There's nothing quite like a long walk on a crisp and clear winter's day with your family or best mates. Even better when the reward at the end of it is a delicious meal and a pint in a cosy country pub as you warm your toes up next to the fire - and especially at the start of a brand new year when many are potentially still nursing a hangover or tackling their new year's resolutions with gusto in a bid to blow away the cobwebs of the past few weeks.
And what better route than along the gorgeous River Wye on the Welsh border? A route that not only allows you to soak up the countryside, fresh air, green vistas and history but takes you across two countries in the space of a few hours. That's pretty impressive, don't you think?
At the end of your walk, give yourself a pat on the back with a plateful of pub grub at one of the many establishments along the water and the walking route - but the Saracen's Head is one of the best spots, we think. This historic, riverside inn has stood for centuries in its spectacular position on the east bank of the River Wye and overlooks where the river flows into a steep wooded gorge. Plus, this family run inn is right next to the ferry that crosses the river.
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It is a protected landscape that offers a superb visual feast throughout the year – from woods carpeted with bluebells, wild garlic and wood anemones in spring to autumnal trees bursting into red and gold - as well as areas steeped in history; there are Iron Age forts on the Great Doward and Yat Rock nearby as well as archaeological finds with the bones of hyenas, sabre-toothed cats and a mammoth in and around the caves of the valley, for example. And there are more ways to explore this beautiful area than just one.
From canoeing to bike riding, the Wye Valley is an Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty, so you're in for a treat whatever route you decide to take. But we've sourced this one - which starts and finishes at the pub - from the Wye Valley Walks website itself to give you some inspiration should you plan on doing such a trip. Taking you from Symonds Yat to Monmouth, you get the best of countryside and a bustling market town.
And while, yes, this route meanders in England, the areas that lie adjacent to the river make part of the so-called "Lost Lands" of Wales, which are situated just beyond the present day border of Wales - areas once in the Dominion of Wales and formed part of the March of Wales, much of which is now known as Herefordshire, where the Wye Valley borders Monmouthshire and Gloucester, and Shropshire.
Approximately two hours (give or take... it depends on your sense of adventure and speed), this Symonds Yat to Monmouth route will see you starting off at the pub and ending at Wye Bridge in Monmouth and back around.
Great for those who want a leisurely stroll rather than a hike to get your heartrate up, this walk is level and follows the route of the old Ross on Wye to Monthmouth railway line, which has now been renamed as the Peregrine Path. Thankfully, it is car free and so the only traffic you'll come up against is that of other keen walkers or cyclists.
Along this route, you get to use the hand ferry (which has a small fee for crossing the river - ask at the Inn for more information), walk along the river bank, peek into natural caves and watch on as rapids in the river come into view. After a while, you'll come by Biblins Adventure Centre, campsite and the famous Rope Bridge. The nearby cliffs and Lord’s Wood above them are the home to over 20 different species of butterflies, as stated by the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean Tourism Association.
If you cross the bridge, you'll get to explore the beautiful ecological project and National Nature Reserve Lady Park Wood, which has been "left untouched for nearly 100 years to see how natural woodland develops over time", according to Wye Valley Walks.
Make your way through the wood to Hadnock Court where you'll come to a road that leads into Monmouth. En route, if you gaze across the river to the opposite bank, you'll spot the ethereal looking St Peter's Church in Dixton. As described by Wye Valley Walks, this building was rebuilt on the ruins of a church called Llan Tydwg that was first mentioned in AD 735 in the book of Llandaff. The website says: "It was probably destroyed by the Welsh prince, Gruffydd ap Llywelyn in 1055, when he led a raid up the Wye to Hereford. It’s likely the church was rebuilt soon after the Norman invasion and re-dedicated to St Peter. Steps down to the river are a reminder that it was common for people to arrive afloat, including the vicar who lived on the opposite bank. Inside, brass markers record numerous floods."
Follow the route until you reach the Wye Bridge. After a meander in Monmouth, you can make your way back to the Inn on the opposite side of the river, passing by St Peter's, Malley Brook, through stunning green woodlands - you may even find the way to King Arthur's Cave and Seven Sisters Rocks - before ree-ntering Biblins' campsite. Make your way to the site of New Weir Forge before following the road to the ferry's landing port. Hail the ferry and cross the river back to the Saracen's Inn where you can tuck into a roast that'll be well worth the walk.
Think items likes such as roast rump of Herefordshire beef, chicken or braised lamb shoulder - for the meat eaters. Veggies have an equally as mouth-watering option in the red lentil and pepper pithivier. All served with roasties, parsnips, greens, carrots, red cabbage, cauliflower cheese, Yorkshire puds and home-made gravy. Mm-hm - and that's just Sunday lunch.
Regular lunch sounds just as appetizing - how's about a dry-aged Herefordshire double smash burger, an open steak sandwich or red lentic, chickpea and spinach curry?
One TripAdvisor walker wrote: "This place has everything.. Location, stunning view, lovely and attentive staff, faultless service, delicious food. Thank you for what it has been such a relaxing weekend!"
Another said: "Lovely baguettes with side salad and crisps at the end of a long walk! Great, thick ham and a nice wedge of brie with a relaxing vue."
If walking more is one of your resolutions, why not invest in a Wye Valley walk passport and complete all the incredible walks in the area? See here for the many walking routes you can tick off your bucket list.
For more information on the The Saracens Head Inn, see its website here. You can even get a map of the route from the Inn itself.
For more walks in Wales with amazing pitstops, read here.
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