on-Wye
This section of the Wye Valley Walk starts with a lovely mix of ancient woodland and farmland, passing through Common Hill and Lea and Pagets Wood SSSI. A short climb with lovely views across rolling countryside.
