Wye Valley & Herefordshire Loop

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The route · 7 stops

1
Hereford
2 nights
The route's gateway and base for two nights. Hereford Cathedral holds the Mappa Mundi, drawn on calf skin around 1300 with Jerusalem at its centre, alongside a Chained Library of 1,500 books still secured to the shelves. The Old House on High Town is a 1621 Jacobean timber-framed museum. The Cider Museum tells the county's most distinctive story.
The route's gateway and base for two nights. Hereford Cathedral holds the Mappa Mundi, drawn on calf skin around 1300 with Jerusalem at its centre, alongside a Chained Library of 1,500 books still secured to the shelves. The Old House on High Town is a 1621 Jacobean timber-framed museum. The Cider Museum tells the county's most distinctive story.
Cathedral entry is free; book a Mappa Mundi viewing slot online in summer. The Old House is free to visit. Hereford station is 10 minutes' walk from the Cathedral and the Cider Museum.
2
Ross-on-Wye
1 night20m · 24 km from previous
A compact market town above a bend in the River Wye. The red sandstone Market House (1650) anchors the main square; St Mary's Church spire and the Plague Cross of 1637 stand in the churchyard. Canoe hire from the riverside is available. Goodrich Castle, 5km south, is one of England's best-preserved Norman fortresses and worth an afternoon.
A compact market town above a bend in the River Wye. The red sandstone Market House (1650) anchors the main square; St Mary's Church spire and the Plague Cross of 1637 stand in the churchyard. Canoe hire from the riverside is available. Goodrich Castle, 5km south, is one of England's best-preserved Norman fortresses and worth an afternoon.
Thursday and Saturday are market days. Canoe hire firms on the Wye book online; the 12km paddle from Ross to Symonds Yat takes about 3 hours and is suitable for beginners.
3
Symonds Yat Rock
1 night10m · 12 km from previous
The route's most dramatic viewpoint. The River Wye bends in a 4-mile horseshoe 90 metres below the limestone cliff. RSPB volunteers with telescopes help visitors spot nesting peregrine falcons in spring and summer. Forest of Dean walking trails begin from the same car park.
The route's most dramatic viewpoint. The River Wye bends in a 4-mile horseshoe 90 metres below the limestone cliff. RSPB volunteers with telescopes help visitors spot nesting peregrine falcons in spring and summer. Forest of Dean walking trails begin from the same car park.
Arrive before 10am in summer to secure parking. Cash or RingGo app needed; mobile signal is weak. The hand-pulled chain ferry to the Saracen's Head Inn operates in summer months.
4
Monmouth
1 night6m · 7 km from previous
Henry V was born here in 1387. Monmouth Castle is now a roofless ruin beside the town museum; entry is free. Monnow Bridge, with its fortified 13th-century gatehouse, is the only remaining example of a fortified river bridge in Britain. The town has good independent dining along Agincourt Street.
Henry V was born here in 1387. Monmouth Castle is now a roofless ruin beside the town museum; entry is free. Monnow Bridge, with its fortified 13th-century gatehouse, is the only remaining example of a fortified river bridge in Britain. The town has good independent dining along Agincourt Street.
Monmouth Castle and Monnow Bridge are both free to visit. The Monmouth Show in August fills the town; book accommodation well ahead if visiting then.
5
Tintern
1 night15m · 18 km from previous
Tintern Abbey was founded by Cistercian monks in 1131 and dissolved in 1536. The Gothic arches of the church still stand close to their original height in a bend of the River Wye. Wordsworth visited in 1798 and wrote the poem that brought the valley to national attention. Managed by Cadw; entry around £8.
Tintern Abbey was founded by Cistercian monks in 1131 and dissolved in 1536. The Gothic arches of the church still stand close to their original height in a bend of the River Wye. Wordsworth visited in 1798 and wrote the poem that brought the valley to national attention. Managed by Cadw; entry around £8.
Entry via Cadw; free for members, around £8 adults at the gate. The Devil's Pulpit viewpoint above the valley is a 45-minute walk from the Old Station car park.
6
Hay-on-Wye
2 nights57m · 68 km from previous
The book capital of the world has more than 30 independent bookshops in a small Welsh market town on the edge of the Brecon Beacons. Richard Booth's Bookshop occupies a former cinema. The Hay Festival (late May) attracts speakers from Nobel laureates to former heads of state. Two nights gives time for the Black Mountains.
The book capital of the world has more than 30 independent bookshops in a small Welsh market town on the edge of the Brecon Beacons. Richard Booth's Bookshop occupies a former cinema. The Hay Festival (late May) attracts speakers from Nobel laureates to former heads of state. Two nights gives time for the Black Mountains.
Most bookshops close Sundays and some Mondays. The Hay Festival fills accommodation for 30km; book months ahead or avoid late May. The Gospel Pass (B4423) is spectacular in clear weather.
7
Hereford
30m · 36 km from previous
The A438 east from Hay-on-Wye returns to Hereford in under 45 minutes. The Hereford Cider Museum on Ryelands Street makes a good final stop before leaving. Hereford station has direct trains to London Paddington and Cardiff Central.
The A438 east from Hay-on-Wye returns to Hereford in under 45 minutes. The Hereford Cider Museum on Ryelands Street makes a good final stop before leaving. Hereford station has direct trains to London Paddington and Cardiff Central.
Hereford station has direct trains to London Paddington (2.5 hrs) and Cardiff. Return hire cars at the station or at Hereford Airport, 5km northeast.

Route highlights

Viewpoint
Symonds Yat Rock Viewpoint
One of England's finest views: the River Wye looping 90 metres below through dense oak woodland, with Goodrich Castle visible in the middle distance. RSPB volunteers with telescopes help visitors spot peregrine falcons nesting on the cliff face in spring and summer.
Culture
Tintern Abbey
The most atmospheric medieval ruin in Wales. Founded by Cistercians in 1131, the Gothic arches of the church still stand almost to full height in a bend of the River Wye. Wordsworth's 1798 poem and Turner's paintings made the abbey the defining image of the English Romantic movement.
Culture
Hay-on-Wye Book Town
With over 30 independent bookshops stocking more than a million secondhand books, Hay-on-Wye is unique in Britain. Richard Booth's Bookshop occupies a former cinema. The Hay Festival in late May is one of the world's leading literary gatherings.
Culture
Mappa Mundi, Hereford Cathedral
The largest surviving medieval map of the world, drawn on calf skin around 1300 with Jerusalem at its centre. Displayed in Hereford Cathedral alongside the world's largest surviving chained library. Both are included in the Cathedral entry; booking recommended in summer.
Activity
Wye Valley Canoe Trail
The River Wye from Ross-on-Wye to Tintern is one of Britain's most popular canoe routes: 50km through the gorge with no weirs and campsites at intervals. Day sections from Ross to Symonds Yat are available through local hire firms without prior experience.
Viewpoint
Monnow Bridge, Monmouth
The only surviving fortified river bridge in Britain, with a 13th-century stone gatehouse tower at its centre. The bridge still carries road traffic over the River Monnow after 750 years. It is a 5-minute walk from the town square.
Scenic Drive
Gospel Pass, Black Mountains
The B4423 from Hay-on-Wye is one of the highest road passes in Wales, climbing through open moorland before descending into the Vale of Ewyas. On clear days the panorama over Hay and the Brecon Beacons is exceptional. Best in spring and autumn.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Wye Valley & Herefordshire Loop route?

This route takes 9 days taking in 7 stops.

Where does this route start and end?

The route runs from Hereford to Hereford in Herefordshire, England.

When is the best time to travel this route?

The best time to travel this route is April to October.

How active is this route?

Activity level: Easy-going. Easy-going and accessible for most fitness levels.

What transport do I need for this route?

A car is the primary way to get around on this route.

What budget do I need for this route?

Mid-range spending — expect comfortable accommodation and a mix of dining options.

What type of accommodation suits this route?

Mixed accommodation works well along this route.

What is the pace of this trip?

Relaxed — plenty of time to linger at each stop.

What type of trip is this?

This route is well-suited to: Scenic, Culture, Nature, Classic road trip, Food & drink.

Are there any practical tips for this route?

Cathedral entry is free; book a Mappa Mundi viewing slot online in summer. The Old House is free to visit. Hereford station is 10 minutes' walk from the Cathedral and the Cider Museum. Thursday and Saturday are market days. Canoe hire firms on the Wye book online; the 12km paddle from Ross to Symonds Yat takes about 3 hours and is suitable for beginners. Arrive before 10am in summer to secure parking. Cash or RingGo app needed; mobile signal is weak. The hand-pulled chain ferry to the Saracen's Head Inn operates in summer months. Monmouth Castle and Monnow Bridge are both free to visit. The Monmouth Show in August fills the town; book accommodation well ahead if visiting then. Entry via Cadw; free for members, around £8 adults at the gate. The Devil's Pulpit viewpoint above the valley is a 45-minute walk from the Old Station car park. Most bookshops close Sundays and some Mondays. The Hay Festival fills accommodation for 30km; book months ahead or avoid late May. The Gospel Pass (B4423) is spectacular in clear weather. Hereford station has direct trains to London Paddington (2.5 hrs) and Cardiff. Return hire cars at the station or at Hereford Airport, 5km northeast.

Wye Valley & Herefordshire Loop

The route · 7 stops

Hereford

Ross-on-Wye

Symonds Yat Rock

Monmouth

Tintern

Hay-on-Wye

Hereford

Route highlights

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Wye Valley & Herefordshire Loop

The route · 7 stops

Hereford

Ross-on-Wye

Symonds Yat Rock

Monmouth

Tintern

Hay-on-Wye

Hereford

Route highlights

Photos & videos · 0

No photos yet

Frequently asked questions

Ratings & reviews

Comments · 0

No comments yet

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