There are walks starting at the door of the cottage around the village of Penallt, across the footbridge to England and the village of Redbrook, up to the Kymin (on the Offa's Dyke long distance path) and Monmouth, and over to Newland. The river Wye is two minutes' walk and the Wye valley long distance footpath can be joined at the Boat Inn 500m along the riverbank. The Penallt walk goes up the 12th century parish church and Pentwyn wildlife reserve and past the Bush Inn pub.

A selection of books and maps on walking can be found at bestwalks.com.


Raglan, Goodrich, Skenfrith and Chepstow castles and Tintern Abbey are all nearby for those who like history, as are the industrial archeological remains of iron works and paper mills in the tributary valleys of the Wye. Visiting anglers will discover a range of fishing opportunities. Many of the spectacular viewpoints along the Wye were visited by 19th century tourists including Turner and Wordsworth as part of the Picturesque movement tour. Visit Symonds Yat Rock for the view, the deer and the peregrine falcons, at its most beautiful in the evening. You can also hire canoes there. Across the river is the Forest of Dean with many walks, cycle tracks or more strenuous activities (or why not go ape?) and lots of attractions for children. Gardens to visit including Veddw House, The Nurtons, Parva Vineyard and many more.

More local information can be found at the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean Tourism Association web site.

The Brecon Beacons, Black Mountains, Hereford, Hay-on-Wye with its literary festival and Abergavenny with its food festival are all an easy drive away, and Bath and Caerleon Roman Fort an hour's drive away.


There are plenty of places to eat locally. The Crown at Whitebrook, a mile away has a Michelin star. The Saracen's Head is a gastropub in a lovely setting. The Stonemill near Monmouth, the Hardwick and the Clytha Arms near Raglan serve very good food, and more locally there are good pubs with food at Newland, Trellech and St Briavel's, not to mention the Boat Inn, a 500 metre walk down the riverbank.