We’re a Ramblers group aimed mainly at people in their 20s, 30s and slightly older, offering led walks and social events across Herts, Beds and south Cambs.
A Stag Walkers weekend away exploring the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
We will base ourselves in the charming Welsh town of Chepstow, walking the surrounding countryside, with an excursion further upstream on Saturday.
The weekend is completely flexible, so please feel free to join for whichever walks and meals you like.
Walks
Friday – Chepstow (approx. 2 miles, Leisurely)
Meet at 7pm at the Bandstand by Chepstow Riverside
A leisurely pre-dinner walk of less than two miles, passing a number of points of interest relating to Chepstow’s history. Although there is an ascent from the river, the walk will be on well made paths and pavements and comfortable walking shoes or trainers are recommended.
Saturday – Monmouth to Symmonds Yat (approx. 12 miles, Moderate)
Meet at 9.10am at Chepstow Bus Station – stand 1 – to catch the no. 69 bus, which leaves at 9.20am
Starting from the historic town of Monmouth, we set off following the Offa’s Dyke Path national trail eastwards. After an early ascent, we will be rewarded with a great viewpoint at the Kymin. The walk continues through Highmeadow Woods towards Symonds Yat, where we will stop for a packed lunch (toilet facilities are available here).
After lunch, we will stop off at a popular viewpoint at Yat Rock, before descending into the Wye Valley, where we will enjoy following the scenic river back towards Monmouth.
This walk is graded Moderate, but crosses more hilly terrain than is typically found in our home area, including a couple of steeper climbs.
Sunday – Chepstow to Tintern (approx. 12 miles, Moderate)
Meet at 9.45am at the Bandstand by Chepstow Riverside
Starting in Chepstow, we first cross over the River Wye into England, with a fine view of Chepstow Castle over the river. We then follow Offa’s Dyke Path northwards, through a mixture of open fields and woodland. We head towards the Devil’s Pulpit, perched high upon the river bank and offering a bird’s eye view of the village of Tintern and its ruined abbey. We then descend the valley into the village where we can stop for our packed lunches and a possible pub stop.
In the afternoon, we will pass the abbey at ground level before continuing the walk southwards, this time climbing the hills on the Welsh side of the river, and taking in a string of lovely views of the river, as we return to Chepstow.
The walk is graded Moderate, but crosses more hilly terrain than typically found in our home area, including a couple of steeper climbs.
Monday – Chepstow to St. Pierre’s Great Woods (approx. 6 miles, Leisurely)
Meet at 10am at The Two Rivers at Chepstow, Newport Road, NP16 5PR*
This walk explores the countryside to the west of Chepstow, and is more gentle than the Saturday and Sunday walks, exploring quiet paths and tracks. This walk also passes through two areas of attractive woodland, Great Barnets Wood and St. Pierre Great Woods, before crisscrossing fields to return to Chepstow.
*We’ll finish the walk at around 1pm, with a meal before making our way to back to Stag Country. Drivers may leave their cars in the pub car park prior to the walk.
Walk Leader: Martin B
Accommodation
Once you have booked onto this weekend away on Meetup, please make your own arrangements for accommodation. Chepstow has a range of B&Bs as well as self-catering options, including a campsite within a couple of miles of the town centre.
Meals
We will meet up for meals on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings and Monday lunchtime (further details will be provided nearer the time of the trip).
Booking
The weekend is exclusive to current (paid-up) members of Ramblers with Stag Walkers as home group. Space is limited to 16 people and must be booked via Meetup.
Book your place by clicking the ‘Attend’ button and if the event is full, click ‘join waitlist’ and you will be added if a place becomes available.
Please book only if confident you can attend and remember to update your RSVP if you have to cancel.
Any questions?
If you've not been to a Stag Walkers weekend away before, they are a great chance to explore somewhere new and to spend some time socialising with other members of the group.
If you have any questions about the weekend, please post on the Meetup event page.
About the organisers
This event is hosted by Stag Walkers - we are a Ramblers group aimed mainly at people in their 20s and 30s but all are welcome and we have members of all ages. We run weekly walks, on Saturdays or Sundays, varying in length from around 5 to 15 miles, and we host regular social nights. Walks and socials generally take place across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and south Cambridgeshire.
For details of how to join Ramblers and how much it costs please see the website.
Chepstow is accessible by road or rail (changing at Newport or Gloucester). If driving, please consider car sharing where possible.
