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Monmouth to Tintern Abbey loop — Wye Valley

Monmouth to Tintern Abbey loop — Wye Valley

Moderate

4.7

(10)

130

riders

Monmouth to Tintern Abbey loop — Wye Valley

02:13

44.5km

600m

Road cycling

The Monmouth to Tintern Abbey loop offers a moderate road cycling experience through the stunning Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This 27.7-mile (44.5 km) route, with an elevation gain of 1980 feet (604 metres), typically takes around 2 hours and 13 minutes to complete. You will follow the meandering River Wye, enjoying continuous riverside views and passing the historic Tintern Abbey, a beautifully preserved landmark. Be prepared for rolling hills and a short, steep ascent out of St Arvans, which rewards you with views of the Severn Estuary.

This loop is primarily suited for road bikes and hybrids, featuring mostly well-paved surfaces. While the Wye Valley is known for varied terrain, this specific route focuses on quiet country lanes and forested sections, making it a favorite among local road cyclists. The trail is particularly beautiful in autumn and spring, with tree-lined roads towards Devauden adding to the scenic charm. Consider starting your ride early to fully enjoy the tranquility of the Wye Valley.

Combining historic interest with natural beauty, this route is a highlight in Monmouthshire. The Wye Valley is renowned for its dramatic limestone gorge scenery and dense native woodlands, making it an internationally important protected landscape. Cycling alongside the River Wye and experiencing the grandeur of Tintern Abbey are key attractions that make this loop a notable choice for exploring the region's rich history and diverse natural features.

Last updated: April 23, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Wye Valley AONB

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

258 m

Monnow Bridge and Gatehouse

Highlight • Bridge

Sometimes referred to as Monmouth Bridge, Monnow Bridge is a charming medieval stone gated crossing, the last fortified river bridge in Britain. Once, this kind of crossing was a common sight right across Europe, but today few remain. Due to its historical importance, Monnow Bridge is a Grade-I listed building and a scheduled monument.

Tip by

4.44 km

View of the Brecon Beacons from Mitchel Troy Common

Highlight • Viewpoint

Spectacular views west from Mitchel Troy Commonon a clear day towards Abergavenny, Blorenge, Sugar Loaf & the Breckon Beacons.

Tip by

14.0 km

Tree-Lined Road Towards Devauden

Highlight (Segment) • Viewpoint

Resurfaced road a smooth rolling strip of tarmac through the forest. It's beautiful in autumn with all the colours or amazing in spring as the forest starts to grow again!

Tip by

20.9 km

St Arvans Climb

Highlight • Viewpoint

Short, steep climb out of the quiet village of St Arvan’s. Good views of Severn Estuary behind you as you climb. Takes you up on to the pleasant road to Devauden.

Tip by

23.7 km

Descent into Tintern

Highlight • Climb

Did the climb today, which was long but never difficult. In fact, it was very enjoyable and... at long last... the temporary/permanent traffic lights are gone!

Tip by

26.4 km

Tintern Abbey

Highlight • Historical Site

Exquisitely preserved, Tintern Abbey was founded in the early 12th century and lies on the banks of the River Wye. Whilst its roof is long gone, its exterior walls remain standing, making it quite atmospheric to explore. The structure you see today largely dates from the 13th century when the abbey was considerably renovated.

The abbey fell into ruin after the Dissolution but its fame didn't fade for long. In fact, it's been the subject of poetry and art since the 18th century, notably featuring in William Turner's painting, The Chancel and Crossing of Tintern Abbey. It's under the management of the Welsh government's Cadw department and there's an entry fee if you'd like to walk around the ruins.

Tip by

30.8 km

View of the River Wye

Highlight • Viewpoint

The Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB; Welsh: It is an internationally important protected landscape straddling the border between England and Wales. It is one of the most dramatic and scenic landscapes in Britain.

The River Wye is the fifth-longest river in the United Kingdom. The upper part passes through Rhayader, Builth Wells and Hay-on-Wye, but the area designated as an AONB covers 326 square kilometres (126 sq mi) surrounding a 72-kilometre (45 mi) stretch lower down the river, from just south of Hereford to Chepstow.[1]

This area covers parts of the counties of Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Monmouthshire, and is recognised in particular for its limestone gorge scenery and dense native woodlands, as well as its wildlife, archaeological and industrial remains. It is also historically important as one of the birthplaces of the modern tourism industry. The area is predominantly rural, and many people make a living from tourism, agriculture or forestry. Ross-on-Wye is the only town within the AONB itself, but Hereford, Monmouth, Coleford and Chepstow lie just outside its boundaries.

Tip by

34.0 km

Bigsweir Bridge

Highlight • Historical Site

This is another elegant cast-iron road bridge that has been built over the river Wye. It was constructed in 1827 and is another grade 2 listed building.

Tip by

44.5 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

22.3 km

21.1 km

621 m

428 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

43.8 km

663 m

121 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (250 m)

Lowest point (10 m)

Weather

Monday 13 July

29°C

12°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 20.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

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This route was planned by komoot.

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Monmouth to Tintern Abbey loop — Wye Valley

Monnow Bridge and Gatehouse

View of the Brecon Beacons from Mitchel Troy Common

Tree-Lined Road Towards Devauden

St Arvans Climb

Descent into Tintern

Tintern Abbey

View of the River Wye

Bigsweir Bridge

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