Self-guided holidays : Self-guided short break walking holidays : Rural retreats
Wye Valley & Forest of Dean
Border country has always held a fascination, especially the border between England and Wales. The river Wye has formed a natural boundary between the two countries for many centuries. The Wye Valley not only has a rich history but also fantastic scenery which prompted the poet William Wordsworth to write “O sylvan Wye! thou wanderer thro' the woods”. In 1971 the Wye became the first river in Britain to be designated as an 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty' for its entire 72 mile length. Because of its importance as a wildlife habitat the river is also designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
We base our short walking breaks in the village of Tintern in the lower Wye Valley where the river runs through a steep-sided gorge, the flanks of which are cloaked in deciduous woodland. In autumn the colours are spectacular. On the English side of the valley the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire's ancient royal hunting forest, spreads right down to the lip of the gorge. Further upstream, just south of Ross-on-Wye, the river winds sinuously through a dramatic limestone ravine where rocky pinnacles rise above the trees and the plateau above the rocks affords spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.
The narrow flood plain of the river is divided into small fields rich in meadow flowers and butterflies. Herons and kingfishers patrol the margins of the river, whilst swans, coots and dippers busy themselves on the water. The woodlands, a mix of beech, yew, oak, ash and lime, support a diversity of birdlife, including woodpeckers, songbirds and owls. The river is famous for its salmon fishing, but is teeming with other varieties of fish too. In late spring bluebells throw a mantle of blue across the woodland floor.
During the course of your walks you will experience not only the relaxing calm of the riverside paths around Tintern but also the exhilaration of the spectacular views of Tintern Abbey from the Devil's Pulpit, the wooded gorge from Wintour's Leap and the Kymin, and the sweep of the Huntsham Bend from Symonds Yat Rock. Symond’s Yat Rock is not only a superb viewpoint but also one of Europe's premier sites for viewing Peregrine Falcons. You will also have the opportunity to visit the Norman castle at Chepstow (the oldest in Wales) and the ancient market town of Monmouth with its 13th century fortified bridge. The romantic ruins of Tintern Abbey stand beside the river, close to the village of Tintern and the hotel.
You will stay at the Parva Farmhouse Hotel, a 17th century stone-built farmhouse located in the picturesque, riverside village of Tintern on the Welsh side of the river. The comfortable and well-appointed bedrooms combine 21st century facilities with period charm, and the excellent restaurant serves delicious food, with the emphasis on local produce. Wine from the neighbouring Parva Vineyard appears on the wine list.
Holiday options
| Code: SBWYE |
| Nights: 3 |
| Price: £355 |
- All of the above prices are per person, and based upon two guests sharing a double or twin-bedded room.
- Single traveller supplement; £120
(More about single supplement). - Discounts available for parties of three or more guests.
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