Manor Wood, near Monmouth

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.

Visiting safely

We want you to return home safely after your visit here.

You are responsible for your own safety as well as the safety of any children and animals with you during your visit.

For advice and tips to help you plan your visit here go to Visiting our places safely.

Changes to visitor facilities

See the top of this webpage for details of any planned closures or other changes to visitor facilities here.

For your safety, always follow instructions from staff and signs including those for trail diversions or closures.

We may divert or close trails whilst we undertake maintenance work or other operations and we may need to close other visitor facilities temporarily.

In extreme weather, we may close facilities at short notice due to the risk of injury to visitors and staff.

How to get here 

Location

Manor Wood is 6 miles south of Monmouth.

It is in the county of Monmouthshire.

Ordnance Survey map

Manor Wood is on Ordnance Survey (OS) map OL 14.

The OS grid reference is SO 523 062.

Directions

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.

Public transport

The nearest mainline railway station is in Chepstow.

For details of public transport visit the Traveline Cymru website.

Parking

Car parking is free of charge.

Overnight parking is not permitted.

Contact details

There are no staff at this location.

Contact our customer team for general enquiries during office hours, Monday to Friday.