Summer walks in Monmouthshire

When the sky is blue and the sun is shining there's nowhere quite like Monmouthshire. However, on a hot summer's day we know that everyone wants to cool down and find the shade. So with that in mind, here are our six favourite summer walks in Monmouthshire, all of which enjoy extensive shade and cool breezes.

1. Llanfoist Canal West Walk

A 2.8 mile walk along the cycle track of the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal from Llanfoist to Govilon and back again. This is an extremely pleasant walk along mostly level paths, and predominantly in the shade.

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2. Monmouth King's Wood

(@ismccallum - King's Wood)

A trail along Offa's Dyke from Monmouth into King's Wood, with great views towards the Bannau Brycheiniog / Brecon Beacons in the distance.

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3. Redbrook to Penallt

A walk with pubs at both ends, what could be better in the summer? Much of this route is on quiet lanes in the wooded Wye Valley, offering lots of shade.

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4. Piercefield Health Walk

A moderate 2.6 mile walk through the Piercefield Estate in the Wye Valley, taking in numerous woodlands with great views up and down the lower Wye Valley. The start and end point of the walk is a short distance away from Chepstow town centre.

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For those who want a slightly longer challenge, the Piercefield pathcare walk is 5 miles long and links up with this estate walk, taking in even more of the beautiful outlook viewpoints of the Wye Valley (including the Giant's Cave).

Find out more about the Pierceifled Pathcare walk

5. Usk Lady Hill

A 3 mile walk through woodland to the north of Usk. The walk starts and finishes in Usk, allowing you plenty of places for refreshment afterwards.

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6. Caldicot Castle Health Walk

A 1.3 mile walk through the 55-acre Caldicot Castle Country Park. The walk is mainly through wooded lanes around the castle, and you can pop into Caldicot Castle itself afterwards for refreshments. The castle is only open April - end of October each year, so this is a perfect walk for the summer months.

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