Description: You can’t get any higher than this! Walk to the highest point in Monmouthshire. A fairly energetic walk in the Black Mountains. Starting at Llanthony Priory we will head steeply up along the Beacons Way to the Bal-Mawr ridge and then on up to Chwarel y Fan the highest point in Monmouthshire. After hopefully admiring the magnificent views we descend, past the old Monastery to Capel-y-ffin and then return south enjoying the views along the slopes of the Llanthony Valley.
Terrain: Serious slopes and steep descents. Several stiles.
For your rucksack: A packed lunch and of course a camera for those magnificent views!
Time to walk: Approx 4.5 hours (plus time for lunch stop)
Description: Explore a section of the Usk Valley Walk, passing the secluded church of Bettws Newydd, wander through Coed y Bwnydd Iron Age Hill Fort and glimpsing Clytha Castle Folly. After a lunch stop we walk around the Clytha Estate passing Clytha House, Chapel Farm and Cappel Aeden, the site of an ancient chapel.
Description: A delightful circular walk starting in Monmouth, following Offa’s Dyke Path to Redbrook via the Kymin. We then go on and over Penallt passing through Livox wood with a return to Monmouth via Troy Farm. Two steep ascents, the first from Monmouth to the top of the Kymin, the second from Redbrook to quaint Penallt church. Well worth the climb, the extensive views from the Kymin cover the Brecon Beacons, the Black Mountains and the Monmouthshire peaks of Sugar Loaf, Skirrid and Blorenge.
Start & finish point: The walk will start at Drybridge House (NP25 5AS) and finish at The Shire Hall (NP25 3DY).
Distance: Approx 4 miles
Time to walk: Approx 2 hours
Description: Enjoying a 2,000 year walk into Monmouth’s past, we leave
Drybridge House passing St.Thomas’s Church, through the archway of Monnow Bridge on our way to the site of Monmouth County Gaol. We go onto Monmouth Quay on the banks of the River Wye before visiting The Nelson Garden (which will be opened specially). Retracing our steps we will finish our walk at The Shire Hall, where we will be treated to a guided tour of this unique historic building.
Terrain: Town Walk.
For your rucksack: Some loose change as there are plenty of opportunities to take refreshments at the many pubs, cafes and restaurants in the town.
Description: Step into the view and explore the landscape enjoyed by Victorians and New Elizabethans alike from their houses in the gentle hills south of Monmouth. From Victorian Caer Llan, we have a guided tour of the Arts and Crafts garden at High Glanau and then explore the valley of the Carfan Brook down to the pretty 13th century church. The walk returns via Craig y Dorth with outstanding views to the Brecon Beacons and overlooking Monmouth. We end our walk with tea on the terrace of Caer Llan admiring the landscape we have just walked through.
Terrain: One long ascent and descent. Many stiles.
For your rucksack: A packed lunch. Tea and cakes will be served at Caer Llan at the end of the walk. A camera and binoculars for the superb views.
Description: A circular walk along quiet paths in the Black Mountains – setting for the book ‘Resistance’ written by local author Owen Sheers. The film of the book was recorded in and around the area. We will be visiting the beautiful church at Cwmyoy with its leaning tower, the Darren cliffs, a commemorative stone and an ancient hill fort passing old farms on the way. We should have great views of the hills around Abergavenny, the Black Mountains and Llanthony valley. (Please note there are no toilets on this walk.)
Terrain: A moderate walk with one steep slope, several stiles, some rough ground and possible muddy paths. Short stretches of lane and minor road walking.
For your rucksack: £1 for parking. A packed lunch. (Food will be available after the walk at a real country pub. Please advise at time of booking this walk if you wish to eat).
Start & finish point: Car park in front of Caldicot Castle (ST486884). Postcode NP26 4HW.
Distance: Approx 11 miles
Time to walk: Approx 6 hours
Description: Starting in the grounds of Caldicot Castle we will head north following the old stream that once took boats up to the Roman town of Caerwent. Then on to the once notorious and now deserted village of Runston, north through St.Pierre’s Great Woods then past Monmouthshire’s last corn mill to the St Pierre Golf resort with its ancient manor house and church. Here we join the Wales Coastal Path passing historic Black Rock with its salmon fishery and then to Sudbrook built to construct the Severn Tunnel, and then back, passing an iron age fort and the Second Severn Crossing.
Terrain: Two short moderate climbs and several stiles.
For your rucksack: A packed lunch or alternatively money to buy snacks and drinks.
Description: Starting at the National Diving and Activity Centre we pick up the Gloucestershire Way and then Offa’s Dyke path as we follow the course of the Lower Wye valley. Diverting via the Lancaut Circular walk we enjoy the woods below the impressive limestone cliffs, an area protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). After we reach the chapel of St. James, we return along the Offa’s Dyke path to once again pick up the Gloucestershire Way and return to the diving centre.
Deep Trouble is a crime fiction novel set in a scuba diving club based in the Forest of Dean and the story starts in the National Diving and Activity Centre near Chepstow. It is unusual in that the crime scene is at the bottom of the sea on a wrecked submarine. There are a number of murderous motives including an illicit love affair, an inheritance and suspects include an irascible drinker and a manipulative philanderer. Sue Rawle is a diver herself but the story is entirely fictional as all her diving buddies in Forest Pirates are lovely people! Sue used to be the Overlooking the Wye Scheme Manager so the walk will also mention a couple of the sites which benefited from conservation works recently.
Sue Rawle will sign copies of her book “Deep Trouble” at the end of the walk. Alternatively for the intrepid why not try the longest zip wire in country which operates at the diving centre!
Terrain: One steep descent and ascent. One central section crosses loose boulder scree near the shore, not safe for small children or the unfit.
For your rucksack: A packed lunch or alternatively there is a cafe onsite at the diving centre.
