|
For the latest chat about the Festival check out our Facebook and Twitter pages
|
|
Walk 1 Tuesday 11 April
|
|
Distance: 6.5 miles (circular)
Duration: Allow 4 hours Difficulty: Moderate Bring: Drinks and a camera Meeting Point and Parking: 10:00am in the layby opposite The Orepool Inn, B4228 Chepstow to Coleford Road GL16 8LH SO579076 ///backtrack.timing.forgets This walk is not suitable for dogs |
A circular walk exploring the special heritage of the Forest of Dean through the villages of Clearwell and Sling, fields and woods with ancient iron and coal mines, and an outstanding Forester. Pub lunch option after the walk (please inform the walk leader on the day).
Walk 2 Tuesday 11 April
|
|
Distance: 4 miles (circular)
Duration: Allow 2-3 hours Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Bring: Drinks and a camera Meeting Point and Parking: 10:00am at Earlswood Village Hall, Earlswood NP16 6AW ST455949 ///menswear.totally.stumble This walk is suitable for well-behaved dogs |
This walk follows bridle paths and forest trails to the fringes of Wentwood, the largest ancient woodland in Wales. With stunning views over the Severn Estuary, our route passes Earlswood Methodist Chapel, claimed to be the oldest Methodist Chapel in Wales. Opportunities for well-behaved dogs to be off-lead (please check with the walk leader).
This walk with the Wye Valley AONB Team explores the maze of traditional tiny fields, lanes and woodland tracks around Brockweir and The Hudnalls, uncovering the fascinating story of The Flower Patch. Flora Klickman (editor of The Girl’s Own Paper and Woman’s Magazine) lived here 1928 to1958 and wrote a series of books inspired by her ‘flower patch’. She kept a diary of natural history observations, recording the plants in bloom in her fields in the 1920s and 30s. We will be on the lookout for some of these flowers on our walk. Arriving in St Briavels we bring the flower theme up to date with a visit to Wye Valley Flowers, set up in 2019 by Jo and Lucy to grow seasonal flowers, with no air miles or nasty chemicals. Our return route passes Brockweir Community Shop and Café.
|
|
We will make our way along the west bank of the River Usk, gradually leaving the bustle of the city, passing the great, picturesque loop of river by St Julians, and walking through the fields into the quiet, ancient town of Caerleon. Gavin Jones (Community Engagement Officer at Newport Transporter Bridge) and Gwent Storyteller Christine Watkins will be our guides along the way.
The short road trip by car or bus is what we are more used to today… but following the river on foot allows us to travel more gently and see familiar surroundings in a new light. This is a varied and interesting walk, mostly along pavements and footpaths. It is just the thing if you like rivers, bridges (particularly the Transporter Bridge - but there are lots in a short distance!), stories, walking…or just exploring the locality from a different point of view. Return transport to Mill Parade is provided from the Hanbury Arms in Caerleon to take us back to the Transporter Bridge, for those not making their own way home. You are more than welcome to stay on and enjoy a late lunch by the river and make your own way back. Donations to the Newport Transporter Bridge Project are most welcome! |
|
Walk 5 Tuesday 11 April
|
|
Distance: 8 miles (circular)
Duration: Allow 4-5 hours Difficulty: Moderate Bring: Picnic, drinks and a camera Meeting Point and Parking: 10:00am in the layby parallel to the B4598 Usk to Abergavenny Road (entrance close to the southern village sign for Llanfair Kilgeddin, by the Primary School). NP7 9DU SO349069 ///contoured.tamed.jaunts This walk is not suitable for dogs |
This is a new walk to Chepstow Walkers are Welcome and explores the meadows and pastures of a bend in the River Usk. The highlight of the day will be a visit to the church of St Mary the Virgin at Llanfair Kilgeddin, a church that is under the care of Friends of Friendless Churches. The chief interest lies in the Arts and Crafts murals that adorn the interior of the church and described by John Newman as a ‘place of pilgrimage for disciples of the movement’.
Walk 6 Tuesday 11 April
Caerwent Roman Town
Join John Barnard, local historian and involved in many of the archaeological digs, on a tour of Vesta Silurum, capital of the most important and powerful British tribe in South Wales and the first true town in Wales. Within its well-preserved walls are the remains of many substantial buildings from the height of the town’s peak prosperity in the 2nd century AD. We will learn the history of this important site and of its relationship with the nearby fort of Issa (Caerleon).
|
Walk 7 Tuesday 11 April
|
|
Distance: 6.5 miles (circular)
Duration: Allow 4-5 hours Difficulty: Moderate with one steady ascent Bring: Picnic, drinks and a camera Meeting Point and Parking: 10:00am at Redbrook Rovers AFC car park, A466 Redbrook NP25 4LR SO537098 ///cherubs.looked.rival Please note there is a charge for using this car park. Public Transport: Phil Anslow service 69 (Chepstow-Monmouth) passes the meeting point. This walk is not suitable for dogs |
This walk takes you on Offa's Dyke Path to The Kymin with its outstanding views towards Monmouth and the Black Mountains and returns via the Wye Valley Walk. What makes this walk extra special is a visit and talk by Dan at Jamie's Farm perched high on the hill beside the Offa's Dyke Path. The Farm is part of a number in the UK who exist to support disadvantaged young people to thrive. Its a true success and was recognised as such by a visit from the Duchess of Cornwall in 2022.
