WYVUM by Pegasus 2027

The WYVUM 30 is a single-loop course through the Wye Valley, one of the most ecologically diverse woodland areas in southern Britain. From Chepstow, the route follows part of the Wye Valley Walk to Monmouth and returns on the Offa's Dyke Path national trail.

The journey upstream from Chepstow is made almost entirely of paths through ancient woodland, passing Giant's Cave, traversing the 365 Steps, passing Lovers Leap, the serene Tintern Abbey and Cleddon Falls. We'll pass a hill called Pen-y-Fan (no, not that one!) before crossing the River Wye at Redbrook and following the opposite bank towards Monmouth. The HALF route peels off here and loops back to Chepstow, allowing the full route to continue northwards to Monmouth.

We return downstream via another national trail, the Offa's Dyke Path, first climbing to the Kymin, a charming 18th Century round house and naval temple with panoramic views across Monmouth and into Wales. We'll dip back to Redbrook and then into Highbury Woods nature reserve, a Site of Special Scientific Interest and an EU Special Area of Conservation due to its rare woodland flora. At this time of year, bluebells and wild garlic may be flowering. Cadora Woods and Bigswere Woods nature reserves are next on the route before we dip down to the riverside and follow the Wye to Brockwier.

Devil's Pulpit, a narrow pillar of limestone on the Offa's Dyke Path has magnificent views over Tintern Abbey. Legend has it that the devil tempted the monks below by preaching from here but today you'll only be able to spot tourists. Perhaps they could be persuaded to join us for a run?

The route continues south to finish at Chepstow. Well done! There are plenty of waterholes here for a congratulatory beverage, or you could have a celebratory picnic in the grounds of Chepstow Castle.

The route has a total elevation of 5,540 feet but doesn't feel like it. The WYVUM is more gentle and more sheltered from weather than many Pegasus events which is why it has been selected to open our season. Test your legs, expand your mind and explore the countryside as spring descends upon the Wye Valley.

🏰 Chepstow is home to the oldest stone castle in Britain.

🐎 Chepstow is the traditional start line of Stable Adventure's Wild Horse South Wales 200 ultramarathon.

🏆The Wales Coastal Path terminates in Chepstow. The fastest known time for running all 870 miles was once held by Rhys Jenkins, founder of Pegasus Ultra Running. He completed the entire route in 20 days 10 hours, a record that stood for three years.

🏞️ The Wye Valley Walk covers 136 miles from Mid Wales, where the HOWUM explores the origin of the Wye, to the Severn Estuary.

📀 Rockfield Studios in Monmouth (on the route of the BOWUM) was where Queen recorded Bohemian Rhapsody and Oasis recorded What's the Story Morning Glory?

🛂 The Offa's Dyke Path is a 177 mile walking trail which crosses the Welsh-English border 20 times. Don't forget your passport!

🛟 SARA, the Severn Area Rescue Association, provides voluntary lifeboat, search and rope rescue services from a station in Chepstow.