LLandogo, Wye, Duchess Ride, Cleddon Falls

• Distance: 6 km

• Total ascent: 245 m

• River Wye section: LLandogo/Bigsweir Br

• Duration: 02:00

• Walking Grade 2

• Terrain: Riverside path, woodland/woodland hill, some steep sections

• Start/Finish: LLandogo St Oudoceus

• Views: Lower Wye/River Severn

• Difficulty: Moderate – a mix of hills and level walking

• Highlights: Dramatic viewpoints, River Wye, Woodland paths, Cleddon Falls

• Best time to visit: Spring, Summer and autumn for colour and high spate

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Parking Up

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This loop is basic for most walkers and makes a good connection with the Wye and woodland landscapes. There are numerous parking opportunities outside St Oudoceus beside the Memorial Green and opposite the pub the Sloop Inn, but only if you decide to be a curtomer. To park somewhere else you could start the walk at Cleddon Shoots where there are a couple of spaces. 

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Crossing the Church Yard

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Cross over the church yard from the church front door facing south. Head for the right corner and step into the field. Handrail the boundary to your left and walk to the far side accessing the riverside path bearing left beyond the property on your left. Your on the trail with the River Wye on your right.

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Bigsweir Bridge

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After about 1KM bear left at a fork and leave the riverside for the road. Beyond is Bigsweir Bridge Built in 1826-29. Made of cast iron and sandstone it has a broad central clear span in four cast iron arches. As bridges go it's pretty cool. 

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On the road turn right for 225 meters until you reach a finger post opposite. Follow it into the woods, pass one woodland trail and up the hill until you intersect with another at about 300 meters in. Bear left on a sweeping arc where you bear right abruptly at 650 meters leaving the track for a narrower trail. After 150 meters another track presents itself, bear left for the Duchess Ride View 350 meters in and Cleddon Shoots beyond.

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The Duchess Ride Viewpoint

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The viewpoint is named after the Duchess of Beaufort. According to local history, she frequently rode her carriage along this specific avenue of Scots Pine trees to enjoy the scenic landscape. One at the location the view looks over Llandogo to the south revealing the Wye, the Valley and the River Severn beyond. It's a view to linger for what with the valley slopes cloaked in thick woodland for many miles. 

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Eat/Drink & Trails

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If you fancy more than just the view, there are a few good spots to grab something to eat or drink around Llandogo or in the valley. The Sloop Inn mentioned is right there at the start and finish of the walk, down river is Tintern with a good few options whilst up river is Redbrook and Monmouth. Check online. 

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Summary

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A compact loop from Llandogo that mixes riverside walking with a steady climb through woodland to higher ground. The route starts easy along the Wye before heading uphill on narrower, sometimes muddy trails, so decent footing helps.

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The pull up is the main effort, but it’s short-lived and rewarded with open views from the Duchess Ride across the Wye Valley and towards the Severn. Cleddon Shoots makes a good midway stop, especially after rain when the falls are more active.

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At around 6 km, it’s a straightforward couple of hours out — varied enough to keep it interesting, without feeling like a big commitment.

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Some Quick Links

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Back to other viewpoints and trails. Click. 

Cool short video of Cleddon Falls.