Monmouth Circular River Walk

6 miles (10 km)

A lovely circular walk around the Welsh town of Monmouth, visting Monmouth Castle, The Kymin viewpoint and the River Wye. The walk makes use of the Offa's Dyke Path and the Wye Valley Walk long distance trails to expose you to some of the beautiful surrounding the town.
The walk starts from the Grade I listed Monmouth Castle, located on�a hill above the�River Monnow near the town centre. The castle was established in 1067 immediately after the�Norman Conquest, by William fitz Osbern. It was also the birthplace of�Henry V in 1386.
From the castle you can pick up the waymarked Offa's Dyke Path. It heads east through the town to the Wye Bridge where you cross the Wye River. The path then climbs to The Kymin, where you can enjoy wonderful views down the Wye Valley, up into the Brecon Beacons and across to the Malvern Hills. There's also a number of�neo-classical monuments, including the Roundhouse and the Naval Temple, built between 1794 and 1800.
After taking in the views the path then descends through the woodland of Harper's Grove to Upper Beaulieu Farm.
You continue to Upper and Lower Redbrook in Gloucestershire. Here you join the Wye Valley Walk which leads you along the river back to Monmouth. It's a beautiful section with the river flanked by attractive woodland and countryside.
You'll also pass close to the photogenic Monmouth Viaduct on this section.
Monmouth is located in the Forest of Dean and the Wye Valley so there's lots of options for extending your walking in the area. You could pick up the Wysis Way and head east to Highmeadow Woods and then turn north to visit Symonds Yat Rock.

Monmouth Ordnance Survey Map - view and print off detailed OS map

Monmouth Open Street Map - view and print off detailed map

Monmouth OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Monmouth Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Walks near Monmouth

Symonds Yat Rock - Enjoy wonderful views over the Wye Valley from this well known viewpoint on the Herefordshire and Gloucestershire border
Coleford Milkwall and Parkend Railway Path - This short cycling and walking path follows the disused Coleford Milkwall and Parkend railway from Coleford to Parkend
Cannop Ponds - These two large ponds in the Forest of Dean are a lovely spot for an easy afternoon stroll
Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail - This delightful walking trail takes you to a unique collection of high-quality, contemporary sculptures, within the Forest of Dean
The Kymin - Climb to the 245m (800ft) summit of Kymin Hill and enjoy wonderful views down the Wye Valley, up into the Brecon Beacons and across to the Malvern Hills
Goodrich Castle and Coppet Hill - Explore the Goodrich Castle estate before climbing to Coppet Hill on this walk in Herefordshire
Wysis Way - The Wysis Way runs for 55 miles from Monmouth in Wales to Kemble, in Gloucestershire
Chepstow - A splendid circular walk around Chepstow making use of the Wye Valley Walk and Offa's Dyke Path to visit some of the highlights of the area
Tintern Abbey - Visit the fascinating ruins of this 12th century monastery and then explore the surrounding area on this walk on the England-Wales border
Tintern Old Station - This park is situated in the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) near Chepstow
Forest of Dean Family Route - Family Cycle ride around the Forest of Dean:
This circular route takes you along National Cycle route 42 and the Wye Valley path through the delightful Forest of Dean
King Arthurs Cave - This circular walk visits the mysterious King Arthur's Cave in the Wye Valley AONB near Symonds Yat
Peregrine Path - This largely traffic free cycle route takes you from Monmouth, Symonds Yat Rock along the River Wye
Raglan - This Monmouthshire based village is located close to Monmouth and Abergavenny
St Briavels - This Gloucestershire based village sits close to the Welsh Border in the Forest of Dean and the River Wye Valley.
Skenfrith - This Montmouthshire based village includes a noteworthy old castle and some pleasant trails along the River Monmow
Brockweir - This Gloucestershire based village sits in a beautiful spot in the Forest of Dean

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

Head south west of the town and you could visit the ruins of Raglan Castle. The 15th century fortress is considered one of the grandest castles in the country.
Also just to the south is the neighbouring village of Penallt. The worthy settlement includes a pretty village green, an ancient 14th century church, a wildife rich local nature reserve and a noteworthy old pub dating back to the 1600s.