Lower Wyndcliff Wood at Wye Valley Woodlands (NRW)

Wyndcliff Wood is a superb example of a lower Wye Valley gorge woodland with ancient hanging beech and yew as well as lime, ash and hazel coppice.
You can get to the famous ‘Eagles Nest’ lookout from here - one of the best viewpoints in the Wye Valley. The view across the bend in the Wye includes the rocks of Wintours leap, the Severn bridges and estuary and, on a clear day, the Cotswold and Mendip hills. You also get a great view of the unique ‘hanging’ woodlands which cling to the sides of the gorge. Follow the Eagles Nest Trail to experience it.

The nest was made in 1828 for the Duke of Beaufort when such dramatic viewpoints were fashionable.

Part of the historic Piercefield Picturesque Walk runs through here and was essential for Wye tourists of the day. It was largely created from 1752-1772 by Valentine Morris the Younger and followed the Wye river cliff, culminating in the 365 steps up the to Eagle’s Nest (early 19th century).

The long distance Wye Valley Walk passes through Wyndcliff Wood and you can join the walk from this car park. Parking at Upper Wyndcliff car park allows you to enjoy the viewpoint avoiding steep gradients and the energy-sapping haul up the 365 steps.

Enter this woodland at the Lower Wyndcliff car park or from the Upper Wyndcliff car park.

Directions:

Lower Wyndcliffe Car Park is on the A466 three and a half miles north of Chepstow and just north of St Arvans.

OS Grid Reference: ST527973

Upper Wyndcliff car park is on lane off the A466, half a mile north of St Arvans. This car par avoids the 365 step climb to the viewpoint.

The OS grid reference is ST 526 971

Public Transport:

The nearest rail station is in Chepstow.