The Wales Coastal Path

The Wales Coastal Path runs for 870 miles around the entire Welsh coastline, and the stretch near Chepstow offers some of the most dramatic walking in South Wales without requiring weeks of holiday time. From Chepstow itself, you can pick up manageable sections that take you past the Severn Estuary, through woodland, and along clifftops where the views back across the river into England are genuinely impressive.

This isn't a gentle amble. Parts are quite steep, especially where you're climbing in and out of river valleys, and the ground can be muddy even days after rain. But that's also why it's less crowded than you'd expect given how close it is to Chepstow. Most visitors do day walks of 5-10 miles rather than attempting the full route, which is sensible.

Serious walkers will find this rewarding. You'll pass through proper woodland, spot industrial archaeology from the coal and iron era, and occasionally encounter views that stop you mid-stride. Less confident walkers and families with young children should pick their sections carefully - the coastal stretches are gentler than the inland bits.

There's no charge to use the path itself. Allow 3-4 hours for a decent half-day walk. Spring and early autumn are best - summer brings crowds to the easy bits, and winter can be treacherous on steep sections.

If you're staying at Penhein Glamping nearby, this is exactly the sort of thing that makes the park location worth booking. You can get proper walking in without driving anywhere.