Region: St Arvans, Wye Valley, Monmouthshire, Wales
Places To Stay: Stay in Chepstow or Monmouth for pubs, cafés and quick access to the Wye Valley. If you want something quieter and closer, Tintern has some options. Looking for more Welsh walks? Head to my ‘Wales Hiking Guides‘ page to see all regions and routes.
Below are a few ideas for day tours in the Wye Valley. GetYourGuide makes it easy to book + see more here.
For a bigger selection of Mid Wales accommodation, Booking.com has plenty of cottages, lodges and hotels to browse.
This walk starts just outside Chepstow about half way to Tintern, in a car park near St Arvans. Once at the highest point you will get spectacular views of the River Wye, the Severn Bridges, Chepstow Racecourse and the beautiful Wye Valley, also taking in the 365 steps and the Eagles Nest.
The car park which is free to start the walk, is called ‘Lower Wyndcliff Car Park‘. From here you cross the road and head right to the 365 steps, which are challenging. At the top you head right for the ‘Eagles Nest‘ before heading to ‘Upper Wyndcliff Car Park‘ and up over the farmland and down into St Arvans.
Getting There: Directions, GPX and Map
- Start/Finish: Lower Wyndcliff Car Park.
- GPX: Download the GPX file here.
- Route Finder: Follow this route on my Outdooractive profile.
Travel Data: I use eSIMs to stay connected — quick setup and no roaming faff. Sim Local has been solid in Italy/Europe with good prices and coverage.
Hike Profile
- Distance: ~5 km / ~3 miles
- Duration: ~1.5/2 hours
- Ascent/Descent: ~214 m / 705ft
- Highest Point: ~220 m / 728 ft
- Difficulty: Easy/Moderate due to 365 Steps
- Terrain: Well-worn pathways all around, roads and farmland also which can be boggy in bad weather.
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Hike Description
Start at ‘Lower Wyndcliff Car Park‘ car park, the postcode is NP16 6HD, and it’s between Chepstow and Tintern on the A466. The car park is on the opposite side to the 365 steps, so you will need to cross the road, and head right through the woods. There is a path but it’s not very clear in places, but you will start to see steps in different places and hand rails, so as you venture on you will find your way.
On your way up, there are opportunities to take a breather and look out over the River Wye the Severn Bridges, Chepstow and the Racecourse, but the best view is at the ‘Eagles Nest’, and that is where you are heading. Once you get to the top you will see a sign pointing to the right showing you the way to the ‘Eagles Nest’.
Once you’re done you will return to that sign, but walk past it, not going back down the steps, carry on walking through the woods on the path to the next car park.
As you walk from the Eagle’s Nest through the woods, you will follow a path that is heading downwards, nothing to sharp, just a nice walk back to the other car park, which is called ‘Upper Wyndcliff Car Park‘. Once you are in this car park you will see a few options, 2 being tarmac lanes, and the other being a large farmers gate, and if you jump over that gate and walk up the field along the wide tractor’s road, you will eventually arrive at a farmhouse and a bunch of barn conversions.
Follow the path around those conversions to the right, then follow the path behind them onto the lane, and at the junction you will see a sign for ‘Penterry Farm’ to the right, go left instead and your then heading towards the village of St Arvans.
It’s then tarmacked all the way back to the car, you will walk along this lane and it will rise up and then drop down to a nice down gradient until you hit St Arvans. Again, as you walk back you will see some beautiful sights above the hedges, and hopefully the sun is still beating down.
The main road running through St Arvans is a narrow stretch so be careful of cars, turn left when you hit this road from the lane you were just on and head down and eventually you will arrive at an old fountain just before the Tintern road.
You can at this point stop off for a quick drink or something to eat in a brilliant pub called ‘The Piercefield‘, that’s exactly what we did. But if you prefer to just carry on back to the car, then go left at the fountain up the road and lane will fork off to the left, take that lane.
The lane further up will then bend to the left, but you will see a path appear on the right cutting through the trees, follow that path and you will then return to the where the 365 steps started, the car park is down to your right across the road.
That’s it, you’re all done, back to the car and hopefully the weather has been good and you have had a great experience.
Places to Stay in Monmouth
For a wider choice of accommodation in the Wye Valley, Booking.com has a huge variety to browse through.
Recommended Stays
The Royal George in Tintern is housed in a historic building, offering a unique and charming atmosphere. You have a short walk to see Tintern Abbey.
The Bees Knees @ Redhill Grange
Set in 50-acre grounds The Lake Country House Hotel & Spa lies in the heart of the Welsh countryside. With en suite bathrooms it also boasts a swimming pool and sauna.
AllTrails: Trail Guides & Maps for Hiking, Camping, and Running | AllTrails ‘Plus’ 30% OFF – Read my ‘Full Review‘ for more details.
Practicalities
- Season: All year. Stunning in winter frost or autumn colours.
- Footwear: Any comfy walking shoes; the paths are easy-going, boots in winter as it can get muddy.
- Water & food: The Pierfield pub.
- Parking: Free parking at Lower Wyndcliff Car Park.
- Dogs: Yes, but keep on a lead around livestock.
- Good for: Families, photographers, relaxed days out, short winter walks.
Elan Valley Circular FAQs
How long is the walk?
This one is about 3 miles, but at any point you can turn back to the car.
Is it easy?
Yes — it’s easy because of wide paths and gentle gradients, but the 365 steps can be demanding. This is a short circular but in the winter you may find difficult areas on the farmland and through the wooded areas.
Can you bring dogs?
Yes, but keep on a lead around livestock.
Is it family friendly?
Very — suitable for most ages.
Best viewpoint?
The Wye Valley and Severn Estuary view from Eagles Nest.
Where do I park?
Any steep bits?
Mostly flat, apart for the 365 steps..
Can I cycle it?
No not really, the 365 steps are not bicycle friendly and over the farmland might be difficult in winter.
Are there toilets?
Only at the Pierfield pub, but expect to buy a coffee in return.
Is it good in winter?
Yes — frosty mornings are best. But maybe when wet there could be muddy sections through the farmland and when returning through the wooded area.
Walk this route yourself in 3D!
The video is a 3D walkthrough of this route; it’ll give you a great idea of what to expect before you set foot on the mountain.
I’ve created 3D videos of my walks and shared them with the Outdooractive and Welsh Man Walking communities.
Chepstow 365 Steps, around a Farm House then to St Arvans Circular Walk – 3D Walkthrough
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