19 Activities
Wye Valley Road Trip: The Best Market Towns, Book Shops and Riverside Walks
Starts from
Cardiff
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Activities
19
Duration
2 days
Length
72 mi
Guide details
Starts from
Cardiff
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Duration
2 days
Length
72 mi
- Natural Attractions
- Unusual Locations
- Arts and Creativity
Elle Redman
Travel Expert
- Take a slow, scenic hike to Symonds Yat, one of the most beautiful and iconic locations in the Dean Wye.
- Join a pottery class at a local studio in the heart of the Wye Valley gorge.
- Visit the quaint market town of Hay-on-Wye and browse through the best book shops, galleries and cafes.
Timelessly beautiful and perfectly untamed, the Wye Valley is one of the most scenic locations in the UK. From dramatic landscapes to pretty villages, there’s something here for every type of traveller. On this two-day road trip, you’ll explore the stunning countryside and charming market towns surrounding the iconic Wye Valley, where England meets Wales. You’ll travel off the beaten track, enjoying peaceful and easy-going hiking routes, riverside strolls, and ancient castle tours. Book lovers and antique collectors will have a memorable time exploring both Ross-on-Wye and Hay-on-Wye, where you'll find an abundance of independent book shops, antique markets, galleries, vintage shops and local art studios. Enjoy!
Categories
- Natural Attractions
- Unusual Locations
- Arts and Creativity
Timelessly beautiful and perfectly untamed, the Wye Valley is one of the most scenic locations in the UK. From dramatic landscapes to pretty villages, there’s something here for every type of traveller. On this two-day road trip, you’ll explore the stunning countryside and charming market towns surrounding the iconic Wye Valley, where England meets Wales. You’ll travel off the beaten track, enjoying peaceful and easy-going hiking routes, riverside strolls, and ancient castle tours. Book lovers and antique collectors will have a memorable time exploring both Ross-on-Wye and Hay-on-Wye, where you'll find an abundance of independent book shops, antique markets, galleries, vintage shops and local art studios. Enjoy!
Elle Redman
Travel Expert
- Take a slow, scenic hike to Symonds Yat, one of the most beautiful and iconic locations in the Dean Wye.
- Join a pottery class at a local studio in the heart of the Wye Valley gorge.
- Visit the quaint market town of Hay-on-Wye and browse through the best book shops, galleries and cafes.
Travel itinerary
10 Activities
Day 1
18 mi5 mi
Symonds Yat to Ross-on-Wye
The first day of this exciting Wye Valley road trip comprises of a scenic walking route through the Forest of Dean to the beautiful Symonds Yat. You'll also pay a visit to the characterful market town of Ross-on-Wye where you'll follow a vintage shopping trail and dine at a warm and welcoming local restaurant.
9 Activities
Day 2
49 mi0.7 mi
Hay-on-Wye to Crickhowell
On day two, you'll travel to the world renowned 'town of books', Hay-on-Wye, where you'll potter around fascinating book shops, markets and art galleries. You can also look forward to visiting Hay Castle and the Warren, a gorgeous riverside meadow just a stone's throw away from the town centre. Then, on the way home, stop in Crickhowell for dinner at The Bear Hotel.