Local walks

The Angidy Trail Circular

Grade: Easy to medium | Distance: 8.5 km (5.25 mi) circular | Time: ~3 h 15 min Start Point: Reddings Retreat, Tintern

Overview: This gently rolling circuit combines the Wye Valley Walk with Tintern’s hidden industrial past. You’ll set off riverside from Reddings Retreat to way marker 16, then loop through limekilns, wireworks, tidal docks and St Mary’s Church before returning along the riverbank. Perfect for families, history buffs and anyone craving a mix of woodland peace and valley views.

🌟 Route Highlights

  • Discover the 18th-century limekilns and workers’ cottages

  • Explore the restored tidal dock and riverside towpath

  • Visit St Mary’s Church, where generations of metalworkers baptised and married

  • Meander through wooded glades and gentle stone-track inclines

  • 🌟 Seasonal Walk of Autumn 

🗺️ Route Stages

Riverside Outbound • From Reddings Retreat follow the Wye Valley Walk to way marker 16 (Limekilns) • Riverside path past glades and old river pinnacles • Approx. 1.5 km | 10 min

Industry Lane • From marker 16, follow the Angidy Trail through furnace, forge and wireworks sites to workers’ cottages and limekilns • Uneven stone track with gentle ups and downs • Approx. 2.0 km | 30 min

Tidal Dock & Church • Continue past the tidal dock to St Mary’s Church, framed by riverside willows • Flat towpath ideal for wildlife spotting • Approx. 1.0 km | 15 min

Heritage Loop • Turn inland at way marker 22 and follow wall-plaque-lined paths through wooded valleys • Scattered benches for rest and interpretation boards • Approx. 1.5 km | 25 min

Return Riverbank • Re-join the riverbank at marker 1, pass Tintern Parish Church and follow the Wye Valley Walk back to Reddings Retreat • Easy riverside stroll with valley reflections • Approx. 2.5 km | 1 h 15 min

Guest Tip: The trail is mainly level, but stone sections can be uneven—sturdy boots will keep you comfortable. April–September offers wildflowers and longer daylight, but autumn colours and winter’s hush are equally enchanting.

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