Wye

Hi, I’m Mark. I walk the Wye and its wider landscape — short wanders and longer trips with a pack, seeking out quieter paths and overlooked places. This site shares what I find, including the occasional place to slip into the water. If that sounds like your kind of thing, come along.

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The Epynt Way
Discover Mid Wales' remote upland trail

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The Epynt Way is one of Wales' most unusual long-distance trails. Crossing the remote uplands of Mynydd Epynt — the high ground that gives rise to streams flowing towards the River Wye — it passes quiet valleys, forests and open moorland while skirting one of the UK's largest military training areas. Rich in history, dramatic scenery and far-reaching views, it is a walk that unearths something new with every mile, especially for those who enjoy uncovering the stories behind the landscape.

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lLANGORSE lAKE & THE WYE

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Wild Camping

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Wye Valley Walk

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It’s that time of year. Out on the April hills above the Wye Valley, I nearly walked past something rare — a skylark’s nest hidden in the grass. A quick, quiet moment, three tiny eggs, and then I moved on. One of those small finds that stays with you. Watch the short film — even the nest had a view.

Top 8 Wye Views

Walking the Wye from source, I’ve come across some great views — the kind that stop you for a moment whether you expect them to or not. There’s research suggesting that feelings of awe are good for us, but as you know, you don’t need studies to notice what a wide view does to your headspace. If you’re into the good visual zones, here are 8 views from the Wye Valley that have stayed with me.

Top 8 Wye Views

19 River Explores & Hikes

The Wye basin is made up of 18 main river tributaries all inspiring and worth exploring with one main channel the Wye. Click the link for the rivers and walk diaries. Explore below.

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Source Walks

The Wye and its rivers are host to some incredible sources-gully's and views. Who thinks to walk to the source of a river? If you did you'd discover some great natural wonders. Explore below.

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Best Wye Routes & Paths

Check out the routes and paths in the Wye Valley from the Lower Wye through to the Upper. River paths, gnarly and green valleys and tops. It's all here. Explore below.

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Wye Basin Trails

There are over 20 rivers in the Wye catchment, each with their own routes from source to confluence, apart from the Wye Valley Walk. The same landscape is crossed by a mix of long-distance trails: some well known, others quieter but well worth checking out. Click here to enter.

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The upper Wye is home to the Plynlimon massif, which feeds the Wye. Leading up to it is the Wye Valley Walk that takes you through mountain, vales, forest and farmsteads that have been here a long time . Plynlimon/Pumlumons interior is obscured from the world of the lower valley. This 3-minute video is a short record of that landscape as we moved through it.

This is possibly one of the most divine places to swim in the Upper Wye, though I haven't swum here yet. It's where the Tarennig meets with the Wye at Pont Rhydgaled. It's one of those things where you pass a hill for many years, and you know you have to walk it someday. This pool is that hill. #wye #wyevalley #wildswim #openwaterswim #swimtribe #naturebathing

I couldn't be more grateful for my local walks. I'm literally 10 minutes' walk away from the Wye and what I call my back end. Here, I walk the Wye east of Hereford - on the Wye Valley Walk as it happens and then I cross over to Hampton Bishop and the Lugg. Notice the Water Crowfoot or Ranunculus in the Lugg. It's out of flower, but there, unlike in the Wye. Only 10 years ago, there was still plenty of it flowering on the Wye. Why has it gone? I have no idea, apart from maybe phosphate and an oxygen-starved river system. Well, there are still many beautiful paths to tread. #wye #wyevalley #riverwye #riverwalk

My old friend Richy and I were at Devil's Bridge on the edge of the Cambrian Mountains yesterday - it was my birthday, and I was remembering my dear late twin brother, Paul, whilst exploring. I've passed through, and I've always considered stopping and exploring. I'm glad I did - the nature waterfall trail was well worth it - my brother would have loved it. We were in a temperate rainforest. The forest and the converging gorges are truly impressive, made up mostly of Sessile Oak clinging to the rocky slopes. The waterfall is one of the central features. There is a series of about 7 cascades from a reasonable height - it drops like a silver tail. The bridges you see are the original 11th-century bridge, the 17th-century bridge, and the early 20th-century bridge, stacked on top of one another. I recommend a visit. #Devilsbridgewaterfalls #devilsbridge #midwales #midwalesadventure #cambrianmountains #cambrian #waterfall #waterfallwalk

Stonehenge on Saturday 20th into Sunday Morning on the 21st was incredible. I joined in excess of 20,000 people to celebrate the summer Solstice. It was an international crowd full of awe and energy. The sunrise was one of the best amid the stones, standing majestic as a reminder of the natural cycles. If interested, I have a video on YouTube called: Stonehenge Summer Solstice 2026 | Over 20,000 Welcome the Sun - just copy and paste into the search bar. I recommend attending the event. There is inspiration everywhere and some pretty far out drum circles to dance in. #Stonehenge #Summersolstice #Stonehengesummersolstice

Hay Bluff (677M) is legendary in the Black Mountains. Not far from Hay-On-Wye and on the border with England and Wales, it has seen people gather and enjoy the space for decades, if not centuries. People have photographed sunrises above it, picked mushrooms from it, camped on it, walked all over it, hang-glided and paraglided off it, sat on it, meditated upon it and driven up to it in awe as the whole north-western escarpment comes into view if coming in from the north. But few see it from this angle. This is from the north, looking south from off Cusop Hill. It's a hazy view, but you get a sense of what a lump the bluff is from the valley floor. Beyond on the right is Twmpa. The second photo features the road that leads to Gospel Pass, an interesting perspective given how many times I've personally been up it. Photos taken from within Herefordshire. #haybluff #hay #blackmountains #breconbeacons #perspective #mountains #wales #walescollective #walkinguk #borderlands #herefordshire

At the source of the River Wye, high on Plynlimon in Mid Wales.

The water here is crystal clear—"gin clear" as they say. Standing at the very beginning of one of Britain's great rivers, it's easy to understand why people throughout history have regarded pure spring water as the Elixir of Life.

But what is the Elixir of Life?

In mythology and folklore, it was a legendary substance said to restore vitality, grant health, or even immortality. In reality, perhaps the closest thing we have is clean, fresh water. Every civilisation has depended on it. People have travelled to springs, wells and mountain sources for centuries, believing in their healing and life-giving qualities.

Here at its source, that's exactly what the Wye is—a spring emerging from the uplands, beginning its long journey to the sea. The deep ravine carved into the hillside shows the power of water over time, while the views across the Cambrian Mountains remind you just how wild and beautiful this landscape remains.

A moment to pause, drink from the source, and appreciate the simplest elixir of all. I love it. #wye #wyevalley #riverwye #sourceoftheriverwye #plynlimon #pumlumon #cambrianmountains #midwales #mountainspring #spring #walescollective

Another few from the upper wye.

I’m always enthralled by this section of the upper River Wye leading to the source. Inside the Cwm, or valley, there is a series of little cataracts, which are beautiful, formed as water drops 180 meters in less than 2 km. It means some steep inclines as you ascend, but it’s a small price for the immersive sense you get with the slopes rising on either side.

What strikes you is the constant sound of water. As you move forward, it’s a case of having to find your way by stepping over the embryonic river, often from the left to the right bank. It’s like a dance, and it's pretty cool as you glimpse the wider landscape as well.

You’re always mindful of how this energetic stream will eventually become the Wye we know further downstream.

#wye #wyevalley #riverwye #upperwye #plynlimon #pumlumon #cambrian #cambrianmountains

More from the Wye Valley Walk.

At the source of the Wye, beneath the brooding Plynlimon, we made the most far-out wild camp. Paul — my dear late twin — and I sloshed through sucking bog in the last gold of evening, and headed for the infant river as it curled through the base of the mountain. We found a tiny patch of grass, marooned between the young Wye on one side and deep marsh on the other. It felt like camping on an island.

Morning came cold, glinting with silver. We carefully made our way back through the bog, boots swallowed to the ankle, before passing the broken remains of Nant Lago mine, torn open like the mountain’s own entrails rusting in the light. Above us, from the official viewing platform, Plynlimon and the source of the Wye glowed in the morning sun, a sight that deepened our appreciation for the river.

Then we dropped back down to the river and started our climb into the gully, beside Wye water cascading through the flumes with a purpose akin to our own.

This was the Wye Valley Walk at its rawest.

More of those mountain-water photos next time. #wye #wyevalley #wyevalleywalk #riverwye #wyescenes #riverwalk #riversource

Just a few photos from trips to the Upper Wye and Wye Valley Walk. We've done things differently from the official Wye Valley Walk - we've actually started at the source. Over the next few weeks, I'll be sharing some more from off the trail. It's a fantastic trail. Most associate it with some middle-class affair, but it is, in fact, varied, impressive, beautiful, gnarly, wondrous and a decent length at 136 miles. Here in the first photo, we're walking to the source and then back again. Plynlimon rises like an archetypal mountain in the middle of the valley. This view is off Esgair Llwyn-Gwyne, just outside of LLangurig if interested. #wye #wyevalley #wyevalleywalk #longwalks #rivertrail #riverwalks

On the way home from the Black Mountains, I capture this epic sunset over the Wye from off the historic Whitney-on-Wye Toll Bridge. Some things are just magnetic and compel you to capture them. #wye #wyevalley #whitney-on-Wye #tollbridge #river #sunset

Llangorse Lake, the largest natural glacial lake in South Wales, is home to the Crannog. A mate and I popped over there and had a good old time on the shore and in the Crannog. The Crannog is the only artificial, man-made island residence discovered in Wales, dating to the late 9th or early 10th century (c. AD 889–893). It served as a high-status, probably royal, residence for the Kings of Brycheiniog before its violent destruction in 916 AD, likely linked to the Viking-age wars. If you're in the area, check it out. The area is also home to a plethora of wildlife. The deck is ideal for observing this famed body of water, which is, in fact, a Wye tributary by way of the Llynfi that flows through the lake. #Llangorse #Langorselake #llangorsecrannog #crannog #breconbeacons #Brycheiniog

I was at one of my favourite places in the Brecon Beacons yesterday - Cwm Sorgwm between Mynydd Troed and Mynydd Llangorse with a friend, and some pony trekkers came ambling past. It was a perfect day for them and us, as there was no mist clouding the views of Llangorse Lake or the central beacons with Pen-Y-Fan standing proud. If you've not been up there, head that way. There's great walking, and you can kick back in the passes, pull up. Ideal! #breconbeacons #bannaubrycheiniog #ponytrekking #pen-y-fan

Into river life at the moment, this time in the lower Wye at Symonds Yat. Before long, it will be as busy as it always is in season. But no matter where you go in the area, it still has this awesome charm. #wye #wyevalley #symondsyat #canoe #geese #riverwalk

A splendid stretch of the Wye north of Rhayader where there are some rapids and this mighty unusual sculpture tucked away in the old Cambrian Railway line. #wye #wyevalley #riverwye #midwales #walkingwales #riverwalkl

A simple walk in March around the Wye Valley Area near Hereford. Local and proud. #wyevalley #wye #march #springtime #springwalk

Yes, we're in glorious Mid Wales. Well, just across the border from Herefordshire, looking east from the River Arrow source, one of the Wye's sub-tributaries. If you're wondering, that's Hay Bluff, 13 KM away. It's always a treat to catch the Blacks from a different angle. Epic, I'd say. #haybluff #midwales #waleswalking #walking #ramble #rambling #hills

This is a curious photo. At first glance, it appears like a pond or even a lake. But do you know what? It is the Wye curving around a bend just outside Llangurig. I love how things can trick you sometimes - illusions can be fun. #wye #wyevalley #wyevalleywalk #walkingmidwales #midwales

Up on the Seven Sisters in the Wye Valley near Symonds Yat. Down below is the Wye and the Biblins camp, and not far behind is Arthur's Cave. This limestone bluff must be one of my favourite view spots in the catchment. Looking the other way west, it's equally as inspiring. #wye #wyevalley #woodland #limestone #exploring #nature

In the Black Mountains the other day with a friend and fellow YouTuber, Adam Radford. It was a blustery day to start. We aimed to do a loop, arriving latterly at Darren Uchaf, a rock formation/cliff created during the last ice age. Before then, it was the Spur above Cwmyoy St Martin's Church that beckoned. As we set off from the bottom, a fierce storm rolled in. It was driving sleet, the winds full on. We had a great time, but ascending and being involved, neither of us put our waterproofs on, and the storm was not abating. So, not wanting to get any colder, we bailed on the Darren. But what a great short thrill of a walk. If interested in the video, copy and paste into YouTube: Storm in the Black Mountains | Forced Back from Exploring Darren Uchaf | YouTube Meetup with Adam.............take care all. And put your waterproofs on in a sleet-and-wind-filled storm. #Blackmountains #walkwales

Cefn Hill in Herefordshire during winter. Opposite Hay Bluff in the Black Mountains and at the source of the River Monnow, the views are always good. On this day, though, it was the sky that mesmerised more than anything. So ethereal, they left you standing. I have a short 2-minute video on my YouTube channel if interested. Just copy and paste: Winter at Cefn Hill & the Black Mountains | Incredible Herefordshire Landscapes - have a great day out there. #winterskies #wintersky #winterskyline #cefnhill #haybluff #haybluffpeak #blackmountains #monnowvalley #herefordshire #walkingherefordshire #winterwalk #winterwonderland

January next to a frozen Punchbowl at the base of the Blorenge near Abergavenny. This is a dramatic space to the east of Keepers Pond. Many don't get to discover it. #punchbowl #blorenge #blorengemountain #wakingwales #waleswalking #monmouthsire #hikingwales #ramble #winterwalk #ukwinter #wintervibes❄️

You wouldn't know it from the road, but the first winter shot is of the Harley Dingle in the Radnor Forest. It really is a surprise to many - you have to get off the main drag to know this area. These are older shots - just dreaming as I overcome a knee injury. Recovery is going well. I'll be out there soon, soaking up the delights of Mid Wales. #radnorforest #radnor #midwales #walkingwales #waleswalking #thewalescollective #naturewalk #walknature #naturesway #hillwalking

Sunrise this morning, New Year's Eve at Yat Rock in Herefordshire. The conditions were perfect. It was minus 3, there was no wind, good folk arrived, the Wye was wonderful, and the sun was spectacular. Happy New Year, everyone. Thanks for everything in 2025. Roll on 2026. #sunrisephotography #sunriselover #sunshine #yatrock #symondsyat #herefordshire #herefordshirecountrylife #earlymorningwalk #earlysunrise

A few hills in Herefordshire. Some rolling, some wide and long, as with the Black Mountains. Rural and countryside walking is a balm to the soul. It's not just about the views; it's the sense of history that’s evident in the land I get off on. Each hill, each valley, has a story that permeates. Yeah, through the vales, the holloways, ancient settlements, churches, and woodland, I connect with a much deeper, layered picture. I love it. #countrywalk #countrywalks #herefordshire #ramble #rambling #valleywalks #outdoorcollective #naturecollective #naturewalks #blackmountains

The River Dore in Herefordshire's Golden Valley yesterday, which flows for 12 miles off the southern slopes of Merbach Hill into the Monnow and then the Wye. Yes, the source is Merbach and not Cusop Hill as suggested by some - environmental agency data confirms this. It was a wet hike - wet wet wet. But the ramble was awesome. I feel for the farmers. There isn't much they can do with land this saturated. #riverdore #riverwalk #herefordshire #countrywalk #rambler #ramble #goldenvalley #winterfarms #december #decemberwalk #valleywalk

I am not kidding when I say this place oozes atmosphere. 12th-century St Nicholas Church in Grosmont is stripped down with only Flagstone floors and no pews. The roof is the oldest church roof in Wales. It's dim inside, invoking the ages. I swear to you it's worth a visit if you're in the area - it's on the Monnow Valley and 3 Castle's Walk. The tower was originally built by Edmund Crouchback, the second surviving son of King Henry III. It was said that Grosmont Castle and the area were his favourite. Entirely up to you, but I did a short 4-minute video for the Wye Explorer channel entitled: The Ancient Church of St Nicholas, Grosmont | Atmospherics From Down The Ages. I think I captured the atmosphere. Peace out. #grosmont #stnicholas #monnowvalley #monnowvalleywalk #3castleswalk #monmouthsire

Nature-related, but a bit odd. Walking through Tesco and my mate Jason Morris gave me a bag of what I think were Bay Boletes. Whatever they were delicious with my omelet later. It's not every day you come out of Tesco with some truly wild, freshly foraged mushrooms in the Wye Valley. #forage #foraging #wildfood #wildedibles #bayboletes #wyevalley

Just a peak at Pen y Fan from Brecon. It's moody as. But I love this view for its evocative nature. #brecon #breconbeacons #bannaubrycheiniog #mistymountains #walescollective #breconshire #penyfan

I wanted to try and capture the cold moon the other night with my simple Sony RX100 Mk4. I have some things to learn. I reckon I ought to have adjusted the shutter speed. This was OK - you can see the stars, and it was the perfect night out. My goal? To get photography licked and to acquire a better camera for the job. #coldmoon #moonlight #moontribe #naturemoon #moonphoto #treemoon #coldnight #starlit #nightsky

I came across this Birch wood the other day in Monmouthshire. I don't often come across these. It was incredibly lit in the late afternoon sun. Good for firewood - maybe that's why it was there back in the day. #birch #birchtree #birchwood #ancientwoodland #woodlandwalk #sunlight #sunset #welshcollective #walescollective #naturelight #hikewales #ramble #monmoutshire #monmouthshire

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WYE EXPLORER

Wye

Latest Guide
The Epynt Way
Discover Mid Wales' remote upland trail

Route, Map, GPX

Epic Landscape

History, Water ETC

lLANGORSE lAKE & THE WYE

Click to Enter

Click to Enter

Top 8 Wye Views

Wye Basin Trails

WYEMOTION

Follow me on Instagram

Get the Latest Wye Explorer updates

WYE EXPLORER

Wye

Latest Guide The Epynt Way Discover Mid Wales' remote upland trail

Route, Map, GPX

Epic Landscape

History, Water ETC

lLANGORSE lAKE & THE WYE

Click to Enter

Click to Enter

Top 8 Wye Views

Wye Basin Trails

WYEMOTION

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Follow me on Instagram

Get the Latest Wye Explorer updates

Latest Guide
The Epynt Way
Discover Mid Wales' remote upland trail