Walks

Step out of the door at Penterry Holidays and you’re straight into some of the finest walking country in the Wye Valley. From gentle ambles with big views to full-day adventures on Offa’s Dyke, you don’t need to get in the car to enjoy spectacular landscapes and real peace and quiet.

Walks from Your Doorstep

Both Orchard Cottage and Anne’s Retreat sit in quiet countryside above the Wye, with footpaths and bridleways running in every direction. You can:

• Wander through fields and quiet lanes to the tiny hamlet of Penterry and its ancient hilltop church.
• Follow woodland tracks along the edge of the valley, listening to birdsong and the stream below.
• Stroll out at dusk for wide skies and far-reaching views towards the Black Mountains.

Many guests never feel the need to drive for a walk – the joy here is opening the gate and simply seeing where the path takes you.

Offa’s Dyke & Classic Wye Valley Walking

The famous Offa’s Dyke Path runs close by, offering some of the most celebrated walking in the UK. Join the trail for:

• Half-day circuits combining sections of Offa’s Dyke with quiet country lanes back to Penterry.
• Full-day routes taking in the Wye Valley scenery, with options to drop down to the river and return via woodland paths.

Expect varied terrain – open hillsides, ancient earthworks, shady woods and sweeping views – all without feeling crowded.

River & Woodland Walks

The Wye Valley is known for its mix of steep-sided gorge, riverside meadows and deep woodland. From Penterry you can reach:

• Riverside paths where you can watch canoes drift by and spot herons, kingfishers and, if you’re lucky, otters.
• Leafy woodland trails that are especially magical in bluebell season and on crisp autumn days.
• Viewpoints and picnic spots that feel tucked away, even in high season.

Walks with History

This corner of Monmouthshire is rich in history, and many walks can be combined with visits to local landmarks:

• Routes that take in Chepstow and its castle, perched dramatically above the River Wye.
• Longer outings linking to the valley around Tintern, with its famous abbey and riverside setting.
• Explorations of old lanes, field boundaries and viewpoints that tell the story of the borderlands between England and Wales.

For Serious Striders & Gentle Strollers

Whether you’re clocking up miles or just fancy a leg stretch before supper, there are walks to suit your pace:

• Easy – short circulars from the cottage or hut, mostly on lanes and well-marked paths.
• Moderate – half-day walks with some hills and stiles, rewarded by big views.
• Challenging – full-day hikes linking Offa’s Dyke, the Wye Valley and neighbouring hills.

Dog-Friendly Walking

If you’re staying at our dog-friendly Orchard Cottage, your four-legged friend is in for a treat. There are countless walks from the door, with fields, tracks and streams to explore. As this is working farmland, we simply ask that you follow the countryside code – keep dogs under close control around livestock and stick to waymarked paths.

Back to Your Retreat

After a day on the trails, come back to a hot bath or long soak at Anne’s Retreat, or a lazy evening by the wood-burner at Orchard Cottage. Walking here isn’t just about ticking off miles – it’s about slowing down, breathing deeply and feeling completely away from it all.