Wye

Welcome/Croeso to the home of Wye Exploring

Hi, my name is Mark, the roamer behind the website and I enjoy exploring and learning about the natural beauty of the Wye River. A walker, camper and life-long swimmer of the Wye I can't get enough of the river and catchment and go with its flow whenever I can. It's this free vibe and knowledge of the area I seek to share with you on this website. To learn more about the site click here or to quickly start exploring the Wye Basin browse below.

Plynlimon Source Story

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Wye Valley Walk

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Quick Facts

Swan on tyhe river Wye in the Lower Wye Valley in the Wye Valley A.O.N.B

The Wye is an SSSI site of Special Scientific Interest

The mouth of the river Wye by Philip Halling geograph.org.uk

The Wye flows into the Severn Estuary at Chepstow

The river Wye in the Lower Wye Valley in the Wye Valley A.O.N.B

The Wye is the UK's fourth longest river with no barriers

River Wye facts. The river Wye is a Welsh and English river.

Starting in Wales the Wye is a Welsh and English river

8 Classic Views

Whilst hiking the Wye from source we have come across some pretty epic views. Scientifically proven they say 'awe' is good for us and we couldn't agree more as a great view makes us feel that life is fantastic in every way. If you're after views that make you feel great then click here for 8 inspiring Wye Valley views that definitely hit the right spot.

Wyeden Your View

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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 above for the rivers and walk diaries.

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The Wye Environment

The Wye is in danger from pollution and high Phosphate levels. We want to make some changes. To see what's happening click Environment to enter the debate and Join the campaign.

Black Hill, Cats Back, Black Hill Herefordshire, Cats Back Herefordshire, Black Mountains, Black Hill and the Black Mountains, Cats Back ridge in the Black Mountains, Black Hill ridge in the Black Mountains, Black Mountains Herefordshire,

Wye Mountain Ranges

The Wye catchment or basin is made up of three distinct mountain ranges and numerous high summits exceeding 700 meters. Click above to explore them.

Wye Basin Trails

We've hiked all Wye rivers from source. Covering nearly 700 miles we've enjoyed every one. It's time now to explore the trails that intersect the Wye Basin. Some are national trails others are less well known. Click here to see the list of trails that are waiting for you to explore to.

Lofty

Thumbs Up For The Wye

What did one of the worlds greatest survival experts 'Lofty John Wiseman' and said to be the worlds greatest living explorer Ranulph Fiennes say about the Wye and the simple act of exploring it? Check out the link below to find out.

Wye Support

WYEMOTION

The upper Wye is home to the Plynlimon/Pumlumon massif, which feeds the Wye. Leading up to the massif is the Wye Valley Walk that takes you through the Wye Valley amid forest and farmsteads that have stood the test of time. Plynlimon/Pumlumons interior is obscured from the world of the lower valley where Llangurig and Rhayader go about their business. In this short 3 minute video we capture the area evocative in every way. Enjoy!

Simply walking the countryside with your friend it's easy to pass by little signs of life in your midst. But keep your eyes open and you'll spot all manner of activity under the radar. Here, on the Rudhall brook in Herefordshire, we encounter evidence of Muntjac. To be fair they stopped me in my tracks. To know they had been around was a thrill - it was a wild walk after all. They're only a small member of the deer family but these tracks were loud. Over the years they have been expanding their territory. I don't think they've made it all the way north yet but it shouldn't be too long I don't think. Their tracks? A bit like Roe deer but smaller/daintier. #muntjac #muntjacdeer #deertracks #tracking #trackinganimals #trackingdeer #hikingwild #wildanimals #footprints #herefordshire #countrysidewalk #riverwalk #wyevalley

Ross-On-Wye looking beautiful beside the Wye. I always enjoy the colours of the town. Where did they come from, I wonder? It's curious because other towns such as Hereford do not seem to be so colourful. Whatever, we all know that colour is a vibration - it lifts the mood and makes a grey day appear that much better although I like grey days. Whose up for more colour? There'll be plenty emerging in spring. #rossonwye #riverwye #wyevalley #wye #colorvibe #colourful #colourfultown #colourfultowns #outdoortones #naturevibe #riverside #riversidewalk

I'm on a geeky one walking the Rudhall Brook from the source. It starts on the northern fringe of the Forest of Dean, and flows for 7-8 miles into the Wye at Ross-On-Wye. They're fundamental water courses draining the land and creating harbours for wildlife. It turned out to be a great walk - on my youtube channel if interested. Fundamentally, we are water and if it flows I'm there to resonate with all its fluid glory. #riverwalk #riverwye #wyevalley #wye #brook #watersource #riversource #herefordshire #countrywalk #countryramble #riverramble #ramble #trekkingcountry #outdoortones #naturwalk

I was walking beside Hartleton Lake in Herefordshire, a few miles east of Ross-On-Wye, when I came upon some Walenty Pytel sculptures. It turned out I was walking right beside his home, which I always thought was near Symonds Yat. His sculptures always reflect the energy indicative of nature. I'm a bit of a fan and was stoked to come across them and his pad. The lake is about 1.5km in circumference and is home to an array of bird life. I saw Mallards (common), Cormorants, a Heron, and an Egret. It's worth a walk. The sunset was incredible on the way back into Ross. #walentypytel #walentypytelart #lakesuk #sculpture #metalsculpture #metalsculptures #sunset #sunsetlovers #outdoortones #tonesofnature #artofnature #natureart #sunlightbrilliant

I was going through some photos of my dear twin brother the other day. He passed away in 2016. Needless to say, old photos are important to me but many are grainy. I've been using an online A.I enhancer remaker and this is the result. I have no comparison but trust me the improvement makes me happy. So, them old photos are worth touching up. This is Paul in the Black Mountains. #blackmountains #mountainviews #outdoortones #photenhancement #memoriesforlife #natureway #mountaintones #outdoortones #breconbeacons

Up on the Hergest ridge in Herefordshire. Don't you just dig these old Offa's Dyke signs? They somehow lend a little more value to the trail although it is good. If ever you are on the Hergest at sunset expect sunsets into Mid Wales that stop you still. There's a reason Mike Oldfield was up here making music. #hergestridge #hergest #offasdykepath #offasdyke #sunset #sunsetlovers #outdoortones #tonesofnature #visitherefordshire #herefordshire #borderlands #ourplanetdaily #greatoutdoors

Wild waters and a brew. I love springs when I'm out and about. The sound, the space all of which are different, and the water's purity. I usually drink straight from a spring if it's high up and low down if from an aquifer of some kind. The natural filtration is normally good. Here, I take water from a spring at the base of the Sugar Loaf. I could taste the frost in it. Later I brewed with my Crusader stove using the same water. My small Swedish folding mug is all I need along with a good view. #springwater #springs #naturalwater #naturetones #walescollective #tonesofnature #discoverearth #crusaderstove #outdoortea #brewingup

The warden's lodge — Parc Lodge (now a farm house) — is in a medieval deer park at the foot of the Sugar Loaf in the Cibi Valley. There would have been an older dwelling, but this one dates back to the 17th century and is said to have been built by the Duke of Beaufort, a peerage created in the 1600s. The park itself was founded by Abergavenny Priory. I like the symmetry in the second shot and how worn the farm looks from the rear. It's a working place. #deerpark #medievaldeerpark #sugarloaf #abergavenny #farm #farmhouse

I'm on the Deri Allt a Black Mountains Outlier, which means Oak Ridge. This pool saw two ponies approach for a drink as if on some African plain. Truly, it felt wild. The Skirrid Fawr in the background provided the perfect backdrop. #ponies #wildponies #welshponies #skirridfawr #skirridview #blackmountains #outdoortones #thewelshcollective #everydaylifeoutdoors #tonesofnature #thewalescollective #thisiscymru

The iconic Sugar Loaf is 596 meters at the Eastern gateway to the Brecon Beacons National Park and at the Southern edge of the Black Mountains. Below is a medieval deer park and opposite the Deri - meaning Oak - nice one @rameman33 I went for a walk that way to explore both. The view of the Sugar Loaf as it changed angle was fantastic not to mention the sessile oak woodland at its base and the Dero ridge. I have a video up on the WyeExplorer channel (YT)for those interested- just copy and paste: The Deri Allt Ridge North of Abergavenny via the Medieval Deer Park in the Shadow of the Sugar Loaf - all the best out there. Happy exploring. #sugarloaf #sugarloafmountain #walesadventure #blackmountains #breconbeacons #breconbeaconsnationalpark

Perspectives: You wouldn't know anything about winter. It's odd, view something from another angle and things change. It has to be said I love the textures in both the rock and cloud and the contrast - one is soft while the other is hard. Living side by side is possible it appears. #winterperspectives #winterperspective #rock #rocktexture #rocktextures #perspectives #outdoortones #tones #greatoutdoors #artofvisuals #tonesofnature #welovetoexplore #discoverearth

A nice cold river Lugg that will eventually meet the Wye. Frost is like the earth's glitter. It lights it up with magic that permeates our visual senses enough to make us feel well. I imagine there are a fair few out there who feel the same. #frost #frosting #coldmorning #coldriver #riverbank #riverlugg #wyevalley #outdoortones #natureheals #riversidewalk #riverside #frozenground #hereford #herefordshire #herefordshirecountrylife

Up on Cefn Hill near Hay On Wye in winter and the skies were great. I kid you not they were ethereal and somewhat of an altered state experience. I was bathing in this otherness amid the Black Mountains and the river Monnow source. #cefnhill #blackmountains #bannaubrycheiniog #herefordshire #hillwalking #outdoortones #naturebathing #ethereal #magicclouds #winterwalk #cold #winterviews

I spotted this Grey Heron the other week just standing motionless as it stalked its prey. It was on the Dulas Brook on the edge of Hay on Wye, which runs into the river Wye. With no movement I only saw it from the very corner of my eye. It stood there for 10 minutes. They're early breeders Herons starting in February/early March so they'll be up in there Heronries soon. Sociable birds there can be 10 nests or more in one tree. I call them a serious bird. There's a video on my Youtube channel if interested called: Grey Heron, Hay On Wye | Majesty On Dulas Brook - just copy and paste. Have a GREYt day out there. I know I couldn't resist. #greyheron #greyherons #grey #avian #waterbird #waterbirds #outdoortones #walescollective #hikingadventures #hikingnature #naturehikes #hayonwye #riverwye #wyevalley

The Black Mountains in winter. This is the Cwm Y Nant the source of the river Ennig that flows through Talgarth. We're looking at Enigg Falls now. It's a fantastic Cwm cathedral-like and steep. Later the waters go on to form Pwll Y Wrach waterfall. It's West facing and has great views of the central Brecon Beacons. The water is clean up here - you can drink it from the source. I decided to capture the water still - I find it lends it a certain honesty and is visually effective too. #blackmountains #breconbeacons #bannaubrycheiniog #valley #cwm #walesadventure #walescollective #outdoortones #chasingwaterfalls #waterfallphotography #rushingwater

Up on the Deri yesterday opposite the Sugar Loaf. It was looking mighty fine. There were many people on top. The ponies were out too - super nice. #sugarloaf #sugarloafmountain #hillponies #ponies #breconbeacons #bannaubrycheiniog #winterswalk #winterwales #walescollective #outdoortones #naturemelody #dayhike

Out in the Welsh woods, this holly and light captured my attention. It was lovely and fresh yesterday. #woodlandwalk #woodland #sunlight #sunshine #outdoortones #walescollective #greatoutdoors #wintertree #holly

Thanks, everyone, for the comments, thoughts, and conversations this last year. I enjoyed every moment. Here’s to more sharing in 2025—Happy New Year.

On reflection, it was a good year for me. I finished my book about my twin brother and myself called The Sight of Two, which is a full-on chronicle regarding my twin life—it involves our early days, twin identity, raves, drugs, the streets, recovery, the SAS from a family perspective, and the healing qualities of the outdoors. In the midst of it and other work, I managed to get out a fair bit. Camping with old mates, wild swims, meeting folk in the deepest country, epic views, and more punctuated my year. Blessings to you all. Peace and love. Mark

#newyear #happynewyear #reflections #personalreflection #greatoutdoors #outdoortones #wildcamping #wildcamp #exploring #thebestlife

The Yew tree at Discoed a few miles West of Presteigne on the border with Herefordfshire and Powys is the fifth oldest Yew in the UK. It's said to be 5,000 years old although this is debatable because it's hard to date Yews because old ones have no heartwood as such. What we can say is that it is comfortably 2,000 years old and most likely between 3 and 4,000 years old. Whatever it has outlived empires. It truly is a magnificent specimen located in the upper Lugg valley the Wye's main tributary. In this video (copy and paste into youtube) Incredible Ancient Yew Tree | A Hike To One Of The Top 5 Oldest Yews In The UK | 5,000 Yrs In Age? or visit my channel I explore this natural wonder in the world. I hope you enjoy it or visit. It's well worth your time. Peace out. #yew #yewtree #oldtree #oldtrees #oldtreespirit #texturesofnature #naturetextures #outdoortones #tonesofnature #thewalescollective #visitwales #midwales

I walked past this beautiful mural of a Kingfisher—otherwise known as Alcedo Atthis—in Ross on Wye yesterday. It sits beside the Rudhall Brook, which runs into the River Wye half a km to the West. I've seen hundreds of Kingfishers in my life (96 different species worldwide), and they have been known to fly over land great distances. I have also seen them amid these green corridors. No shots of the brook today but I'll go back soon and walk it from the source, which is below East Dean near Mitcheldean in the Forest of Dean. That was a mouthful. The art present is, without doubt, a reminder of the life that exists around us although we may not see it all the time. #kingfisher #kingfishers #kingfisherart #rossonwye #riverwye #herefordshire

I thought I'd share my home city at sunset. We get some incredible sunsets in Hereford, especially from a local park called Churchill Gardens possibly my favourite place in the city. The sun is setting beyond the December Black Mountains and Sugar Loaf with the 11th century Hereford Cathedral and All Saints Church in the foreground. From here you can see the whole of the Eastern Escarpment of the Black Mountains. It's where I came after my dear twin brother Paul died. The place is one for contemplation for a lot of people. So, if you're ever in Hereford stop by here. You can walk or ride from the city or there's a little car park. #sunset #citysunset #cathedralsunset #herefordcathedral #hereford #blackmountains #goldenhour #goldenhourphotography #colourfuldreams #sunsetnature

These are just a few trees on a recent local walk around Ewyas Harold Common to the incredible Dore Abbey in south-west Herefordshire. Besides trees being of such significance ecologically they have, over time, become a metaphor for life. Their rings are data for times gone by, they whisper their wisdom, they stand firm over time, their longevity speaks of something consistent, they have leaves of hope, and their branches go where the light is. As youngsters, they were magnets we had to climb, their branches offering a different perspective on life. To say we love trees is an understatement. We love trees and are them, making their conservation all the more important. I mean who are we without them? We would be nothing spiritually and physically for they sustain us something local project @stumpupfortrees_ knows only too well. Yeah, trees are the business and I can't help but wish them well every time I see them. #treescape #treesareamazing #treespirit #treelife #treepeople #treeshape #treewalk #treelandscape #herefordshire #herefordshirewalks

I often pick up feathers - they're beautiful and powerful totems at times. Here, I found a buzzard feather right where my dear late twin brother and I camped in 2014 in the Black Mountains - I mean right there. It's a remote spot and I hadn't returned for some years. I kid you, not it felt alive with spirit. I placed it at one end of my tarps guy-line and there it stayed. It was my sacred space for the night. #feathers #totems #feather #spirit #spiritual #outdoortones #remembrance #specialmoments #sacredspace #tonesofnature #naturephotography #thewalescollective #blackmountains

Hi all, I had an exciting time the other day getting challenged on the edge of the secret SAS base at Pontrilas in West Herefordshire. I’d been to Dore Abbey the spectacular cathedral-like abbey that’s survived since the 11th C (see pictures) and sits there in the peaceful Golden Valley while SAS training goes on yards away. What a contrast. In this video, I hike to the Abbey – and the edge of the base via Ewyas Harold Common with tantalising views of the Black Mountains. All in all, an adventurous outing. Next time I may just dress as a monk and pass by the SAS base without raising suspicion. For this interesting video copy and paste into youtube: Dore Abbey Via Ewyas Harold Common Near the Pontrilas SAS Secret Base | I Get Challenged - Peace out all and don't get caught. #doreabbey #abbeydore #herefordshire #herefordshirecountrylife #specialairservice #outdoortones #stayandwander #everydaylifeoutdoors #countrywalk #herefordshirewalks

Hiking Carngafallt the other week South of Rhayader in the Cambrian Mountains I paid another visit to a favourite abandoned cottage. It's an old peasants/shepherds cottage on the Wye Valley walk on Carngafallt's northern slope. There are only 3.5 acres to the property so whoever owned it eventually found it impossible to make ends meet. I was fortunate enough to see in side before it was locked up tight - here are a few images. The place still has enough left to invoke the presence of the former owners. It's oldschool enchantment. If you want to see my visit this time around go on over to the Carngaffalt video - copy and paste on youtube: ABOVE THE ELAN VALLEY ON CARN GAFELLT | Exploring The Cambrian Mountains - for the tour inside take a look at my Wye Valley walk video. It's Day 2-3. I've come across plenty more on my hikes. I'll post a few. #abandonedcottage #abandonedcottages #hillfarming #hillfarminglife #cambrianmountains #wyevalley #wyevalleywalk #outdoortones #moodytones #thewalescollective #welshcottage #visitwales #everydaylifeoutdoors

Winter in the Radnor Forest. In such conditions, it's epic up there with a great interior and far-reaching views of the Black Mountains and beyond. #radnorforest #radnorforestwales #radnorshire #winterhike #winterhikes #welshwinter #clearwinterday #outdoortones #tonesofnature #thewalescollective #myescapism

Lines in the landscape or in nature always interest me. Well, geometry while out and about. It's wherever you cast your eyes. It's like being in a cathedral designed to stimulate and lift you to a higher place. Taken from my walk on the Offa's Dyke in the lower Wye, which features in my latest youtube video. If interested - just copy and paste: AUTUMN SECTION HIKE Along the OFFA'S DYKE in the WYE VALLEY | Devils Pulpit to Redbrook | 11 Miles have a great weekend out there. #lines #naturegeometry #naturevibes #landscapeart #tonesofnature #outdoortones #roamtheplanet #artofvi̇suals #hikingadventures #offasdykepath #riverwye #wyevalley

The Wye Valley was looking and feeling spectacular during its autumn malt the other day. I walked 11 miles from Tintern, up to the Devil's Pulpit for a dramatic window into Tintern Abbey down below, and then through the valley on the Offa's Dyke Path to Redbrook. It was another steady outing testing out my ankle/leg. I did well by the time I arrived at Redbook observing a view I’d never had the pleasure of. With a few folks along the way, life coursed through me like rivers course through the land. The youtube video is now up entitled: AUTUMN SECTION HIKE Along the OFFA'S DYKE in the WYE VALLEY | Devils Pulpit to Redbrook | 11 Miles. Just copy and paste - it’s a goodun. Peace – happy exploring. #wyevalley #wye #riverwye #tinternabbey #tintern #offasdykepath #offasdyke

I had to post this one of sheep in the grip of a Black Mountains winter. I just love them - and know I'm not talking about on the plate. They're tough - super tough and can withstand most of what's thrown at them. Did you know their wool is fire resistant? I've tried burning it and I can vouch - it doesn't catch light. This is because the fiber retains a certain amount of air moisture. It's also Moisture Wicking, Hypoallergenic and Mildew & Mold Resistant. Re- it's insulating properties each fiber butts up against the next, as opposed to simply laying flat in parallel with itself. When this happens air pockets form, creating insulation. Sheep are built for harsh conditions. #sheep #sheepwool #wool #blackmountains #breconbeacons #breconbeaconsnationalpark #bannaubrycheiniog

A bucolic ramble amid the Wye, Twmpa and connections on the path. This was from my recent walk to Ffinnon Gwynydd and St Cynidr holy well. It was another chance to stretch the legs and explore more deeply the area near Glasbury on Wye. If you haven't watched it I recommend the video on my WyeExplorer youtube channel. Have a great weekend. Happy exploring.

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WYE EXPLORER

Wye

Welcome/Croeso to the home of Wye Exploring

Click to Enter

Click to Enter

Quick Facts

The Wye is an SSSI site of Special Scientific Interest

The Wye flows into the Severn Estuary at Chepstow

The Wye is the UK's fourth longest river with no barriers

Starting in Wales the Wye is a Welsh and English river

8 Classic Views

19 river Explores
& Hikes

The Wye Environment

Wye Mountain Ranges

Wye Basin Trails

Thumbs Up For The Wye

WYEMOTION

Follow me on Instagram

Subscribe for Wye Explorer updates

Wye

Welcome/Croeso to the home of Wye Exploring

Quick Facts

The Wye is an SSSI site of Special Scientific Interest

The Wye flows into the Severn Estuary at Chepstow

The Wye is the UK's fourth longest river with no barriers

Starting in Wales the Wye is a Welsh and English river

8 Classic Views

Thumbs Up For The Wye

WYEMOTION

​

Follow me on Instagram

Subscribe for Wye Explorer updates