A mix of broad-leaf trees and conifers these former Royal
hunting grounds are now a haven for wildlife . In Autumn you may
see deer,
badgers, goshawks, peregrine and along the riverbanks wild
swans, kingfisher, otter and other river life.
The Wye Valley attracted the C18 Romantics, artists, painters
and writers who came to experience the picturesque setting.
Both Turner and Wordsworth came frequently to admire and
capture its beauty in
their work.
Your walk leads you to the top of the limestone cliff tops
carved out by with a wonderful outlook the across the
wide Severn Estuary,
to the romantic setting of Tintern Abbey, and through
more ancient woodlands and riverside paths to the old county
town of Monmouth,
birthplace of Henry V. Continuing along riverside path
and deep woodland you reach Symonds Yat, a spectacular length
of high rock, where Peregrines
nest,
with stunning views over the Herefordshire plain.
Off the beaten track you’ll also make surprising finds ~ vineyards,
waterfalls, the poignant country-house birthplace of Bertrand Russell,
the spot where Wordsworth composed his famous “Lines a few miles
above Tintern Abbey”, and many reminders of industrial heritage
that stretches back to Roman times.
And if the wonderful Autumn scenery isn’t enough to tempt you
out in countryside, then think about some of the pubs along your where
you can enjoy a lunchtime or end of day pint of locally brewed Wye
Valley Ale
