The area is packed with beautiful walking routes, from gentle riverside strolls around Symonds Yat to woodland trails, scenic viewpoints and peaceful country paths stretching through the Forest of Dean.
And the best bit? After a long day outdoors, you return to a large holiday house designed for proper group getaways.
Instead of squeezing everyone into tiny cottages or separate hotel rooms, large houses give you room to spread out. There’s space for muddy boots, wet coats, dogs, backpacks and the inevitable mountain of snacks walkers seem to collect.
Huge kitchens make group meals easy, while giant dining tables mean everyone can eat together properly — usually while arguing about who got the most lost on the walk.
Take a look at our large holiday house here
Many of the larger properties around the Wye Valley are also dog-friendly, which means the four-legged family members can join in too. Syd and Coco, the local black pugs usually spotted wearing sunglasses and looking suspiciously pleased with themselves, are particularly keen on walks that end near pubs.
The beauty of the Wye Valley is that it suits all kinds of walkers. Some people want dramatic hilltop views and long hikes. Others prefer a flatter wander followed by lunch beside the river. Here, you can happily do both.
Large group accommodation also makes walking weekends surprisingly affordable when costs are shared between families or friends. Plus, you get extras hotels can’t really offer — games rooms, hot tubs, gardens, riverside spots and cosy lounges where everyone collapses after dinner.
It’s relaxed, scenic and brilliantly easy.
Walk, eat, chat, repeat.
Honestly, that’s most people’s perfect weekend sorted.
Take a look at some of our houses: Holly Tree House in the heart of Symonds Yat:
Forest House
Monnow Valley Studios
