River Wye travel tips

Immerse yourself in the lush hills, heather-capped mountains and river valleys of the Bannau Brycheiniog national park (formerly known as the Brecon Beacons) with a three-night retreat that combines nature’s restorative powers with yoga. Located on a historic country estate, accommodation is in comfortable converted farm buildings – including the old grain silo, ideal for two, with the grounds perfect for restorative strolls. The package includes two guided hikes, delicious vegan food, paddleboarding down the River Wye or walking into the nearby book lover’s town of Hay-on-Wye. Four-day retreat (various dates) from £649pp full-board; adventureyogi.com

Part of the vast 22,500-acre Elveden estate, owned by the Guinness family, this charming pub with rooms is surrounded by the Brecks, one of the most wildlife-rich areas in the UK, part of Thetford Forest. Stroll the forest tracks beneath blazing autumnal canopies, and look out for stone curlews, woodlarks and nightjars, roe and red deer, hares and muntjac. The High Lodge Forest Centre has play areas, cycle trails and a tree canopy adventure course – ideal if you’re visiting with the kids, with family rooms (sleeping up to four) available at the inn. Doubles from £105 B&B; elvedeninn.com

For somewhere as fabled as the ‘birthplace of British tourism’, the narrow, steep lane leading to Symonds Yat’s waterfront was remarkably quiet. In fact, it almost felt like a dead end until I turned a tight corner and there was the River Wye, spread out before me in all its glory.

Dramatic coastlines, heather-strewn moorlands, steep ridges, plunging river valleys and dense pine forests: Britain has a superb selection of scenery for such a small island. One of the best ways to experience the UK’s varied landscapes is by hiking some of its lovely, well-trodden routes. You’ll find a plethora of incredible day hikes in the UK that can be attempted by walkers of all abilities.

With its rolling agricultural landscape, Herefordshire is a countryside-lover’s dream. This laidback county in the West Midlands is an easy place to visit, with the likes of riverside trails along the wriggling River Wye and charming towns like Hereford making for an appealing agenda. Beyond Hereford, the picturesque Ross-on-Wye is an attractive town in the southeast of the county, and Symonds Yat is perfect for aquatic adventures. Continue reading to discover why Herefordshire is well worth a visit.

Best known for a book festival held every June, Hay on Wye sits beside the River Wye, just inside the border of England and Wales on the Welsh side. If you miss the festival, browse the bookshelves in the grounds of Hay Castle, dropping a donation into the honesty box. Look out too for rare titles in Hay on Wye Booksellers or second-hand books in Richard Booth’s Bookshop, a multi-storey shop named after a local who is credited for establishing the town’s reputation for books.