Chepstow Walkers are Welcome

Chepstow Walking Festival 2022

Marking ten years since Chepstow was first awarded Walkers are Welcome status, Chepstow Walking Festival returned to its regular Easter slot in 2022 between Wednesday 20 and Sunday 24 April.

This year, we're celebrating the tenth anniversary of the Wales Coast Path, which starts (or finishes) close to Chepstow Castle and was the catalyst for Chepstow earning its Walkers are Welcome status. Several of our walks took place along the Wales Coast Path route across the Gwent Levels, including by popular request another chance to visit Newport Transporter Bridge on a vertical circular walk. Across the whole programme we explored the very best of the Lower Wye Valley in Spring, with walks for all ability levels.

We were also excited to be partnering with the South Wales Long Distance Walkers Association, running their 'Offa's Twisted Wye Kanter' within the Festival programme on Sunday April 24. Based from the Palmer Centre in Cormeilles Square, this is a selection of four routes between 12 and 22 miles, based on the Offa's Dyke Path, Wye Valley Walk, Wales Coast Path and Gloucestershire Way. The twist is that although these are self-led, self-paced routes rather than guided walks, full support is provided in terms of gpx tracks and route descriptions, with clues to gather along the way.

Offa's Twisted Wye Kanter launch video

Whether a challenging kanter, an inspirational walk or a gentle stroll, our overriding priority is always the safety and health of participants and walk leaders, so we will continue to keep a close eye on announcements from the Welsh and UK Governments, and respond to any changes in the Coronavirus guidance and restrictions. All walkers - whether or not on organised events - can help by respecting physical distancing and not participating if suffering from any Covid symptoms.

Now the Festival is over, if you are looking for more 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 walking staycation later in the year, or for events further afield take a look at the Walkers are Welcome UK website.

Chepstow Walking Festival will return next year between April 12-16 - make a note in your diary now!

Your starting point for walking in Wales and the Wye Valley

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 established as a destination for walkers but now Chepstow has achieved Walkers are Welcome status it reinforces our ambition to provide the best walking experience for visitors and the local community alike. This has been recognised when we won the 'Best Social Enterprise' award in the Monmouthshire Business awards.

Lower Wye Rambles

One 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 the wonderful 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 Monmouthshire 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.