Lower Wyndcliff Wood

Wood, Forest in Monmouthshire

Wales

Lower Wyndcliff Wood

Entrance to Tidenham Tunnel The northern entrance to Tidenham Tunnel — Entrance to Tidenham Tunnel Credit: Kevin Pearson

Lower Wyndcliff Wood is a beautiful forest located in Monmouthshire, Wales. Covering an area of approximately 350 acres, it is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers alike. The wood is situated on the eastern side of the Wye Valley, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

The forest is predominantly composed of mixed broadleaf trees, including oak, beech, ash, and birch. These trees create a dense canopy, providing a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere for visitors. The woodland floor is covered with a diverse range of wildflowers and ferns, adding to the overall beauty of the area.

Lower Wyndcliff Wood is home to a variety of wildlife, making it an important habitat for conservation. Visitors may spot a range of bird species, including woodpeckers, nuthatches, and tawny owls. The forest also provides a haven for small mammals such as badgers, foxes, and squirrels.

The wood is crisscrossed by a network of walking trails, allowing visitors to explore its natural beauty. One of the highlights is the Wye Valley Walk, which passes through the forest and offers breathtaking views of the River Wye. There are also picnic areas and benches scattered throughout the wood, providing a perfect spot for a leisurely lunch or a moment of relaxation.

Lower Wyndcliff Wood is managed by the Woodland Trust, ensuring its preservation and protection for future generations to enjoy. With its scenic beauty, diverse wildlife, and well-maintained trails, it is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a peaceful and immersive woodland experience.

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Lower Wyndcliff Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.670857/-2.6827418 or Grid Reference ST5297. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Entrance to Tidenham Tunnel

The northern entrance to Tidenham Tunnel

Kevin Pearson

The Wye Valley Walk in Black Cliff Wood

The Wye Valley Walk here ascends an Iron Age hillfort on the northern edge of Black Cliff wood. Mossy boulders lie in jumbles and slanting saplings compete for sunlight. The wood is humid and clammy, the steep path muddy and slippery. It is easy to imagine the Silures shock at the coming of the Romans to this area and how things would never be the same again.

Jeremy Bolwell

The Wye Valley Walk in Black Cliff Wood in April

After the hillfort summit the walk levels out and you walk through woodland on a twisting path that almost seems to good to be true.

Jeremy Bolwell

Part of the Wye Valley Walk in Wyndcliff wood

If there is one criticism of the WVW in this section it is that you don't get to see much of the River Wye, but, you do get to see varied woodlands, and an appreciation of the valley's history, geology, ecology and industrial heritage.

Jeremy Bolwell

The Eagle's Nest viewpoint on the Wynd Cliff

The information board fitted by the Forestry Commission tells of how this viewpoint got its name and what can be viewed. A beautiful spot that I never tire of revisiting.

Jeremy Bolwell

The Lancaut peninsula from the Eagle's Nest

The huge curve in the Wye is a well-known view with Chepstow and the Severn Bridges beyond.

Jeremy Bolwell

The Eagle's Nest

An excellent spot for a rest, a brew and some lunch.

Jeremy Bolwell

A group of walkers at the Giant's Cave in the Wye Valley

This group of retired walkers were enjoying the viewing platform just outside the Giant's Cave as I approached and was spotted by their little dog. They were a mix of local and not so local fellers who were enjoying their firm friendships, relaxed banter, outdoor exercise and the good weather. Not a bad way to spend some of your retirement.

Jeremy Bolwell

The northern entrance to the Giant's Cave on the Wye Valley Walk

Yes, you are expected to enter or exit through this aperture. It's easier and more fun than it looks. One of many interesting features on this section of the WVW.

Jeremy Bolwell

View from the Giant's Cave viewing platform

The view across the graceful curve of the River Wye onto the Lancaut peninsula and above that up to Wintour's Leap and the great cliffs near Woodcroft.

Jeremy Bolwell

The Grotto in Piercefield Woods

This feature, along with several others on a similar 'Romantic' theme, was installed in Piercefield Park and woods and comprised part of a tour through this area between around 1760 and maybe the 1820's. Gentry came from various parts of the country and toured the Wye Valley inspecting folly's, caves, walks, viewpoints and landscapes and often recording their opinions and thoughts in journals and publications. Originally this grotto was of course larger, more complete and lined inside with 'glittering crystalline minerals, glass fragments and iron and copper slag'. This would have created an elaborate decorated effect intended to mimic naturally occurring outcrops. I'm glad to see the Piercefield Walks features receiving some improvement.

Jeremy Bolwell

General view, Chepstow Racecourse

Ruth Sharville

Cliff by the River Wye

Row17

Path along course of Wye Valley Railway near Tintern

The railway line carried on straight ahead at this point, through the trees. Walkers now have a choice and can drop down right, or go up to the left.

Gareth James

Path junction in woods near River Wye

Gareth James

Tunnel beneath disused railway line near Tintern Quarry

Gareth James

(No) light at the end of the tunnel

The path at the western end of the tunnel (ST5498 : Tunnel beneath disused railway line near Tintern Quarry) is very overgrown and currently impassable.

Gareth James