Waltwood Hill

The walk up Waltwood Hill rewards you with views that stretch across the Wye Valley and into Gloucestershire beyond - proper reward for an afternoon's exertion from Chepstow. It's not a difficult climb, but it's not a stroll either; expect steep sections through woodland before the views open up at the top.

The hill itself is modest in height but feels substantial once you're on it. You get genuine countryside quiet, the kind where you can actually think. On clear days the sight lines are impressive. The approach from the Chepstow direction takes you through mixed woodland - oak and beech mostly - which keeps things interesting even if the weather turns murky.

This is walkers' territory rather than a casual family outing. Young kids might struggle with the gradient, and it's not the sort of place you visit for an hour then move on. Budget two to three hours minimum if you want to do it properly and stop at the top with a flask of tea. History types will appreciate that you're walking territory steeped in border country, though there's nothing specific to see at the summit itself - it's about the vantage point.

Free to walk, obviously, and no facilities up top so bring what you need. If you're staying at Penhein Glamping nearby, this makes a proper half-day walk. Combine it with Chepstow's castle and riverside if you're making a day of it. Go midweek if possible - weekends bring day-trippers and the paths get busy.