Throughout 2025 we will post a local walk of the month. This is following the success of the walk of the week posts over the Summer of 2024 that highlighted local walks to explore while staying at Reddings Retreat. The walk of the week all start and end at Reddings Retreat. Previous local walks of the month and week are listed below along with links to other local walks with starting points within 3 miles of Reddings Retreat. 

2025 Walk of the month 

January - Devils Pulpit hour round trip from Reddings Retreat - strenuous as hilly with steep steps.

Our Friday walk of the week:

 

Tintern - Chepstow - Route 17 of Wye Valley Walk

Grade: Easy to Moderate in places

Distance: 5.5 miles (9km) or circular 11 miles (18km).

Time: 3hr 30mins (circular 7hr)

Trail information: A walk to Chepstow to explore the Castle and Museum via the Picturesque Piercefield estate along Route 17 of the Wye Valley Walk.

Route:

To download the trail map and walking guide pdf here:

https://www.wyevalleywalk.org/route-sections/tintern-abbey-to-chepstow-castle

Follow the Wye Valley Walk footpath from Reddings Retreat towards Black Cliff in the direction of Chepstow (away from Tintern) & continuing along a wooded ridge to the Wyndcliff Woods. The highlight of this section is the  panoramic vista from the Eagle's Nest viewpoint, some 700ft (213m) above the Severn Estuary. This marks the highest point on the picturesque Piercefield estate. The descent is down 365 steps (one for each day of the year), crossing the A466 to the Lower Wyndcliff.

The route continues through Piercefield Park, a Grade I listed historic landscape created in the 18th century with a series of historic viewpoints and features including The Lover's Leap, The Giant's Cave, The Grotto and The Alcove, from where you can see your final destination - Chepstow Castle. Out of the woods the route follows urban roads downhill and through Castle Dell to the Tourist Information Centre adjacent to the town's medieval castle. Image: Chepstow Castle: Crown Copyright, Visit Wales.

Photo credits & walk map Chepstow Castle: Crown Copyright, Visit Wales.

 

Tintern’s hidden treasure:

Hanes Cudd Tyndyrn

An 12 mike walk with a mix of green lanes, forestry tracks & tarmac roads visiting a Tintern’s hidden heritage.

Grade: strenuous

Distance: 12 miles

Time: 6 hours

Trail information: starts at Reddings Retreat and joins Tintern’s hidden treasure at Marker 18 Abbey Mills water wheel and loops back to Marker 18 the along the Wye Valley Walk back to Reddings Retreat.

Route:

To download the trail map and walking guide pdf here: https://www.wyevalley-nl.org.uk/download/1258/?tmstv=1722548778

Follow the Wye Valley Walk footpath from Reddings Retreat down towards Tintern Abbey through the woods head in to Tintern until reach Abbey Mill on the right side of the road. Follow the trail map from marker 18 to 16, then the loop 15 to 10, 10 to 1, 25 to 18 then walk back along the pavement towards Tintern Abbey from Abbey Mill and follow to Wye Valley Walk back up through the woods to  Reddings Retreat.

 

Photo credits & walk map produced by the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) unit as part of the Overlooking the Wye scheme.

Tintern to Penterry Circular

 

STARING POINT DESCRIPTION

Grade: Easy with steep steps through woods

Distance: 4.97m 8km

Time: 2 to 3 hours

Trail information:

This circular walk will take 2 hours without stops and you will see a church dating from 995AD, an Abbey and a medieval village wiped out by the Black Death.

 

Route:

To download the trail map and walking guide pdf here: https://www.wyevalley-nl.org.uk/download/1273/?tmstv=1720683812

 

Follow the Wye Valley Walk footpath from Reddings Retreat down through the woods towards Tintern Abbey to join the trial at point 4. Follow the route along Tintern, Penterry Farm, continue along route to Penterry Church. From the church head to Gaer Hill and back towards Reddings Retreat vai Porthcasseg Farm, through Blackcliff woods to Reddings Fram and back to Reddings Retreat.

Photo credits Chepstow walkers welcome, Carla@pexel & walk map produced by the adventa

Reddings Retreat Friday’s walk of the week -

Reddings Retreat - Tintern Station -Brockweir  loop

Join the Wye Valley Walk at Reddings Retreat down in to Tintern and walk alongside the River Wye before crossing over it in to England and returning back via woodland and back into Wales over the wireworks bridge.

Grade: Easy to slightly moderate

Distance: 3.5 miles

Time: 2.5 hours

Trail information: Mostly flat with a few stiles and steps. Two gradual climbs & a steep, slightly rocky descent. Walking boots advisable.

Route:

To download the trail map and walking guide on Go jaunty: https://walks.gojauntly.com/walks/tintern-old-station-circular-walk-11315833115448381931

Follow the Wye Valley Walk footpath from Reddings Retreat through the woods down in to Tintern (red route on photo).

Continue in to Tintern to join the orange route at marker 29 walk past the playing fields and Abbey Mill (marker 30), pass Tintern Garage.

Just before the left turn to Catbrook, turn right down a road signposted to St Michael’s Church. Walk right of the church and pick up the riverside path beyond, crossing a series of footbridges. Turn left to the Old Station.

Walk along the pathway (in the direction away from Tintern Abbey) walk past the old signal station and on past the play area (marker 2) at old railway track walk up the steps (marker 7) on to Brockweir Bridge (take care as no pavement on the bridge). Turn right and cross the bridge and follow the main village street and keep walking until just after the Brockweir Inn, turn right (marker 11), passing the historic Malt House on your left. Shortly afterwards, turn right on a narrow metalled path that winds between houses and gardens to pass the white-painted Moravian Church (marker 13). Cross a stile into fields and follow the riverbank. Shortly before the end of the field, follow the path left, away from the river, to a stile into a bridleway (marker 21). Turn right and follow the track as it climbs gradually through the trees. At a junction with a low wall to the right, go straight on, downhill (marker 24). When this steep path meets the former tramway, turn right (marker 26), then bear left to the Wireworks Bridge (marker 28) cross over it back into Wales. Walk out to the main road, turn left, and retrace your steps back to Reddings Retreat along the Wye Valley Walk (red route on trail map photo).

 

If not starting at Reddings Retreat park at Old Tintern Station and follow the orange route from marker 1 to 45z

Photo credits Go Jaunty & walk route adapted from walk on the door.

Reddings Retreat Friday’s walk of the week -

Wye Valley Walk to Wyndcliff Wood walk, includes Eagle’s Nest & Picturesque Piercefield veiwpoints

The route starts by joining the Wye Vally Walk (in section 17) at Reddings Retreat crossing towards Black Clift heading in the direction of Chepstow and is a loop back to Reddings  Retreat from Lower Wyndcliff.

Or can continue along the Wye Valley Walk to Chepstow* - see Circular route options via Chepstow Options: allow 7 hours & around 10 miles depending on route taken back from Chepstow to Reddings Retreat.

 

Grade: Medium to difficult 

Distance: 3 miles

Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Trail information: 

Route:
This is a circular walking trail which you can follow in a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction to the viewpoint depending on whether you would rather go up or down the 365 Steps. There are picnic benches in the car park.

To download the trail map and walking guide pdf here: https://naturalresources.wales/days-out/places-to-visit/south-east-wales/wyndcliff-wood/?lang=en

From Reddings Retreat join the Wye Valley Walk crossing the field to Black Cliff, continue along the wooded ridge to the Wyndcliff Woods. There is a waymarked walking trail from Lower Wyndcliff car park to the viewpoint through the woodland of beech trees and huge yew. Wyndcliff Wood is home to one of the best viewpoints in the Wye Valley known as the Eagle's Nest. This famous panoramic vista from the Eagle's Nest viewpoint, is some 700ft (213m) above the Severn Estuary. This marks the highest point on the picturesque Piercefield estate. The descent is down 365 steps (one for each day of the year), crossing the A466 to the Lower Wyndcliff. viewpoint looks across the bend in the river Wye towards the Severn bridges and estuary and, on a clear day, the Cotswold and Mendip hills.

Then follow the route in reserve to return to Reddings Retreat or continue along the Wye Valley Walk* to Chepstow and follow the Chepstow - Wye Valley Greenway - Tintern route back to Reddings Retreat or retrace the Wye Valley Walk back to Reddings Retreat.

 

Circular route options via Chepstow:

Alternatively, can follow the Wye Valley Walk to Chepstow and to continue on to Chepstow and follow the Chepstow - Wye Valley Greenway - Tintern route back to Reddings Retreat or retrace the Wye Valley Walk route back to Reddings Retreat from Chepstow, either route would be a circular walk of under 7 hours and around 10 miles depending on the walking route you decide to take (Wye valley Walk or Chepstow - Wye Valley Greenway - Tintern route) back to Reddings Retreat. The Wye Valley Walk to Chepstow, from Lower Wyndcliff continues through Piercefield Park, a Grade I listed historic landscape created in the 18th century with a series of historic viewpoints and features including The Lover's Leap, The Giant's Cave, The Grotto and The Alcove, from where you can see your final destination - Chepstow Castle. Out of the woods the route follows urban roads downhill and through Castle Dell to the Tourist Information Centre adjacent to the town's medieval castle. At this point you can then either return from Chepstow to Tintern via the Wye Valley Walk or Chepstow - Wye Valley Greenway - Tintern route.

* Landslip at Pierecfield estate July 2024 check @wyevalleywalkofficial for update & division route details. 

Previous Friday's walks of the week:

Reddings Retreat Friday’s walk of the week -

Tintern - Wye Valley Greenway - Chepstow circular walk

 

STARING POINT DESCRIPTION

Grade: Moderate

Distance: 13 miles

Time: allow 6 hour or longer if stopping for lunch & breaks

Trail information: Circular walk along varied terrain including uneven and or steep country woodland footpaths, old railway line, town footpaths and country lanes. Walking boots advisable especially if has rained recently.

The Tideham tunnel is closed at night and from October to March 31st so follow alternate route during these times - see route map.

 

There are outstanding views and interesting history on this 12.5 circular walk, which links the Wye Valley Greenway path from Sedbury to Tintern, with the Wye Valley Walk between Tintern and Chepstow. Features along the way include Chepstow Castle, the old Chepstow Town Bridge, the 1km long Tidenham Tunnel, Tintern Abbey, an Iron Age hill fort site, the Eagle’s Nest View Point and 365 Steps.

 

Route:

To download the trail map and walking guide pdf here: https://www.wyevalleyaonb.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Chepstow-Wye-Valley-Greenway-Tintern-Circular-Walk-Wye-Valley-AONB-FINAL-Small.pdf

 

Follow the Wye Valley Walk footpath from Reddings Retreat down towards Tintern Abbey to join the trail between marker 12 & 13. The walk starts and ends between markers 12 & 13 instead of marker 1. Follow the markers from 13 to 23 then 1 to 12.

If not starting at Reddings Retreat then park at Chepstow leisure centre free carpark (Grid Ref: ST 528 945 Postcode: NP16 5LR) and follow the markers from 1 to 32.

 

Photo credits & walk map produced by the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) unit as part of the Overlooking the Wye scheme.

 

More local walk can be found on our website: Local walks | Reddings Retreat Tintern

 

We would love to see photos on social media from you if, have walked this trail - share using #reddings_retreat_tintern and #wyevalleyaonb.

 

 

The Angidy Trail

The route from Reddings Retreat combines part of the Wye Valley Walk with the Angidy Trail and takes around three and a quarter hours to complete and is a 5.25 mile circular route. 

From Reddings Retreat follow the Wye Valley walk footpath for 10 mintinte towards Tintern to join the Andidy Trail at way marker 16.  Then follow the Angidy Trail circular trail to discover Tintern’s hidden industry – the furnace, forge and wireworks, the workers’ cottages, limekilns, tidal dock and church where generations of metal workers were baptised, married and buried.

Angidy Trail

Grade: Easy to medium 

Distance: 5 1/4 miles / 8 1/2 kilometres 

Time: 3 hours 15 minutes circular walk

Trail information: Circular walk mainly level with stoney sections and inclines. The Angidy Trail is a circular walk into the Angidy Valley from Reddings Retreat.

Route: Download the trail map and walking guide pdf here: https://www.visitdeanwye.co.uk/dbimgs/The%20Angidy%20Trail%20PDF.pdf

Follow the Wye Valley Walk footpath from Reddings Retreat to join the Angidy Trail at way marker number 16 (Limekilns). The Angidy Trail will start and end at way marker number 16, instead of way marker 1. Follow the trail from way marker from 16 to 22 and then way marker 1 to 16. If not starting from Reddings Retreat then park at Lower Wireworks car park (2 Firgrove, Tintern, Wales NP16 6TQ /
OS OL Map 14 Grid reference: 526002). The carpark is free & open 24/7. From the carpark follow the Angidy Trail from way marker 1.

Photo credits: Ruin: St Mary’s Church, Tintern: Andrew George, South Wales Argus Camera Club; Angidy Valley Waterfall: Ian Agland, & wall plaque & walk map produced by the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) unit as part of the Overlooking the Wye scheme.
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ReddingsRetreatTintern/

Whitestone Walk 

Friday’s walk of the week - Wonders of Whitestone
5 minute drive from Reddings Retreat has free parking, play area & picnic area.

Grade: Easy
Distance: 1¼ miles/2 kilometres
Time: 1¼ hours
Trail information: This is a mainly level route with one stony section. There is a bench at each viewpoint.
The Wonders of Whitestone walking trail takes in three viewpoints over the Wye Valley.

This circular trail returns through an attractive mix of woodlands.

How to get here

Whitestone is 10 miles north of Chepstow.

Postcode

The postcode is NP25 4PN.

Please note that this postcode may not take you to the car park if you use a sat nav or navigation app.

We suggest you follow the directions below or use the Google map on this page which has a pin on the car park’s location.

Directions

Follow the A466 from Chepstow towards Tintern.

Follow signs for Catbrook at the junction adjacent to the Wye Valley Hotel in Tintern.

After 1½ miles, you reach a junction and the lower car park is opposite.

The larger upper car park is through the barrier and along the forest road.

More details: https://naturalresources.wales/days-out/places-to-visit/south-east-wales/whitestone/?lang=en#
Photo source: website & @emily_peacey

Tintern and the Devil's Pulpit Circular

Head out on this 8.7-km circular trail near Chepstow, Monmouthshire. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 35 min to complete. This is a popular trail for hiking, running, and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are April through September. 

Route: circular walk from The Anchor Inn in Tintern following the river towards Chepstow on North bank then climbing up well defined paths to reach Offas dike path then return via Devil's Pulpit and then down slippery stones to river returning to Tintern. The view of Tintern Abbey is well worth the effort. A moderate route with some challenges along the way. This is a wonderfully scenic route, which, however, can get rather muddy in places, which can make it more of a challenge on the inclines, so appropriate footwear is highly recommended. Enjoy reconnecting with nature!

More details:Trail map & route description