Chepstow Walking Festival 2024 is a wrap!
Despite ominous advance weather forecasts, oh so much mud and the occasional footwear mishap, Chepstow Walking Festival delivered 37 walks of all sizes across 231 miles of the local paths network and 560 tickets booked. The actual weather was a great deal kinder than expected but the ground conditions were challenging and we'd like to thank everyone who took part in making CWF24 a huge success. Particular thanks are due to all who walked, all the amazing volunteer leaders and supporters who designed and delivered the walks (you know who you are!) and all the lovely local businesses and organisations who partnered with us this year.
One of the 2024 themes was local producers and we were fortunate to see and taste some of the amazing products made in and around the Wye Valley. Local history and the area's industrial legacy was also generously covered with visits to churches, castles, hillforts, former railway and shipyard sites and even a chance to see how one of the few remaining Transporter Bridges is being restored.
There can be no doubt that Chepstow is an ideal location for recreational walking and we aim to be back next year with another walking festival - April 22nd to 27th - so make a note in your diary now!
There can be no doubt that Chepstow is an ideal location for recreational walking and we aim to be back next year with another walking festival - April 22nd to 27th - so make a note in your diary now!
Meanwhile, the bluebells will soon be out and once the walk leaders' boots have been de-mudded we'll be launching our monthly regular walks programme and featuring lots of other walking opportunities and festivals in our events diary so it's always worth staying in touch - either by following us on Facebook or joining our mailing list. We're also looking forward to joining in on Chepstow's celebration of 500 years of the Town Arch and Town Charter of 1524; click on the image below to download more details.
Short and Easy Walks - Available Now
If you're looking for a way to work off the calories, or a backpack-free stroll, then this inexpensive guide could be just the thing!
There are some great guides to walking in and around Chepstow, including the excellent 'Lower Wye Rambles'. We are though often asked for suggestions for shorter walks which are suitable for all, can be fitted into a busy schedule or are just right for a short burst of gentle exercise. The Chepstow Walk for Health Group get together every week for exactly that type of walk, so we decided to call on their expertise and publish 'Short and Easy Walks' - 16 of their favourite walks around Monmouthshire and the Forest of Dean. The response has been very positive and we've already had to print a second batch as they're flying off the shelves! We're always happy to receive feedback and photographs from the walk - here's a great shot from the viewpoint on walk 8 which David Cook sent us and we think really captures the beauty of the landscape. |
Copies of 'Short and Easy Walks' can now be ordered online, or bought in person at Chepstow Books and Gifts in St Mary Street as well as other local outlets.
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If you are looking for guided walks or more independent ideas to get outdoors take a look at our events diary and inspiration pages. The events diary includes links to the very best of nearby Walking Festivals; for those looking for a UK walking holiday or for events further afield check out the Walkers are Welcome UK website.
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The Green Gateway to walking in and around the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean
Chepstow lies on the border of Wales and England and is an ideal base for walking in Monmouthshire, the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean. With such a diverse landscape there is everything to offer the walker and visitor whether it be a riverside stroll or a challenging walk along a long distance trail. In April 2012 Chepstow received a feather in its cap by becoming the first Walkers are Welcome town in Monmouthshire. The area was already well established as a destination for walkers but since Chepstow achieved Walkers are Welcome status it has reinforced our ambition to provide the best walking experience for visitors and the local community alike.
Lower Wye RamblesOne of our favourite local walking guides and a source of inspiration for many of our walks, this is a gem of a guide which features 16 routes covering 90 miles
of the Lower Wye Valley. To obtain a copy online click here or, if you're in town, pop into Chepstow Books & Gifts in St Mary Street. |
Why Chepstow?Stunning scenery in every direction
Rich industrial heritage Meeting point for 8 major trails Easy to reach by public transport Toll-free access from the motorway network Fantastic cafés, restaurants and pubs The Wye Valley Area of Natural Beauty The Forest of Dean and Wentwood Forest The Gwent Levels and The Vale of Usk Do we really need to continue? Ok . . . Walker friendly accommodation providers may offer special arrangements, perhaps baggage transport to your next destination, drying facilities, picnic lunches or complete walking holiday packages.
Walker friendly local businesses who support the scheme can be identified by display of a unique sticker bearing the Walkers are Welcome Logo. Why not pop in you'll get a warm welcome. Check out our 'stay, eat and shop' page for details of our business partners, or Visit Chepstow for even more inspiration. |
Interested in getting involved?
Chepstow Walkers are Welcome is a community group run by volunteers for the benefit of the local community and visitors to the Lower Wye Valley. Our remit includes developing and promoting walking activities, maintaining footpaths, organising the annual Walking Festival and working with supporters and partners including Chepstow Town Council, Monmouthshire County Council and other like-minded organisations for the benefit of the recreational walking community.
Chepstow Walkers are Welcome is a community group run by volunteers for the benefit of the local community and visitors to the Lower Wye Valley. Our remit includes developing and promoting walking activities, maintaining footpaths, organising the annual Walking Festival and working with supporters and partners including Chepstow Town Council, Monmouthshire County Council and other like-minded organisations for the benefit of the recreational walking community.
There are always jobs to do and new projects to develop, so if you have any ideas or would like to be involved please get in touch.
Thank you to our main sponsors Chepstow Town Council |