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Lower Wyndcliff Wood at Wye Valley Woodlands (NRW)
Forest or Woodland, free entry
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Details
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.
There are several walking trails that start from the different car parks associated with the Wye Valley Woodlands. Please note: Sometimes we need to close or divert trails for your safety whilst we undertake maintenance work or forest operations. Occasionally we may have to close a site in extreme weather, such as high winds or snow and ice due to the risk of injury to visitors or staff. Please always follow any instructions onsite and make sure you follow any temporary diversion signs in place.
Open all the time
Prices
Free entry
Address
Wye Valley,
Between Chepstow and Monmouth,
GL16 7NZ
Directions
Map reference: SO 565156 Lat: 51.83800 Long: -2.63244
Chepstow, Monmouth, Newport, Ross on Wye, Cinderford, Coleford, Lydney, Chepstow, Caldicot, and Abergavenny are the nearest towns or villages.
The A 466 runs though the Wye Valley, between Chepstow and Monmouth.
OS Grid Reference: ST515932
Parking: free
Accessible by Public Transport
Nearby
Facilities
Accepts groups
Children welcome
Dogs accepted
There are several walking trails that start from the different car parks associated with the Wye Valley Woodlands. Please note: Sometimes we need to close or divert trails for your safety whilst we undertake maintenance work or forest operations. Occasionally we may have to close a site in extreme weather, such as high winds or snow and ice due to the risk of injury to visitors or staff. Please always follow any instructions onsite and make sure you follow any temporary diversion signs in place.