• Wyndcliff Wood & Eagle’s Nest Viewpoint (4.8 km / 3 mi)

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.