Get your walking boots on and rediscover the beauty of where we live

Is one of your New Year’s resolutions to do more exercise? On Monday morning our team were chatting about how they’ve been keeping up with their resolutions and we were surprised to learn just how many wonderful winter walks there are near us. A few members of our team have been blowing away the winter cobwebs by finding new routes to walk with their partner, family, or dog!

With the whirlwind of life often making the landscape pass us by, a good walk can reopen your eyes to the beauty that surrounds us. If you’re struggling with the January blues, get your thermals on, dig out your walking boots (or wellies, as we are in Wales!) and discover some of the walking trails close to your home.

Pen y Fan

Where better to walk than the beautiful Brecon Beacons? As the highest mountain in South Wales, Pen y Fan is certainly challenging, so choose your walking buddy carefully and enjoy the views from 886 metres above sea level.

The Newport Wetlands

Combining wildlife and walking, the Wetlands is located on the edge of Newport and boasts an RSPB visitor centre, café, shop and outdoor children’s play area. Pets and picnics are welcome but during the colder months you can walk around spotting the local wildlife and spectacular views across the Severn estuary.

Wentwood

Drive deep into Wentwood Forest and you’ll find walks that were once the hunting grounds of Chepstow Castle. The coniferous woodland is home to a diverse range of wildlife and habitats. Ideal for your children and four-legged friends, you can explore and escape along the nature trails, and not forgetting the barbecue areas and assault course that you may remember from your childhood.

Usk Valley Walk

As well as medieval castles and beautiful countryside, the Usk Valley Walk passes rustic pubs and foodie towns where you can rest for a snack and a squash, or perhaps something a little stronger. The walk heads north from Caerleon through Usk and Abergavenny into the Brecon Beacons – you can choose which attractions you’d like to pass, from gardens to galleries, this walk has them all.

Caerleon Cycle Path

Choose to walk, wander or, of course, cycle along the 6-mile route connecting Caerleon to Newport. The traffic-free path follows the River Usk from the Roman village and into the town centre. Spend some time in the village of Caerleon and visit the Roman Museum, baths, barracks and amphitheatre.

Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal Walk

The start of this walk offers picturesque views of the Usk Valley and the Black Mountain Range then on to views of the Brecon Beacons. The walk takes around two and a half hours and requires passing over some stiles, gates and streams, but it’s all worth it.

Cefn Ila

Located within walking distance of the historic town of Usk, Cefn Ila walks you through the rolling Welsh countryside, small woodland areas and farmland. Ideal for children and dogs, during the walk you’ll come across various wildlife and woodland-inspired instruments that echo through the valley.

For more walks near you, check out Lets Walk Newport, where the local council has shared advice and inspiration for countryside walks in Newport along with ten mapped-out walks for you to try. If you are looking to move to this beautiful part of the country, contact our branches in Caerleon or Cwmbran or, if you have a property to sell and would like a valuation, call us on 01633 870777.