Plan your visit to Monmouthshire

Where is Monmouthshire?

If you're unsure where Monmouthshire is, and whether it's in England or Wales, don't worry, you're not alone. Both the name and size of this rural county have changed several times over the years, with today’s Monmouthshire covering the eastern 60% of the historic county. But with the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park in the north west and the Wye Valley National Landscape in the east, it’s worth getting to know us better. Especially if you’re a fan of small-scale artisan food and drink, and chefs dedicated to showcasing the best of it on their menus.

But it’s not just about the food and drink. With more than 1,000 miles of public footpath, a great cycle route network and a landscape shaped by water there are plenty of ways to work up an appetite. Roam our hills and valleys, wild swim or canoe in our rivers and lakes, go on a tuk tuk tour of our vineyards, and visit our characterful market towns of Abergavenny, Chepstow and Monmouth and rural villages like Tintern, the jewel in the Wye Valley's crown. You’ll be surprised how much Monmouthshire has to offer.

Oh, and in case you’re still wondering, Monmouthshire is located at the entrance to South Wales, on the Welsh side of the Severn Bridges.

We want you to enjoy your time here and ask everyone who travels to and around Monmouthshire and Wales to respect our local communities and beautiful countryside. Join us and the many people who've made their promise to Wales - to care for our communities and protect our epic land - before you arrive. 

Enjoy our countryside. Safely.

For a safe and enjoyable visit to our countryside sites, and on public rights of way, please follow this guidance:

• Be vigilant with hand washing and hygiene
• Stay at home if you or anyone you live with has Coronavirus Symptoms
• Please be respectful of other people’s space and wait at a safe distance in places such bridges, kissing gates, or steps, until it is safe for you to continue on your walk;
• Please do not leave litter - be prepared to take your rubbish home with you to recycle or dispose of
• Be a responsible dog owner by following the the Dog Walking Code
• If our car parks are full or busy please come back another time and do not park on access roads or surrounding roads
• Don’t linger in car parks so that others can safely come and go.

Many footpaths and bridleways cross private land and in some cases working farms are close to private homes. Please keep to the paths, follow the countryside code, keep your distance from landowners and continue to follow the restrictions and measures in place to protect you and others.

Closures on paths due to flooding, dangerous bridges etc. can be found here.

Information on locally promoted routes can be found here.

Be adventure smart

Enjoy active outdoor recreation while practising good social distancing at all times

Ask yourself 3 questions before you set off:

1. Do I have the right GEAR?
2. Do I know what the WEATHER will be like?
3. Am I confident I have the KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS for the day?

For further information and guidance on safe active outdoor recreation, visit the AdventureSmart website.

Toilets and carparks

Check public toilet locations in the area here.

If travelling to the Sugarloaf, please park in the Fairfield car park in Abergavenny. Parking at Fairfield is £1 all day on a Sunday.