Discover 15 of the best short walks in the Wye Valley, carefully chosen to showcase the area’s peaceful riversides, ancient woodland, historic churches and Iron Age hillforts, all in under three hours. With no technical terrain and only short climbs, these routes are ideal for families, casual walkers and anyone looking for easy access to outstanding scenery.

• This guidebook focuses on easy to moderate routes between 4 and 9km that are generally short and straightforward, with gentle ascents and no challenging ground, making them suitable for children, older walkers and mixed-ability groups.
• Each of the 15 short walks includes clear, easy-to-read Ordnance Survey maps tied to numbered route descriptions, helping you follow each walk with confidence.
• From gentle strolls above the River Wye to exploring landmarks near Ross-on-Wye, Chase Wood, Sellack Boat, Capler Camp and Mordiford, these routes offer a relaxed and rewarding way to experience one of Britain’s most beautiful landscapes on foot.
• All details of your day out are covered, including parking, facilities and highlights along the route, plus a handy route summary table to help you choose the right walk.
• The walks can be enjoyed throughout the year, with each season bringing different colours and views, though you should be prepared for some mud after wet weather.

Part of Cicerone’s Short Walks series, this Wye Valley guidebook brings together everything you need for relaxed and enjoyable days outdoors: short, accessible routes, straightforward navigation, and plenty to discover along the way. Whether you are visiting for a weekend break or exploring close to home, it is an ideal companion for discovering the valley’s tranquil landscapes and historic charm on foot.

Using this guide
Route summary table
Map key
Introduction
Walking in the Wye valley
Special things to see
Bases and places to stay
Travel

The walks
1 Chase Wood from Ross-on-Wye
2 Ross-on-Wye and Wilton
3 Sellack Boat and Hoarwithy
4 Capler Camp
5 Mordiford and Joan’s Hill
6 Aconbury and Athelstan’s Wood
7 Breinton Orchards
8 Monnington Walk and Brobury Scar
9 Merbach Hill from Bredwardine
10 Brilley and Whitney Court
11 Rhydspence and Red Lane
12 Cusop Hill
13 The Begwns
14 Common Bychan and Rhos Fawr
15 Brechfa Pool

Useful information

Seasons

All the walks can be enjoyed year-round, with spring flowers and autumn colours among the attractions.

Centres

Hereford is the major urban centre within the area, while Ross-on-Wye and Hay-on-Wye also have a wide range of local services.

Difficulty

The walks follow good paths and tracks and are generally well signposted, so they should not present any difficulties for regular walkers.

Must See

The guide includes walks that run alongside or overlook the River Wye, offering fabulous panoramas from the low hills on either side of the valley. They follow ancient trackways and drove roads, and incorporate sections of long-distance paths such as Offa’s Dyke Path and the Wye Valley Walk. You'll also discover country churches, old villages, and important wildlife sites.

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