Last weekend we paddled down the river Wye, Monmouthshire, Wales in a canoe (I’ve blogged that here). Whilst we were on the water we saw people walking along the river bank, enjoying the stunning scenery in and around the Wye Valley. We both thought a walk in that area might be a nice thing to do. So, once we were back I started to research walks in the Wye Valley and using the Outdoor Active App I found the walk that we completed today.

The walk was an eight mile circular route, starting at Goodrich Castle and quickly followed by a steep climb up on to Coppett Common. From there the route meandered down to the floor of the Wye Valley to follow the River Wye, through to Kerne Bridge, before returning to the castle.

The views from the common were were pretty impressive with glimpses of the river down below us as we walked across to the descent in to the valley. The walk down from the common was less gradual than the climb up and through oak woodland most of the way. Once we broke through to the valley floor we came in to open meadows on our side of the river bank.

The river bank was pretty accessible most of the way and we were able to get down to the waters edge at several points. That was good for the odd picture and for the dog to cool off and grab a drink.

The walk from that point was pretty straight forward as we were following the river all the way back. Towards the end the path along the river bank was quite overgrown. Enough for me to wish I’d worn my long walking trousers rather than my shorts! We also saw several deer in woodland on the side of the river so I wouldn’t be surprised if the dog has picked up the odd tick. Having said that I haven’t found any on her since we’ve been back and she can pick them up pretty much anywhere we go these days.

On our return to the Castle we signed up for an English Heritage membership. They have a 25% off offer at the moment which we thought was good value. We plan a walk around Stonehenge, later this year, so the membership will come in useful there. We didn’t have time to look around the castle but we will return to do that. However we did make time for a cream tea in the castle cafe before making our way home.

I’ve not walked in Monmouth or the Forest of Dean before. Crazy really as it’s beautiful countryside and only a stones throw from home. I’ve just ordered a new OS Pathfinder book for the area so we’ll be walking here again soon.

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All images: ©Stephen Hyde 2007-2025 – All rights reserved.