Beacons View, near Monmouth
Walk through heathland and woodland
Manor Wood is on the edge of a quiet village on the eastern side of the Wye Valley.
It was once a busy working woodland and was home to paper mills, a corn mill and a cider mill.
There are remnants of charcoal and sawing pits and other signs of industry hidden away in the woods.
The two walking trails are short but challenging as you need to cross the stream in several places.
Next to the parking area, there is a picnic site, children's play area and large grassy area.
The children’s play area has a climbing frame, wobbly bridge, balance beams and swings.
The walking trails are waymarked from start to finish.
Look out for the information panel at the start of the trails.
Find out about walking trail grades.
This streamside trail isn’t called the Manor Brook Leap for nothing - it crosses the stream in several places so be prepared for rocks, water and the odd leap!
The highlight of this trail through the woodland is the Whitebrook Valley viewpoint which has a bench to enjoy the view.
The woodlands of the lower Wye Valley are some of the most beautiful in Britain.
The breath-taking natural scenery here has enthralled visitors for centuries, including painters and poets from Turner to Wordsworth.
Historic viewpoints offer spectacular views across the Wye gorge and river, across to the Bristol Channel and the Severn Bridges.
Every season brings something special; bluebells in spring, lush summer leaves, fantastic autumn colour, and the beauty of winter tree silhouettes.
There are walking trails in three of our other Wye Valley woodlands at Beacon View, Whitestone and Wyndcliff.
The Wye Valley woodlands are situated in the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
The AONB is an internationally important protected landscape straddling the border between England and Wales.
It surrounds a 58 mile stretch of the River Wye which is recognised for its spectacular gorge scenery, ravine woodlands and farmland.
The Wye Valley woodlands form part of the National Forest for Wales.
The National Forest will:
It will form a connected ecological network running throughout Wales, bringing social, economic and environmental benefits.
Parts of the network will eventually form a trail running the length and breadth of Wales, so anyone can access it wherever they live.
For more information go to the National Forest for Wales website.
Manor Wood is 6 miles south of Monmouth.
It is in the county of Monmouthshire.
Manor Wood is on Ordnance Survey (OS) map OL 14.
The OS grid reference is SO 523 062.
Take the B4293 from Monmouth towards Chepstow.
After 3 miles, take the left hand turning, signposted to The Narth.
Continue along this road and turn right at the crossroads.
Follow this road for 1½ miles into the village and the car parking area is on the left, opposite The Narth village hall.
The nearest mainline railway station is in Chepstow.
For details of public transport visit the Traveline Cymru website.
Car parking is free of charge.
Overnight parking is not permitted.
There are no staff at this location.
Contact our customer team for general enquiries during office hours, Monday to Friday.