The Wye Valley & Forest of Dean

There is a huge network of footpaths and other public rights of way in the immediate vicinity of Fernleigh Courtyard, not all leading to Tintern!

We have provided an OS 1:25,000 Explorer map of the area, plus some ideas to help you explore.

Offa's Dyke and the Wye Valley Walk are the long distance footpaths that pass nearby.

A short drive out is Beacon Hill near Trellech with heathland restoration and woodlands. In the spring Colonel's Park Wood is fabulous for bluebells, and Cadora Woods for wild garlic and bluebells; whilst in early summer Pentwyn, a nature reserve near Penallt is good for orchids and insects.

Closer to Fernleigh Courtyard, Poor's Allotment Nature Reserve is a short walk in lowland heathland and from the same parking Devil's Pulpit can be reached.

The Wye Valley is extremely popular with local cycling clubs and individuals, many coming out from the Bristol and Gloucester areas. The Wye Valley is also a recognised route north on the Land’s End to John O’Groats cycling route. Global Cycling Network (GCN) often film their cycling videos on the local lanes around Brockweir, Tintern, Llandogo and St. Briavels.

Remember if you cycle out from Fernleigh Courtyard you are exactly halfway up the hill on Brockweir Common so you either descend to start and climb somewhere on the return, or vice versa.

Another point of interest is the old railway tunnel between Tintern and Chepstow. Cross the footbridge in Tintern and head south along the wide track beside the river. You will reach the 1km long tunnel that is lit and which is open between April and the end of September. It is also an important bat roost for hibernation. A nice simple route for families.

An easy family trail runs around the Forest of Deam for approximately 9 miles off road, you may often see deer and wild boar if you go at quieter times.

The best area for mountain biking is undoubtedly the Forest of Dean about a 15min drive away; being recognised as one of the best locations in the country, but there are other areas and you will find the forests on either side of the valley of interest. 

Pedalabikeaway in the Forest is the main centre for setting off on trails and has bike hire and a café. You will also find bike hire at Dean Cycles in Parkend which is reached before Pedalabikeaway.

Further afield there is also a mountain bike centre outside of Abergavenny around 35min away.

If you would like a guided nature walk, for birding or more general nature in the area then we can book an excellent local guide for you. However, a quiet walk will often yield wildlife viewings.

Of an evening locally badgers can be seen out on their wanders, a reminder to drive carefully on the lanes. Of the other mustelids, pine martens now frequent the valley after their re-introduction into the Forest of Dean and otters are occasionally seen in the river below us.

Fallow and roe deer often come through the garden whilst wild boar are more likely to be found in the Forest of Dean. More unusually, a grey seal often comes up the river on a rising tide past Brockweir Bridge.

Bat species here are diverse and the area is a stronghold for greater horseshoe bats with one of the largest maternity roosts in Europe close by.

This is a terrific area for birdwatching. Ravens fly overhead and the calls of buzzards are frequent. Once or twice a year we may see a red kite too. Tawny owls are often heard and sometimes seen whilst barn owls breed regularly nearby. Swifts, blackcap and spotted flycatchers are regular summer visitors and it is not unusual on a spring morning to record 13 - 15 species in 10 minutes.

Canoeing

Canoes can be hired from a number of local operators, Canoe the Wye, Wye Canoes, River Wye Canoe Hire and pleasant trips can be taken from Ross on Wye or Kearn Bridge down to Symonds Yat. Some operators also run as far as Monmouth. Symond’s Yat rapids run at Grade 2.

The image above is a drone shot of our multi-day camping trip down the Wye from Hay-on-Wye a few years back.

Climbing

Rock climbing locally takes place at Wyndcliff on the A466 between Tintern and St. Arvans, Wintour’s Leap at Woodcroft on the St. Briavels to Chepstow road 2 miles from Chepstow, and at Shorncliff in the woods opposite Tintern. All are limestone and have climbs at various grades.