Coed y Cerrig National Nature Reserve, near Abergavenny
Small woodland big on variety with accessible...
Historic viewpoints overlooking the dramatic Wye gorge and river
Coronavirus update
Our sites and most visitor facilities are open but, under the current coronavirus restrictions in Wales, this is intended only for the use of people who live locally.
You are strongly advised – in line with current Welsh Government regulations – not to drive to any of our sites to exercise unless you have specific health or mobility issues.
We have changed the normal route for some of our trails to help you maintain social distancing – please follow signs on site.
There’s a choice of two walks from the car park at Whitestone but they both go past three historic viewpoints overlooking the dramatic Wye gorge and river.
The poet Wordsworth wrote “Lines Composed a Few Miles above Tintern Abbey” near the top viewpoint.
There are a couple of picnic benches and a large grassy play area next to the car park.
The Wye Valley Walk, a long distance route, passes through Whitestone.
The woodlands of the lower Wye Valley are some of the most beautiful in Britain.
Every season brings something special: bluebells in spring, lush summer leaves, fantastic autumn colour, and the beauty of winter tree silhouettes.
Historic viewpoints offer spectacular views across the Wye gorge and river, across to the Bristol Channel and the old Severn Bridge. You can enjoy these great views year-round but especially in winter, when the leaves have fallen.
The breath-taking natural scenery here has enthralled visitors for centuries, including painters and poets from Turner to Wordsworth.
The 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.
The walking trails are waymarked and start from the car park.
1¼ miles/2 kilometres, easy
The Wonders of Whitestone Trail takes in three viewpoints over the Wye Valley, each with a bench.
This circular trail returns through an attractive mix of woodlands.
4 miles/6 kilometres, easy
The first part of this route takes you past the three viewpoints on the Wonders of Whitestone Trail.
It then continues along the Wye Valley Walk, through an avenue of huge Scots Pine trees, to the Duchess Ride viewpoint.
The bench at the viewpoint makes a great picnic spot before you retrace your steps back to Whitestone car park.
Wyndcliff Wood is the gateway to the famous Eagles Nest lookout, one of the best viewpoints in the Wye Valley.
The Wye Valley Walk passes through Whitestone.
This is a 136 mile long distance walk along the River Wye between Chepstow and Hafren Forest in Mid Wales.
For more information, see the Wye Valley Walk.
Please note:
Whitestone Wood is approximately 10 miles north of Chepstow off the A466.
It is in the county of Monmouthshire.
Car parking is free of charge.
From the village of Tintern follow signs for Catbrook at the junction adjacent to the Wye Valley Hotel. Follow this road for about two and a half miles to a T junction and the entrance to Whitestone car park is opposite. Follow the forest road up to the car park.
Whitestone Wood is on Ordnance Survey (OS) map OL 14.
The OS grid reference is SO 525 030.
For details of public transport visit the Traveline Cymru website.
Tel: 0300 065 3000
Email: enquiries@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk