A Guide To The Wye Valley Walk

The Wye Valley Walk stretches the length of the River Wye providing amazing scenery across England and Wales. It is a 136 mile walk, although you can walk as much or as little of it as you like. If you’ve not heard of it, then by the end of this post we hope to have you lacing up your boots ready to go.

Where Is The Wye Valley Walk?

The Wye Valley Walk runs from Plynlinon in Powys to Chepstow in Monmouthshire, passing through many notable towns and cities such as Herefordshire, Hay-on-Wye and Ross-on-Wye. It crosses the Wales-England border many times on it’s route and provides a variety of different terrains from deep valleys to woodland.

Despite its length and variety of scenery it is a very accessible and easy walk that is suitable to most people. There is no obligation to do the whole walk, you can take sections that you fancy, whether that is 3 hours or 3 weeks!

Top Spots To Visit

Being in the Wye Valley, the walk is full of places that you just have to visit. Here are some of our top places that we recommend stopping at along the way.

Tintern Abbey

Tintern Abbey is a wonderful sight to behold. Dating back to 1131, this ancient site is the ruins of an old Abbey founded by a lord. It is quite a site to see, sitting on the banks of the River Wye.

Symonds Yat

Symonds Yat is another great spot. The valley is home to Yat Rock which offers some spectacular views. There are also plenty of lovely country pubs that are situated on the river side. 

Ross-on-Wye

The small market town of Ross-on-Wye is a lovely spot to stop off at during your trip. There are plenty of small tea shops or country pubs to seek refuge and rest those weary legs.

Where To Stay On The Wye Valley Walk

Naturally, there are plenty of accomodation options along the walk. We highly recommend camping or glamping along your route. It’s a great way to connect with nature and to stay in some truly remarkable locations. White House on Wye Glamping is an example of one of the excellent glamping sites on offer.

For those who prefer something with a more solid roof then there are many BnBs and hotels that can be found too.

How To Plan Your Trip

In order to plan your trip, you’ll need to decide on the amount of time that you have and how far you’d like to hike. If you’re just after doing part of the route then take a look at the sections that the walk is split into. A useful resource for this is the official Wye Valley Walk website which has a route planning tool for different recommended sections of the walk.

The walk is marked with waymarks along the footpath so it is relatively straightforward to follow. The signpost has a unique leaping salmon that you’ll soon come to recognise. Despite this it is still recommendable to bring a map along.

So, When Are You Going?

There you have it, everything you need to get your trip to the Wye Valley planned. This walk is not to be missed. Start with planning a weekend and we’re sure that you’ll be back for more in no time at all!

This is a guest post from Rich, the owner of a small glamping site in Herefordshire called White House Glamping.

Our Favourite Scenic UK Walks

We are so lucky in the UK to have some truly stunning landscapes right on our doorstep. Wherever you live, I guarantee there’ll be some amazingly scenic walks not too far from you. It’s one of the best things about walking, that not only do you get the physical and mental benefits from the fresh air and exercise, but you get to experience the beauty of nature. We’ve done a lot of walks over the last few years, so I’ve rounded up a few of our favourite scenic walks.

New to walking or have nobody to go with?

Me and Luke are lucky in that we have each other to go walking with, and we are getting our kids used to coming out with us as well. If you are keen to explore the best UK scenic walks, but are new to walking or have nobody to accompany you, it really isn’t a problem. There are lots of walking groups up and down the country, as well as some great singles walking holidays across the UK, so a lack of confidence or company is no barrier!

Ben Nevis, Highlands

I have to start this round up with my favourite ever walk and quite frankly the best scenery we’ve ever encountered. We were lucky to do this walk on a sunny, clear day. When you consider that there are only around 14 clear days A YEAR at the summit, we really were incredibly fortunate. The walk up Ben Nevis is a long hard slog and took us about four hours, but the views were worth it.

The path up is well trodden and easy to navigate on a clear day

The views from the top of Ben Nevis were simply stunning

Helvellyn, Lake District

You’re going to have to take my word that this is a top UK scenic walk, as when me and Luke last did this route, we couldn’t see a thing! It started off so well, but the cloud quickly descended and visibility deteriorated rapidly.

We were blessed with blue skies and solitude at the start of our hike

From the summit of Helvellyn we should have been able to see one of the UK’s most iconic vistas across the mighty Striding Edge, but instead we could barely see our hands in front of our faces! Oh well, it just means we will have to make another trip north and tackle it on a better day.

Edale, Peak District

One of the things I love about the Peak District is that there is a walk for everyone. There are some serious peaks to take on, such as the imperial Kinder Scout, or some more family friendly routes, such as Dovedale or the Tissington Trail. One of my favourite UK scenic walks is along the spine from Mam Tor to Lose Hill with great views over the Edale Valley.

Luke looking over the Edale Valley and towards Kinder Scout

Pen y Fan, Brecon Beacons

Pen y Fan is a popular summit and it’s not surprising why. The Brecon Beacons are full of amazing scenic routes, but this accessible peak is a popular choice for experienced and beginner walkers. There’s no shame in following a well trodden path, especially when you’re not an expert hiker and when the landscape is as stunning as this.

Pen y Fan is very exposed so was a tad windy at the summit

Luke and Finn take a breather on the way up Pen y Fan

South West Coast Path, Dorset

For our final favourite UK scenic walk, it’s time for a change of scenery. Walks don’t always have to feature big climbs to be scenic, some of the UK’s most beautiful landscapes can be found near the coast. We’ve enjoyed some great coastal walks in Norfolk and North Devon, but special mention has to go to the South West Coast Path. We have walked stretches of it from Lyme Regis to Portland and I thought it was especially beautiful. Along the way there are big open beaches, quaint villages and rugged coastline. I also really enjoyed exploring Portland and the famous lighthouse.

We walked part of the South West Coast path a couple of years ago

Hopefully by sharing some of our favourite UK scenic walks I’ve given you some inspiration. There is so much out there to explore, so why not start ticking off your wishlist right now!

What is your favourite scenic walk in the UK?

This post is written in collaboration with HF Holidays. All words and photos are my own.

Great Langdale Walk

This summer we spent a brilliant five days camping at one of our favourite campsites, Great Langdale in the Lake District. It’s run by the National Trust and is a great family friendly campsite. The facilities have been upgraded since I last visited in 2013 and I was really impressed. It doesn’t have electric hook up (if you want some luxury, you can stay in one of the camping pods or a yurt) but actually we enjoy a more simple experience these days. It has a play area which Finn loved, as well as playing in the stream that ran through the campsite. It also has a laundry and drying room, a well stocked shop and it boasts some of the best scenery of any campsite we’ve stayed at. It’s also a perfect base for a Great Langdale walk.

Another bonus is it’s location. There are a couple of pubs within walking distance, plus the pretty town of Ambleside is a short drive away. There is also a Co-op a couple of miles away at Chapel Stile. I also like the fact that you can do several walks straight from the campsite. If you fancy a challenge you’re right near to the Langdale Pikes, and it’s even possible to hike to Scafell Pike if you’re feeling particularly adventurous. However, don’t worry if you’re looking for some more family friendly routes, as there really is a variety of walks in the vicinity.

Here’s a really easy 3 mile circular route we enjoyed up to Blea Tarn.

Click here to see the route on OS Maps

This route starts at the end of the campsite, if you’re heading away from the reception, go past the climbing wall and you need to take the footpath on your left hand side. As you go through the gate, this first section is quite steep as the path zig zags upwards, however it’s a short climb and then at the top you get some great views.

After the initial short, sharp climb you can take it easy and enjoy the views.

Once that first climb is done, the rest of the walk is either flat or downhill, so it’s not too tough at all. Our four year old managed perfectly fine with a couple of breathers and the promise of an ice cream at the end! When you reach the top, cross over the road, keeping the cattle grid on your left. Take the footpath immediately on your left hand side and this takes you to Blea Tarn. This section around the water is nice and flat and easy to follow.

The path around Blea Tarn is easy to follow and relatively flat, so it’s a great route for the whole family.

As great as Finn is, he is prone to being a bit whiny, so I find that walks with things to look at and lots of distraction goes a long way to keeping him happy. On this Great Langdale walk we stopped for a while so he could look at the water, watch some ducks and have a little paddle in his wellies.

Like all kids, Finn is drawn to water

AS we reached the top end of Blea Tarn we turned left, (if you wanted to make this Great Langdale walk longer, you can head straight on at this point) and followed the path around the tarn and headed back to the road. We followed the road back to our starting point, and headed back down the hill to the campsite. The road is narrow, so take care as it can be a busy road.

Have you ever camped at Great Langdale? Do you know any other great family friendly walks in the area?

3 UK National Trails you need to walk this year

Did you know that there are 16 National Trails across England and Wales offering some of the best walking routes in the UK? These trails pass through an array of the most beautiful parts of the country and offer something for everyone-from a family stroll along the Cotswold Way, to a long distance adventure on the Pennine Way.

We walked part of the South West Coast path a couple of years ago

I have walked parts of some of these National Trails over the last few years, and I would love to complete at least one in its entirety. There are many good reasons to walk all of them, so it’s hard to narrow down my shortlist, but here are the three that are currently top of my list.

Cotswold Way

The Cotswold Way is top of my list for a few reasons. Firstly, it’s not too far away from our home, and we have visited the area several times. As well as being accessible to us, it’s also one of the shortest and easiest routes, which is perfect for small children. Since becoming parents, we have tailored our approach to walks, it’s no longer about conquering the highest peak or the longest route. Now it’s about enjoying the experience, taking in the scenery and spending time together.

The Cotswold Way passes through picturesque villages, such as Broadway

The Cotswold Way covers just over 100 miles between Bath and Chipping Camden, passing through chocolate box villages and fascinating historical sites, such as Sudeley Castle and Hailes Abbey. One thing that really appeals to me is the diversity of the route. As well as the villages and small towns, there are stretches of woodland, open countryside and a few climbs thrown in so you can appreciate the stunning views from up high.

The Barrow Wake viewpoint is worth a few moments of rest and reflection

There are plenty of options for accommodation along the route if you want to make it a multi day adventure. There are a few campsites along the route, plus some B&Bs, although they can get booked up quickly especially in the smaller villages, so it’s best to plan in advance. As well as starting (or finishing depending on which way you do it!) in Bath, the Cotswold Way also passes close by Cheltenham and Stroud which offer more amenities and easier transport links.

The Yorkshire Wolds Way

I’ll admit that I wasn’t familiar with The Yorkshire Wolds Way until I saw a BBC programme about it a couple of years ago. If, like me, you haven’t heard of it either, the 79 mile long trail runs from the seaside town of Filey in the north to Hessle on the Humber estuary in the south. It is one of the least known national trails and that really appeals to me! Some of the more popular routes, like the Pennine Way or Hadrian’s Wall Path are great, but can get very busy, particularly in the summer months.

The Yorkshire Wolds Way is one of the least walked routes and so perfect for you if you like having the trails to yourself

I went to university in Hull, so I have very good memories of this region and it’s an area that I’m already familiar with. I’d love the chance to head back to East Yorkshire and explore in more depth than I ever did in my younger days. The route passes through an incredible chalk landscape and offers rolling hills and lush green valleys. Highlights include the deserted medieval village of Wharram Percy and one of England’s most northerly vineyards in South Cave.

The Yorkshire Wolds Way starts in Hessle, in the shadow of the mighty Humber Bridge

As well as being relatively quiet, The Yorkshire Wolds Way is also one of the most accessible routes. It doesn’t require expert levels of navigation and so is a good choice for a first National Trail or for families. There are plenty of options for accommodation along the route, and both Hessle and Filey are accessible by train if you wish to use public transport. Not that I’m biased, but it’s also worth making a short detour and taking a trip into Hull. The old town is great, and The Deep, one of the UK’s best aquariums is a brilliant day out.

Pembrokeshire Coast Path

We haven’t explored Wales as much as I’d like to, but we recently stayed at Bluestone in Pembrokeshire and had an amazing time. It is a beautiful area, and we particularly enjoyed the chance to get out and visit the coast. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path was the first to be opened in Wales and covers 186 miles along some of the most dramatic coastline in the UK. It goes from St Dogmaels in the north to Amroth in the south, and takes in rugged cliffs, hidden coves and spectacular beaches. In its entirety, the route is tough, with a not inconsiderable 35,000 feet of ascent and descent, yet it can easily be broken up into shorter, more manageable sections.

Tenby North Beach and harbour is an iconic view on the coast path

There are larger towns along the way, such as Tenby with its many amenities, castle and impressive beaches as well as smaller, more hidden gems. We were particularly taken with Manorbier and its castle and beautiful beach. The region is rich in maritime history, and examples are littered along the path, including castles, and iron age and Napoleonic forts.

The landscape is largely formed by the centuries of farming and fishing, but there are parts of the route that are less touched by humans. There are plenty of opportunities to experience a wilder and more rugged walk, with a wide array of wildlife to spot. There are lots of accommodation choices if you fancy taking on a longer section of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, including campsites, B&Bs and hotels in the larger towns. It is popular destination with holidaymakers as well as walkers, so it’s advisable to book in advance.

What do you need to walk a National Trail?

As with any outdoor activity there is an element of risk involved with walking, particularly long distances. It is advisable to wear appropriate clothes for the conditions, including well fitting walking shoes or boots. A first aid kit, map and adequate food and water is essential. I have written a more in depth post here about the essential hiking gear you need.

Although there are navigational apps and GPS units available, it is advisable to always carry a paper map as well. A full range is available from the Ordnance Survey shop.

Full details on all of the 16 National Trails can be accessed here

Have you ever walked a National Trail? Which one is top of your wishlist?

Review: Paradise Wildlife Park

A couple of weeks ago we had our first proper day out as a family of four to Paradise Wildlife Park in Hertfordshire. We’d never been before, so it was  a great chance to try somewhere new, plus it was a nice treat for Finn, who has not had as much attention as he’s used to since his little brother came along. We’ve all been rather cooped up lately as well, so some fresh air was very welcome!

Our first proper day out with a newborn was a great success!

The park is well signposted so we found our way there quite easily. Car parking is free, so we parked up, gathered our stuff together and headed in. We decided to see the animals first, so consulted the map and went off in search of some wildlife.

Paradise Wildlife Park has a variety of big cats-including this rather interesting lion!

Paradise Wildlife Park has an impressive array of big cats, including white lions, tigers, cheetahs, jaguars and snow leopards. They’re always my favourite so we headed straight to Big cat Territory at the far end of the park. It didn’t disappoint, it’s always a treat to get close to these beautiful animals. Paradise Wildlife Park isn’t the biggest zoo I’ve been to, but it does have a wide variety of different animals.

The big cats are always impressive; here Finn gets up close with a snow leopard.

Finn always loves to see the monkeys (kindred spirits?) so we had to have a good look round the Tropical Rainforest area, which had many varieties of monkeys and apes. I love watching their antics, although I find it a bit strange as they’re so human-like!

The park has a couple of species of gibbons (like these Lar Gibbons) plus marmosets and tamarins

There is also an outback section with wallabies and emus, plus zebras, penguins, a farmyard and lots of birds. There are some nice touches around the park, such as the fact that children can scramble through tunnels and get inside the meerkat mound. I also like the fact that Paradise Wildlife Park is fairly compact, making it easy to get around for families with young children.

The site is not particularly large, so easy for little legs to get around.

The park offers lots of different experiences so you can see the animals from a different perspective. They range from feeding the animals, to shadowing a keeper or even having breakfast with the snow leopards. We didn’t get the chance to do anything this time, but it is something to bear in mind for future, or for a special gift.

We had a quick lunch break in ‘Safari Sam’s Diner’. They serve the usual sort of cafe food you get at attractions. Finn had a children’s lunchbox meal, I had chicken dippers and Luke had the pulled pork sandwich. It was all reasonably priced and quite tasty, although the queue was long.

After lunch we headed over to the other side of the park to the bit that we were all most excited about.

We were all eagerly looking forward to World of Dinosaurs

World of Dinosaurs opened this summer and it looked amazing on the website when I researched this day out. It consists of a trail through the woods with life size models of various different dinosaurs, complete with sounds and movement.

The t-rex was impressive as you’d expect!

The spinosaurus was even bigger than t-rex

There were information points by each one so you could brush up on your dino facts-handy for a mum of two young boys. For example, did you know that Jurassic Park wasn’t entirely realistic and velociraptors were actually only the size of turkeys? The animatronics were really good, all of the dinosaurs looked really lifelike and the attention to detail was stunning. It’s hard to convey in words, so here’s a little video (and a bit of Finn’s commentary) to give you a better idea!

After the dinosaurs, we stopped and let Finn have a run around the play area before heading home.

All in all we had a brilliant day. The animals were interesting, but the star of the show was undoubtedly World of Dinosaurs. I recommend it for any dino fan, big or small.

Have you ever visited Paradise Wildlife Park?

Disclaimer: We were given complimentary tickets for the family in exchange for this review. All opinions are my own (and Finn’s).