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 Monks Trod
Discover Mid Wales & Cambrian Mountains History

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The Monks Trod or Llwybr Y Mynaich in Welsh is one of Mid Wales' most unusual long-distance trails. Crossing the remote uplands of the Cambrian Mountains East to West it traces the route medieval monks once walked to reach two of the most significant Welsh abbeys of the time Strata Florida (Ystrad Fflur) in the west and Abbeycwmhir in the east. With no way markers it makes for an interesting challenge as you pass through quiet valleys and over upland in what is known as the last wilderness in Wales. It is a walk that unearths something new with every mile, especially for those who enjoy uncovering the history behind the landscape.

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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.

So, I'm continuing the journey along the Monk's Trod Trail from Abeycwmhir to Strata Florida on the West side of the Cambrian Mountains in Mid Wales, and I'm posting photos of my favourite spot in the whole of the Wye Valley. For me, it trumps Symonds Yat or Tintern in its lower reaches. Where could it be? We're out of the valley now, about 50 metres above the river, in what I call the Gamallt, Yr Wylorn, Moelfryn bowl. From the river, the slopes of Gamallt rise almost 200 metres sheer. Accompanied by the others, it's an amphitheatre of a space that inspires awe and wonder. #wye #wyevalley #Wyewalks #Riverwye #monkstrod #longwalk #cambrianmountains #cambrian #midwales

Hi, all. The start of the Monks Trod from Abbeycwmhir to Strata Florida in Mid Wales was fantastic. I stepped off at the Wye Valley because of an injury, but returned two weeks later to finish it through the wild heart of the Cambrian Mountains.

To start, I climbed out of the Wye Valley, which is wonderfully wide – almost like High Cup Nick in the Pennines from above. Down below it’s enchanting, as you can see in the photos.

Suffice to say, the second part was spectacular, as I knew it would be. With more epic views, space, an overnight in the Clairddu Bothy with some interesting chaps, great memories and a visually inspiring entrance to Stata Florida, I couldn't have asked for anything more. I recorded some video and have uploaded it to YouTube. The title is: The Monks Trod P2: Across the Wild Cambrian Mountains to Strata Florida | Llwbr Y Mynaich, or copy and paste the URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55V0i4lyIzs

If you have the time, please do sit back and enjoy this feature-length video. There are timestamps in the description if you want to skip through it, but I recommend letting it roll. More photos to come. Peace out. #Monkstrod #Themonkstrod #Wyevalley #Wye #Longwalk #Backpacking #Midwales #Wales #Waleswalking #Cambrianmountains

Walking the Monk's Trod, or Hu Bira Minike, meaning The Monk's Path in Mid Wales, I was keen to swim in the Marteg that meets the Wye abover Rhayader. Both rivers were low, revealing the true extent of the glacial boulders that sit heavy midstream. I was bowled over - excuse the pun - by their size and the sheer presence of ancient history. After admiring the first set of boulders and admiring the Marteg from upon one, I proceeded to the Washpool, where many sheep had formerly been dunked. The waters weren't glacial, but they were fresh enough, leaving me with a buzz as I emerged invigorated and as clean as the sheep. #riverwalk #river #ancinethistory #glacial #midwales #walesriver #trek #longwalk #welshcollective #wildswim #swimmingwild #riverswim #rivermarteg #gilfach #gilfachnaturereserve

The Monks Trod: Into the Marteg/Gilfach and Wye Valley. #wyevalley #wye #gilfach #gilfachnaturereserve #midwales #walkingwales

Moel Hywel (505M) is one of the features you contour around on the Monks Trod from Abbeycwmhir to Strata Florida in the Cambrian Mountains. In the early medieval period, monks came over the top of Moel Hywel and dropped down to St Harmon - it was said. We skirted its southern flank because boundaries, as you might expect, have shifted - there is no right of way from the east. So, we make the route up as best we can, which is what I love about exploring. It's interesting to note that Moel means "bold" in Welsh and Hywel means "eminent". It certainly feels like a mighty hill in its midst. In the second photo spot Caban Goch Reservoir in the Elan Valley beyond Rhayadar, a unique view I've never had the pleasure of before. #monkstrod #themonkstrod #abbeycwmhir #stratflorida #midwales #waleswalking #scenery #bighill #backpacking #welshcollective #rhayader #elanvalley

It's an unfolding story, the Monks Trod and I'll be sharing more photos and thoughts about the walk. Heading west out of Abbeycwmhir, scholars aren't fully sure of the route the 11th C monks took to Strata Florida in the Cambrian Mountains. There is evidence of a medieval trackway on Cwm Hir Bank above St Harmon, and it's thought they took this path. One thing is for sure: they would have stayed out of the proper valley floor to avoid the marshland.

Walking out of the valley really does feel medieval. The deep valley and steep forested slopes add to that mood. It's an incredible area in the Wye basin - all waters from here feed the Wye. #abbeycwmhir #monkstrod #longwalk #walkingwales #walescollective #forest #forestwalk #midwales

I spent the weekend in Mid Wales at Llamas Fest, hosted by my friend Plaxy. There were good people, great food, some great valley views, and amazing conversation that stayed with me.

From there, I stepped onto the Monks Trod, walking from Abbeycwmhir towards Strata Florida through the Cambrian Mountains. It didn't disappoint: ancient paths, wild country, and that feeling of being back where I belong.

But after Gilfach and the Wye Valley, my knee and ankle reminded me that recovery was still ongoing. After a long injury, there comes a point where determination has to make room for wisdom. So, I stepped away.

A few years ago, I wouldn’t have thought twice about carrying on. This time, I chose the long game. I've been out for too long already to risk turning a few extra miles into a few extra months.

There was an unexpected silver lining too. I'd packed five days' worth of food because I couldn't expect everyone at the festival to feed me (even though they looked after us brilliantly). That meant I started with a heavier pack than I'll need next time. When I head back in a few weeks to finish the trail, I'll only be carrying a couple of days of food—and a lighter pack in every sense.

Without doubt, a successful adventure isn't about reaching the planned finish. I reckon there's learning about where the line is, respecting it, and coming back stronger.

Mid Wales is always beautiful. The Monks Trod isn't going anywhere. I'll be back soon—and this time, fitter for it because of wisdom. #abbeycwmhir #monkstrod #midwales #walkingwales #longdistancewalking

Camping at the embryonic Wye at the base of Plynlimon before we knew this was part of the Sweetlamb estate in 2014 (Respects, guys @sandrabennettevans ). Later it was a climb up through the Wye gully to the source. How divine to hike amid the resplendent heather, the colours radiating like fire across the mountainside.

Is this a stream or a river? It's actually the Wye at source near Plynlimon in Mid Wales. You can jump across it here.

I reckon life is like this. We often look at beginnings and mistake them for insignificance. But, hey, a great journey always starts as something small or as a tiny flow of courage.

The Wye doesn't need to look like anything much at its source. The thing it needs to do is keep moving. #wye #wyevalley #river #riverjourney #lifejourney #walescollective #flowingriver #riverwalk #walkingwales #plynlimon

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❄️

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WYE EXPLORER

Wye

Latest Guide
The Monks Trod
Discover Mid Wales & Cambrian Mountains History

Route, Map, GPX

Epic Landscape

History, Bothy 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 Monks Trod Discover Mid Wales & Cambrian Mountains History

Route, Map, GPX

Epic Landscape

History, Bothy 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 Monks Trod
Discover Mid Wales & Cambrian Mountains History