Cycling in Wye Valley
Overview
The Forest of Dean and the Wye Valley are great for cycling. There are many routes depending on your requirements. A favourite takes in the beautiful Wye Valley and the forest in a large loop with stops at Monmouth and Chepstow as well as passing the famous Tintern Abbey.
Wye Valley-Monmouth-Chepstow-St Briavels-Wye Valley
From Wye Valley take the road to Goodrich and then onto Symonds Yat where a long steep climb awaits. Follow the road to Christchurch and then down the winding road through Staunton to Monmouth. Turn Left at the mini roundabout and head along the road to Chepstow. This road takes you past Tintern where you will find the Abbey on your left. Once in Chepstow a short ride through the town will bring you back over the river into England and then up towards the picturesque village of St Briavels and its 800 year old castle. A picturesque ride through the forest taking in Bream, Parkend and Lydbrook takes you back to YHA Wye Valley. This is a ride suitable for those wishing to tackle hills as well as view the scenery. Approximately 45 miles in length, please ask for a map at reception.
Route 42
A great ride from Gloucester to Abergavenny via Cinderford.
Route 423
The Peregrine Path takes you from Cwmbran to Ross on Wye via Monmouth. This is a lovely route taking in the Kymin and Symonds Yat (19 miles).
Track Cycling
The Welsh National Velodrome is located just 45 minutes from Wye Valley in Newport. For a fun day out as a group or individual and a change from road or mountain biking take a look at the British Cycling website to see what they can offer."
Hostels nearby
Other things to do nearby
Walking and Rambling around St Briavels Castle
The hostel is right in the middle Forest of Dean and the Wye Valley so there's lots of fantastic walks from the doorstep.
Cycling in the Forest of Dean
Hop on your bike and explore the Forest of Dean. Try the Royal Forest Route which takes in a sculpture trail, mines dating back to the 1820's and a virtual lagoon of bluebells in spring!
Clearwell Caves
Visit the atmospheric mine workings with nine impressive caverns and winding passageways - great whatever the weather.
Go Ape - Forest of Dean
High wire fun in the forest – climb rope ladders, zip wire through the trees and tackle high wire rope bridges.
Puzzlewood
Explore this unique and enchanting place, with meandering pathways and fantastic rock formations that inspired JRR Tolkien.
Inspire2Adventure
Exciting adventure in the forest - try Inspire2Adventure's Guided Open Canoe Expeditions, Gorge Scrambling Experience, Rock climbing and Abseiling and more!
Taurus Crafts
So much to see! local craft workshops, events and shops to inspire your creativity. Throw your own pot or visit the garden retreat.
Tintern Abbey
One of the greatest monastic ruins of Wales. Don't miss the Nave's west window which is currently being restored. Visit the website
Monmouth Canoe Hire
Just downstream from a small set of rapids, marking the start of a beautiful section of the Wye, there's 100 miles of canoe-able river.
Goodrich Castle
Standing in open countryside above the River Wye, Goodrich Castle is one of the finest and best preserved of all English medieval castles.
Cider Museum
Housed in an old cider making factory, visitors walk through the original cellars and learn about the history of cider making. Visit the Museum website
Chepstow Museum
Explore the rich and varied past of this ancient town, once an important port and market centre.
Walking and Rambling in Wye Valley
YHA Wye Valley is perfect for walking holidays. The hostel is on the Wye Valley Walk, a very popular walking trail through the Welsh borders and the limestone valley.
Mountain biking in Wye Valley
The Forest of Dean is a great place for mountain bikers of all abilities.
Watersports in Wye Valley
YHA Wye Valley is the perfect stop off point if you're paddling from Hereford to Monmouth. The hostel even has its own canoe launch next to the riverside campsite.
Chepstow Walking Festival
The Lower Wye Valley is stunning throughout the year, but particularly so in Spring when the bluebells are in full bloom and surely there is no better introduction to its landscape and heritage than t