Top 8 Wye Views
Top 8 Wye Rivers
There's one thing about the Wye, the valley and basin and that is once you start exploring it the surprises never stop. Here we share with you 8 classic view points (not ranked and in order) in the Wye valley specifically so that you can get an idea of the great space and visuals out there.
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There are many more epic view points in the Wye basin as a whole and we'll be sharing these in time. So keep an eye out for some more Wye vista's to be revved up by.
1. Yat Rock
Grid Ref: SO563160
OS Explorer 14
This is a well-known and popular viewpoint in the Wye Valley. It looks into Gloucestershire & Herefordshire. During the breeding season, this is where Peregrine Falcons can be seen nesting. Goshawk and Sparrowhawk are also resident in the area.
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Palaeolithic, Neolithic & Iron Age peoples are known to have made the Wye Valley their home. The headland of Yat Rock is evidence of that via the Iron Age Hill Fort dating back 2,500 years. Ditches and ramparts are still in evidence. For more on the area, go here/Places and Spaces. For an awesome winters sunrise video click the link here.
A famous view in the Wye Valley, but well worth the trip or car parking fee. The Wye snakes its way around the peninsula below, and the bluffs of Coldwell stand out. For a great sunrise video, see the link below.
A famous view in the Wye Valley, but well worth the trip or car parking fee. The Wye snakes its way around the peninsula below, and the bluffs of Coldwell stand out. For a great sunrise video, see the link below.
2. Twmpath
Grid Ref: SO073438
This is not such a well-known view of the Wye Valley, and we're excited to share it. We came across it after walking the River Edw, which starts at Llandegley Rocks near the Radnor Forest, North East from here.​
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The picture is looking North towards Aberedw Rocks (Llewellyn's Cave-see video) on the right and Builth Wells to the North. Also, present right is Aberedw Hill (greener of the two) and the Carneddau range of hills in the V of the valley. There is a car park or back country layby right where you need to be. For details, see Grid Reference link above.
The Wye and Carneddau in the foreground with Aberedw Rocks, right. One of our favourites.
The Wye and Carneddau in the foreground with Aberedw Rocks, right. One of our favourites.
3. Little Hill
Grid Ref: SO070447
This view from off Little Hill is nearby No 2, Twmpath. It can be accessed from Builth Wells to the North or from Erwood to the South. The back lane runs alongside the A470 down below. It offers up views of the Wye Valley looking East towards the Black Mountains. To the front is Twmpa or Lord Herefords Knob, and left is Hay Bluff. It's a big, open sky view. Epic!
The Wye from Little Hill, facing the Black Mountains to the east. It's one of those big sky views. For the video, see the link.
The Wye from Little Hill, facing the Black Mountains to the east. It's one of those big sky views. For the video, see the link.
4. The Wyndcliff
Grid Ref: ST 527974
Another view that will have you lingering. Taken from the Wyndcliff on a misty magic day, it shows the bend around the Lancaut Peninsula an historical gem, with Winter's Leap beyond. It's a spectacular spot not to be missed.
This is spectacular - one of the finest river views in the whole of the UK.
This is spectacular - one of the finest river views in the whole of the UK.
5. The Devil's Pulpit
Grid Ref: ST542995
The Devils Pulpit is a viewpoint off a limestone crag in beautiful woodland along the Offa's Dyke Path. It’s viewed through woodland, which provides a beguiling window through which to look at Tintern Abbey and the village of Tintern below. You can walk there from Tintern (a bit of hill climbing) or from Tidenham Chase ST558992.
A view from the Devil's Pulpit on the Offa's Dyke Path. It's a good walk through the woodland, rewarded by this spectacular window.
A view from the Devil's Pulpit on the Offa's Dyke Path. It's a good walk through the woodland, rewarded by this spectacular window.
6. The Seven Sisters
Grid Ref: SO546153
This full-on view is off the valley's limestone crags, which were formed 350 million years ago from a warm shallow sea. Not far from King Arthurs Cave the Wye winds its way through Symonds Yat, past the Biblins Camp and on through to Monmouth, all cloaked in mixed woodland that's home to rare species of plant and tree. On a nice day, observe the birds (Raptors included) catching the thermals below as they soar above the river. For a video of the Seven Sisters Bluffs click here.
A view from the Seven Sisters Limestone bluffs in the Wye Valley's gorge. For a video of the bluffs, see the link.
A view from the Seven Sisters Limestone bluffs in the Wye Valley's gorge. For a video of the bluffs, see the link.
7. Upper Wye Valley/Source
Grid Ref: SN896793
Taken from off Esgair Llwyn Gwyn on the Wye Valley Walk at 393 meters it's one of our favourites. It's within walking distance of Llangurig village. So, you can get off the X47 bus or out of the car and enjoy this within an hour. It reveals the upper Wye and Plynlimon, the source of the river in all its magnificence. Recommended! For a video of a walk through this part of the valley on our Wye Valley Walk see, here.
A view of the Wye Valley looking west from off Esgair Llewyn Gwyn. For a video walking through the valley, see the link.
A view of the Wye Valley looking west from off Esgair Llewyn Gwyn. For a video walking through the valley, see the link.
8. Source Gully/Plynlimon
Situated at the base of Cerrig Yr Wyn at 550 Metres on a good day, this secluded view 2 KM east of the source of the Wye is for ponderance. It looks over the main source gully west towards the summit of Pen Pumlumon Fawr and eastern slopes of the range.
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From the platform you can see the infant Wye down below as it meanders its way towards Pont Rhydgaled and then on through to Llangurig.
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You can hike the gully to the source after viewing it (see Video timestamped here). The space before you is open access. Simply drop down. For a detailed look at the route click here Source Walks
A view of the Wye source from the Cerrig Yr Wyn platform.
A view of the Wye source from the Cerrig Yr Wyn platform.