British Food and Travel

Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness,
  Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun;
Conspiring with him how to load and bless
  With fruit the vines that round the thatch-eves run;

Since the September equinox, the opening words of Keats’ “Ode to Autumn” have been floating through my head. This is a time to get out and enjoy the crisp, cooler weather and the vibrantly coloured landscape. The gentle hills of Monmouthshire offer spectacular views of the surrounding Welsh and English countryside. In this post, we look at some of the many ways to enjoy autumn in Monmouthshire.

About Monmouthshire

The Welsh county of Monmouthshire lies just across the border with England and has easy access to key transportation routes — the M4, the M48, the Severn Bridge. Even so, it is one of the least densely populated counties in Wales, meaning there is lots of peaceful open space to enjoy. The main towns in the county are Abergavenny, Chepstow, Usk, Caldicot, and Monmouth. The county lies within the Brecon Beacons National Park. It is also part of the Usk Valley and the Wye Valley AONB. Both rivers provide ample opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and walking. Speaking of walking… you’ll find a number of long-distance trails passing this way, including Offa’s Dyke Path and the Wye Valley Walk.

Walks for Autumn in Monmouthshire

As you may have guessed, we at British Food and Travel love a good outdoors walk. Getting outside lets you make the most of the stunning multi-coloured views as the leaves turn. There are plenty of great walks in Monmouthshire, so here are just a few. For magnificent views across the Wye Valley, try a short 3-mile walk around the village of Llandago. The walk starts at the village church, heads along the River Wye before heading up into woodland and back to the village.

For something on the flat, follow the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal through the beautiful parklands of Llanover Park. How about a 6-mile walk through the Usk Valley overlooking the Brecon Beacons? You can find details of these and lots of other inspiring walks at the Visit Monmouthshire site.

Autumn Events in Monmouthshire

One fun thing to love about autumn is the events. The nights are getting darker, there’s a chill in the air. It’s the perfect time of year for outdoor bonfires and hot chocolate. If there is an apple farm near you, look out for cider workshops. Alternatively, enjoy an afternoon at the autumn races in Chepstow. With Halloween approaching, you’ll find plenty of ghost walks and other spooky events. Raglan Castle holds a School of Magic, Caldicot Castle has an outdoor trail of magical mayhem, and the National Trust is offering a Haunted Halloween Hike. And then it’s time for Guy Fawkes Night and fireworks. Look for displays in Abergavenny and Chepstow. Find out more about these and other seasonal events at Visit Monmouthshire.

And don’t miss the Tintern Abbey Fire Garden in October. Part of the Wye Valley River Fest, this event illuminates the gardens of Tintern Abbey with thousands of flickering candles.