Things to do
Around & About
The local area
The Wye Valley and beyond
We called our holiday destination Welsh Marches because we are three miles from the Welsh-English border which runs down the River Wye. From here you can explore the unique Marches area either side of the border up to Hay-on-Wye in a day.
But the name is also a play on words for marching because one of your hosts likes nothing more than to march off to the hills for day long treks. However, he’s also happy to stroll and stop and smell the flowers and soak in the views.
Monmouthshire is a hidden gem for outdoor holiday activities but so easy to get too. Two hours from London; an hour and a half from Birmingham. Tintern Abbey is just 4 miles away and the county has fantastic towns such as Chepstow with its Norman castle; the ancient settlement of Monmouth home of Nelson, Henry V and Rolls of Rolls Royce fame; Usk which named after the river the runs through it and the market towns of Abergavenny and Crickhowell – all well worth a visit. The Forest of Dean is on the English side which has many wild places to explore and the exciting mountain biking hub Pedalabikeaway in the Cannop Valley near Coleford.
The landscape in Monmouthshire is stunning and we have some awesome hills and mountains in easy reach. The Sugar Loaf, Skirrid and Blorenge offer numerous walks (or rides) for beginners wanting a stroll to serious hikers seeking challenging ascents. The Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons are our playground.
The Wye Valley has sport climbing at Wyncliffe Quarry, Wintour Leap and Shorncliffe.
Walks
We love to walk! There are walks on the farm and around the local area from the farm. Next door to the cottages are Cefn Coed Woods where you can walk your dogs in safety. Within 200m you can enter Chepstow Park Woods and explore 1,000 acres in an area of ANOB. Paths and tracks crisscross the woods with not a road in sight. These woods connect to the heavily wooded Wye Valley. You can walk to Tintern in an hour and a half. You can enjoy the lower Wye valley walk or Offas Dyke on the English side. The wonderful hills of the Blorenge, Sugar Loaf and Skirrid are within an easy drive as are the Black Mountains and Eastern Brecon Beacons. Why not base yourself with us for popular organised walks such as the Gwent Three Peaks, Black Dragon, Big Black Mountain Challenge and Tal-y-bont 20?
Your hosts have been walking, running and riding these magical places for 40 years and can recommend routes or you can book a guided day to suit your interests and fitness with fascinating insights into the landscapes you will pass through. The Three Castles, for example, is a Monmouthshire route we highly recommend, if you are fit enough to accept the challenge. And why not finish an activity day at one of Monmouthshire’s many fine local pubs which have been well researched! We know the best ones. Click below to find out more about our guided walks.
Shiatsu
For a truly relaxing holiday, why not try a Shiatsu session during your stay? John Brooks, one of your hosts, is a registered practitioner and Fellow of the Shiatsu Society (FRSS) having qualified in 1999.