Wye Valley & Vale of Usk

As well as the many local walks we have in our area which you can set off by yourself on, there are also often group walking events organised by various groups. Explore the natural beauty of the Wye Valley & Vale of Usk whilst meeting other people and exchanging tips, ideas and stories.

Some events charge, so it is advised you contact the organisers to check. You may also need to bring lunch! Good walking boots are advised, but classic gnarled hiking stick is optional. 

This page shall be regularly updated to let you know which walking events are coming up, and who to contact to get involved.

Monmouthshire Countryside Services Events

Throughout the year, Monmouthshire Countryside Services organises many walks across our beautiful landscape. View the Monmouthshire Countryside Services events page for more details!

"Iron Works, Ancient Church, & Fedw Woods": 22nd January - 10.30am (Approx 4 hours). Join the Monmouthshire Countryside Service for this interesting 7 mile (11.25 km) walk. We will be walking along the Angidy Valley to the Tintern Abbey Furnace and continuing on to the historic battle site at Pont y Saeson. Continuing upwards, we will pass through The Cot and Fedw Wood before returning to Tintern via Gaer Hill and Penterry Church. Call 01291 691237 for more!

"Castle, Snowdrops & Ancient Hill Fort": 4th February - 11:00am (Approx 4 Hours). Join the Monmouthshire Countryside Service for a 6 mile (9.5 km) walk passing Clytha Castle, an Iron Age hill fort, a secluded church and a section of the Usk Valley Walk. Call 01291 691237 for more!

"Gilwern & the Clydach Gorge": 19th February - 11:00am (Approx 3.5 Hours). Join the Monmouthshire Countryside Service for this 6.25 mile (10 km) walk follows the river Clydach along the old tram road from Gilwern to Clydach and continues on to Black Rock, before returning via the old railway line, a beech woodland and the derelict Clydach Iron Works. Call 01291 691237 for more!

"Up onto the Skirrid": 3rd March - 11:00am (Approx 3.5 Hours). Join the Monmouthshire Countryside Service for this 5 mile (8 km) walk to the summit of the Skirrid Mountain. Find out more about the history of the "Holy Mountain" and hopefully enjoy fantastic views from the top. Call 01291 691237 for more!  

"Wells and Springs and Things around Trellech": 18th March - 10:00am (Approx 3 Hours). Join the Monmouthshire Countryside Service on this 5 mile (8 km) walk visiting the Virtuous Well at Trellech and other wells and water sources in the Trellech, Catbrook and Cleddon area. Call 01291 691237 for more! 

Newport Wetlands Walks

On the last Saturday of every month, Newport Wetlands offers a Monthly Guided Walk allowing you to discover the wildlife of the area, learn more about the fauna and flora and even improve your birdwatching skills! Walks usually start at 10am, and contact 01633 636363 for more (or visit their website!)

On New Year's Day they even have a special walk to celebrate the new year! 

South Gwent Ramblers

The South Gwent Ramblers are an organistation dedicated to providing all kinds of walks, long & short, strenuous & easy, throughout the We Valley & Vale of Usk as well as elsewhere. Walks are organised so you always meet up at the Civic Centre, Newport and then always get travel to and from the walk (no need to try and hunt down the walk starting point!).

You can take part in the first few walks for free and see whether you would like to become a member or not. It is a great opportunity to meet like minded people and enjoy walking the beautiful Welsh countryside! Click this link to download a full programme of walking activities from Dec 2011 -  Mar 2012, and more information on South Gwent Ramblers.

Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal 200th Anniversary 

Next year, as part of the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal's 200th Anniversary a number of events will be held to celebrate it. These include walks (as usual, constantly updated as we find them)!

200th Anniversary Guided Walk: Sun 12th February 2012 - 10:00-14:30. Starting from Gilwern Wharf car park GR SO 243146. A varied route taking in two associated tramroads, three canal wharves and a stretch of the canal to reach Llanfoist. From there a pleasant path beside the river Usk will then be followed to rejoin the canal and back to the start. Call 01873 856114 for more!

If you are organising a walk you wish to be publicised, contact . For more information on all these walks, check our 'What's On/Events' page elsewhere on the website.