Straddling the Wales/England border is the Wye Valley, officially recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the Vale of Usk. It is a walkers’ paradise with the adventurous able to hike the 177-mile long Offa’s Dyke path from one end of Wales to the other. For those who require something a little less strenuous there are plenty of other local paths such as the Wye Valley Walk or gentle strolls through the foothills of the Brecon Beacons around the traditional market town of Abergavenny. For those who want to take to the water there are plenty of opportunities to hire canoes and go for a trip along the River Wye.
At the heart of the region is the county town of Monmouth*. The town is packed with history that includes a rare medieval bridge and a ruined castle. Visitors can also discover the town’s links with Admiral Nelson and King Henry V whilst the Georgian streets are very attractive to shoppers.
Although peaceful today, the area was once a fiercely fought over land, marking as it does the border between Wales and England. The numerous castles in the area are a legacy of these times with most towns and villages having some sort fortified remains. The best preserved of these are the castles at Caldicot, Chepstow and Raglan. It is not surprising that this area is sometimes referred to as Castle Country.
In fact historians are well catered for in this area. As well as the castles, a visit to the well-preserved ruins of Tintern Abbey is highly recommended. Built in the 12th century to house Cistercian Monks, the spectacular setting of the abbey on the banks of the River Wye has been attracting visitors for centuries. For those whose interest in history encompasses Roman times then a visit to the excellent Roman Legionary Museum and Amphitheatre at Caerleon and the nearby roman remains at Caerwent is highly recommended.
For more information visit the Wye Valley and Vale of Usk Tourism Website or download a brochure
* Webcam provided courtesty of Monmouth Town Crier
