Monmouth to Ross on Wye

Monmouth to Ross-on-Wye

Distance: 17-18 miles (27-29km). High point: 196m (647ft) Chase Wood.

Starting in open fields this is an almost entirely level stretch of riverside walking following the meanders of the Wye and passing under the spectacular limestone cliffs and woodlands of the upper Wye gorge. The walk passes through busy Symonds Yat with its riverside pubs, boat trips and canoeists. Then, at just over half way to Ross, there’s an abrupt change of pace, the path climbing through steeply wooded hills and narrow valleys around Leys Hill and Howle Hill, before dropping into Ross from the heights of Chase Hill.

Lydbrook Bridge Closure and Diversion 2017

 The published route of the Wye Valley Walk is closed where the path crosses the river at Lydbrook Rail Bridge (National Grid Ref: SO 587 176) due to the unsafe condition of this former railway bridge.

As a consequence,:-

If walking upstream: walkers are advised to leave the Wye Valley Walk just east of Huntsham Hill (NGR 567 168) and follow the riverside footpath downstream to Huntsham Bridge (NGR 567 182), cross the Wye using this narrow road bridge and then, turning right, follow the riverside footpath upstream all the way to re-join the Wye Valley Walk at Lydbrook Bridge.

It is possible to remain on the south side of the river from Huntsham Hill and follow the Wye Valley Walk to the village of Lydbrook but as you cannot cross the river at Lydbrook the options between that point and Kerne Bridge necessitate walking along sections of the busy B4234 with no pavement.

If walking downstream: remain on the same side of the river at Welsh Bicknor (NGR 587 177) until reaching Huntsham Bridge (NGR 568 182), cross the river on this narrow road bridge and take the footpath on the left to walk upstream to re-join the Wye Valley Walk just east of Huntsham Hill (NGR 567 168)

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.