Celebrating 50 years of the Wye Valley Walk

It is more than 50 years since the idea of creating a long distance walk following the river Wye was mooted. In 1975 the first 14 mile section of the Wye Valley Walk opened between St Arvans and Monmouth. Over the years stretches were added to reach Chepstow, Ross-on-Wye, Hereford, Hay-on-Wye and Rhayader. The final section was completed in 2002, taking the path within viewing distance of the source of the Wye on Plynlimon, with the walk finishing at Rhyd-y-benwch in Hafren Forest. This was made possible with the support and enthusiasm of the four local authorities through which the Walk passes – Monmouthshire, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Powys – who came together to form the Wye Valley Walk Partnership, with the Wye Valley National Landscape taking on the role of lead partner.  Over the last 50 years thousands of people have come from all over the UK, and around the world, to complete the Walk and proudly claim their badge and certificate.