Manor Wood, near Monmouth

What's here

Parking (free)
Picnic area
Play area
Walking trail

Welcome

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.

Walking trails

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.

Manor Brook Leap

Grade: Strenuous
Distance: 1 mile/1.3 kilometres
Time: 45 minutes
Trail information: This circular trail follows some of the course of the Manor Brook and crosses the stream in several places. The ground is uneven, there are rocky sections and it includes a set of stepping stones.

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!

Manor Wood Walk

Grade: Strenuous
Distance: 2 miles/3.1 kilometres
Time: 1½ hours
Trail information: This circular trail crosses the stream in several places and is steep at times. Be prepared for rocks and uneven ground. There is a narrow footbridge and steps on this trail.

The highlight of this trail through the woodland is the Whitebrook Valley viewpoint which has a bench to enjoy the view.

Wye Valley woodlands

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.

Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

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.

Find out more about the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Watch our video to find out how we look after the woodlands in the Wye Valley.

National Forest for Wales

The Wye Valley woodlands form part of the National Forest for Wales.

The National Forest will:

create areas of new woodland
enhance existing woodlands
restore Wales’ irreplaceable ancient woodlands

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.

Closures and diversions

Sometimes we need to close or divert trails for your safety whilst we undertake maintenance work or other operations.
We may have to close a site in extreme weather, such as high winds or snow and ice, due to the risk of injury to visitors or staff.
Please always follow any instructions on site and any temporary diversion signs.