In conversation with Mike Dunn: 15 Short Walks in the Wye Valley

Hi Mike! You describe the River Wye as one of the most beautiful rivers in England and Wales. What makes it such a special landscape to explore on foot?

There's a huge diversity of landscapes in a really compact area, with the tree-lined river, cider apple orchards, a succession of picturesque villages, and a host of historic features, including Iron Age hillforts, Norman border castles, and stunning medieval churches. The lush farmland of central Herefordshire contrasts vividly with the upland pastures and common land further upriver, and the excellent path network makes it easy for walkers to explore.

This guide focuses on the middle section of the Wye Valley. What makes this stretch such a rewarding area for short walks?

The middle reaches capture the essence of the whole valley, with an intoxicating blend of scenic delights, including upland commons beneath towering mountains upstream from Hay-on-Wye, in stark contrast to the red soils characteristic of the fertile farmland bordering the meandering lowland river south of Hereford.

How did you go about choosing just 15 walks from such a varied landscape? What were you looking for in each route?

I've tried to include a wide variety of walks, from gentle riverside strolls to more challenging routes along drove roads and hillside paths, so that all the elements that contribute to the area's unique character are represented in the book. There's a wide choice of fabulous routes through stunning scenery, with the added bonus of vibrant riverside communities and spectacular wildlife to savour along the way.

The Wye Valley is known for its river scenery, woodlands and historic landmarks. Which landscapes or features surprised you most while researching this book?

It's very often the smaller, intimate landscapes and historic features which surprise and excite. There are lots of examples in such a rich area, but some which stood out for me were the musty, gas-lit church at Monnington, the amazing sculptures by Walenty Pytel along the riverside at Ross-on-Wye, the weirdness of Garstone the dragon-slayer in his barrel near Mordiford, and an unexpected Gruffalo in Cusop Dingle near Hay-on-Wye.

Was there one walk in the guide that really captures the essence of the Wye Valley for you?

It's really difficult to choose just one, but it's hard to beat the short walk from Brockhampton to Capler Camp, which in only three miles includes a scenic stroll down a dry valley, a renowned viewpoint above the River Wye, a dramatic Iron Age hillfort and a stunning Arts and Crafts church.

Several routes connect with well-known long-distance trails, including Offa's Dyke Path, the Wye Valley Walk and the Herefordshire Trail. How do these shorter walks offer a different way to experience the region?

These shorter walks offer the opportunity to experience the delights of walking in the Welsh borderlands while sampling some of the best sections of the longer trails, including the Red Lane drove road on Offa's Dyke Path, the Wye Valley Walk as it traverses the delightful and historic Monnington Walk, and the Herefordshire Trail from King's Caple to the iconic pedestrian suspension bridge at Sellack Boat.

Do you have a favourite season for walking in the Wye Valley, and how does the landscape change through the year?

There's great walking available all year round, from crisp winter walks along the river at Ross-on-Wye, to spring and summer strolls through flower-laden woodlands (the anemones of Athelstan's Wood are especially attractive) and autumn excursions through fruit-laden apple orchards at Breinton and Bredwardine. I'm particularly fond of the commons of Rhos Fawr and the Begwns in summer, with vibrant birdsong from yellowhammers, redstarts and skylarks entertaining walkers.

For someone opening this guidebook before their first visit, what do you hope they'll take away from exploring the Wye Valley on foot?

I'd like to think that the guidebook instils a sense of confidence in walkers of all ages and abilities by showing them that they can confidently tackle the walks in the book and, just as importantly, derive real satisfaction from completing them and real pleasure from time spent in glorious surroundings. The walks are generally well signposted and easy to follow; the terrain isn't challenging, and there are some fabulous routes.