Celebrating a very special week for the Wye Valley

The picture here is an old postcard showing Chepstow, which is the gateway to the Wye Valley. 

In the foreground a double decker bus is seen travelling over the historic Wye Bridge, which at the time was the only route into the walled town from England. All traffic would have had to pass through the historic arch at the top of the High Street to get in and out of the town.

So, why was the Wye Valley chosen to be an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty back in 1971?

The Wye at Tintern. Picture: David James

MORE NEWS:

• Look who’s just been in court from Newport and Caerphilly
• Gwent owner fears 'there won't be many care homes left' soon
• The new police dog recruits starting training in Pontypool

According to www.wyevalleyaonb.org.uk/, the move was made to protect the special features which make the area one of the finest lowland landscapes in Britain.

There are 27 Special Qualities including dramatic limestone gorges, native woodlands, impressive geology, a rich history of hillforts, castles and Cistercian abbey, and valuable wildlife (which includes 25 per cent of Britain’s population of lesser horseshoe bats).

From the Eagle’s Nest, Wyndcliff. Picture: Larry Wilkie

The area is steeped in history - it is home to the first package tours, when tourists came to marvel at the beautiful scenery at a time when they couldn’t undertake the traditional grand tours of Europe.

And anyone who visits, which is currently not allowed due to pandemic restrictions, can’t fail to be struck by the changing scenery.