Black Mountains & Wye Valley Walking

Arrive in Abergavenny, a lively and historic Welsh market town surrounded by mountains, on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Attractions include Abergavenny Castle, Market Hall, many independent local shops and restaurants. Each September the town plays host to a famous two-day food festival - one of the UK's biggest foodie events. We base ourselves at the Kings Head Hotel, located in the heart of town. Check in is possible from 3pm.

The Tour Leader plans to meet you in reception at 6pm for an introductory briefing followed by a chance to get to know your fellow travellers over dinner. Stay: King's Head Hotel (Comfortable)

This morning we take a short drive north through the National Park to Velindre. The Black Mountains are the easternmost of the four ranges of hills that comprise the Brecon Beacons National Park, located in southeast Wales and spilling over the border into Herefordshire. From Velindre we begin our first hike, heading up toward Lord Hereford's Knob (or Twmpa) and along the top to Hay Bluff. We then descend on trails into Hay-on-Wye on the English border; renowned for books it is both the National Book Town of Wales and the site of the annual Hay festival that has drawn literary enthusiasts since 1988. There will be some free time to browse the bookshops and cafes before driving back to Abergavenny.

Today's walk will take approximately 5 hours and will cover a distance of 15 kilometres, with a total ascent and descent of approximately 685 metres. Stay: King's Head Hotel (Comfortable) (B)

After breakfast, we drive to the small village of Pont Rhys Powell for today's linear walk. Our hike starts up the southern end of Hatterall Ridge in the Black Mountains, and we will take in a section of the Beacons Way and Offa's Dyke Path. Eventually the ridge begins to widen out into a plateau from which we descend into the Vale of Ewyas toward Llanthony and the remains of its Augustinian priory. Although it is now a 900-year-old ruin, it is easy to appreciate that Llanthony Priory was once one of Wales\ great medieval buildings. There will be time to explore before driving back to Abergavenny later this afternoon.

Today's walk will take approximately 4 hours and will cover a distance of 12 kilometres, with a total ascent and descent of approximately 520 metres. Stay: King's Head Hotel (Comfortable) (B)

Today we begin with a drive over the border to Symonds Yat West in the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This is one of the most iconic and beautiful locations in the Dean Wye. We cross the river on a traditional pull ferry to Symonds Yat East, to start our walk where Symonds Yat Rock provides spectacular views and the opportunity to spot nesting Peregrine Falcons. Continuing on the trail along the River Wye we walk through the Forest of Dean, crossing back into Wales and eventually we reach The Kymin.

Now looked after by the National Trust, the Georgian grounds are a haven for wildlife, home to birds, bats, badgers, wild boar and the red wood ant - one of the UK's rarest and largest ant species. Admiral Nelson visited the 18th century Roundhouse and Navel Temple in 1802. Our walk ends in bustling Monmouth, with its Norman castle remains and the only remaining medieval stone-gated bridge in Britain. Later this afternoon we drive back to Abergavenny.

Today's walk will take approximately 4 hours and will cover a distance of 13 kilometres, with a total ascent and descent of approximately 515 metres. Stay: King's Head Hotel (Comfortable) (B)

Today we head back into the Wye Valley AONB. From Tidenham, close to the River Severn, we start walking and quickly pick up Offa's Dyke Path, headed north through leafy semi-ancient woodland and skirting along the River Wye along the Welsh-English border. Admire the spectacular view of Tintern Abbey from the Devil's Pulpit, before dropping down through the trees to reach the abbey.

The 900-year-old ruins drew poets and painters such as Wordsworth and Turner in the Romantic period. There will be some free time to explore the Cistercian abbey remains and the village of Tintern before our hike, and holiday, draw to a close at Parva Farm Vineyard. Here we enjoy a tour of the vines and a taste of the wines before we depart for Abergavenny.

Today's walk will take approximately 3 to 4 hours and will cover a distance of 12 kilometres, with a total ascent and descent of approximately 440 metres. Stay: King's Head Hotel (Comfortable) (B)

After a last hearty breakfast, it's time to say farewell and begin your journey home. (B)