A scenic forest trail in autumn with trees full of orange, yellow, and brown leaves, some fallen onto the path and ground.
A stone church with a tall steeple and a small porch, situated on a grassy field with trees and hills in the background, under a clear blue sky.
A wide river winding through lush green hills and trees on a sunny day with clear skies.
Sunlight filters through fall foliage in a forest, illuminating colorful leaves on the ground and casting long shadows.
Ruined stone church with arched windows and a large main entrance, surrounded by green fields, cows grazing, trees, and a hillside in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

Weekends & Short Breaks

Autumn Walking Weekend – Forest of Dean & Wye Valley

Join Large Outdoors, a sociable small-group walking company offering fully guided UK breaks, for a midweek autumn getaway based in Monmouth. Timed for the best of the seasonal colours across the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, this car-free trip includes station pick-up, steady walks, and a relaxed group atmosphere from start to finish.

Duration: 3 nights
Accommodation: Hotel
Transport: Car-Free Experience
Group Size: Maximum 8
Level: Leisurely

Pricing & Accommodation: From £245 per person. Shared rooms, single rooms, twin rooms, and double rooms available - see booking calendar for specific dates and pricing.

 

Booking Calendar…

Save £70 per person with code AUTUMNDEAN when you book by 30th April 2026.

A Car-Free Autumn Walking Break in the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley

This three-night car-free break is timed to make the most of the seasonal changes across the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. Monmouth, our hotel base, sits at the meeting point of the Rivers Wye and Monnow and offers easy access to riverside paths, woodland routes, and local landmarks. The town’s Roman and Norman history adds interest, while its central location makes joining by public transport straightforward.

Across the trip you’ll enjoy a mix of riverside walking, woodland viewpoints, and well-chosen routes that suit autumn conditions. Transport to and from each walk is included, keeping the days relaxed and simple. Evenings offer time to unwind, explore Monmouth, and enjoy dinner together in local restaurants. Designed for those who want a steady-paced break with everything organised, it’s an ideal way to enjoy the autumn colours without the need to drive.

Autumn in the Forest of Dean

Autumn Woodland Colours

Suggested Itinerary

As always, we may need to adjust routes based on weather conditions or other circumstances - but rest assured, we'll always have a wonderful alternative ready!

  • Check into your Monmouth hotel from 15:00. For car-free travellers, we offer a complimentary station collection from Chepstow at 17:00; this can be arranged when booking or by contacting us no later than 7 days before the trip.

    Your Large Outdoors guide will meet the group in the hotel bar at 18:00 for an informal welcome and a quick outline of the days ahead. We then walk into town for a relaxed group dinner (meal cost not included). It’s a gentle, easy first evening and a good chance to meet your fellow walkers.

  • Distance: 8–10 miles (13–16 km)

    After breakfast, we travel to the start of today’s route and follow a steady riverside path along the River Wye. The valley is known for its seasonal colours, and this section offers sheltered paths, meadows, and stretches of woodland.

    We continue towards Symonds Yat Rock, where a single ascent brings us onto the viewpoint overlooking the distinctive river bend. There is time for a brew at the café before we return through woodland and riverside paths.

    If river levels are high, we switch to a safe and equally enjoyable Forest of Dean route chosen by your guide.

    Back in Monmouth, you’ll have time to explore the medieval streets, walk over the Monnow Bridge gatehouse, or unwind with a drink before another informal group dinner (meal not included).

  • Distance: 8–10 miles (13–16 km)

    Today we explore a varied section of the Wye Valley around Ross-on-Wye. The walk includes a mix of riverside stretches, woodland paths, and a visit to one of the area’s Iron Age hillforts. The combination of gentle climbs and level sections makes this a well-balanced day with plenty of interest along the way.

    After returning to town, enjoy free time to wander the independent shops, settle in for a brew, or explore Ross’s riverside area before we travel back to Monmouth for the evening.

  • Distance: 6–8 miles (10–13 km)

    Our final day begins at Tintern Abbey, set beside the River Wye. After taking in the surroundings, we follow a level riverside path before a gradual climb towards the Devil’s Pulpit. This limestone viewpoint looks directly across to the abbey and offers one of the most recognisable views in the valley.

    We then follow a section of the Offa’s Dyke Path before descending back to Tintern, where there’s time for a warm drink or slice of cake before we return to Monmouth.

    For those travelling by train, we offer a drop-off at Chepstow between 16:00–17:00; an open return ticket is recommended.

Autumnal Colours

Why Choose This Midweek Autumn Break?

This break offers an easy way to experience autumn walking without the need to drive. With station pick-up, minibus transport to all walks, and a relaxed hotel base, it’s a comfortable way to enjoy the best of the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.

The walking is steady rather than strenuous, making the days enjoyable and unhurried. There’s plenty of time to chat, enjoy the scenery, and make the most of the autumn colours. Many guests join solo, and the sociable feel of a Large Outdoors trip makes it simple to feel part of the group from the very first evening.

If you’re looking for a friendly autumn escape with well-planned routes, local highlights, and all logistics taken care of, this Monmouth-based midweek break is an ideal choice.

A forest trail lined with moss-covered rocks, trees with autumn leaves, and a fence on the left side, with two hikers walking along the path in the distance.
A forest trail covered with fallen leaves, with trees on either side, some moss-covered rocks, and a wire fence running along one side of the trail, during autumn.
A rural landscape with a house in the foreground, surrounded by trees and bushes, and rolling green fields and hills under a partly cloudy sky.
A scenic view of a river flowing through a forested valley with a stone arched bridge crossing the river, and colorful autumn trees covering the hillsides. There are a few houses visible among the trees.
A scenic view of a river winding through a valley with trees displaying fall foliage under a bright blue sky with a few clouds.
A scenic view of rolling hills and a lush forest with a winding river, under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
Four women in outdoor jackets smiling at the camera with a scenic valley and river in the background under a blue sky.
Looking up at tall autumn trees with yellow and green leaves against a bright blue sky, sunlight shining through the branches.
A forest trail covered with fallen leaves, surrounded by trees with green and some autumn-colored foliage, under a partly cloudy sky.
Green directional sign pointing right that reads 'Public Footpath Offa's Dyke Path' with a small footstep icon, set in a natural outdoor environment with trees and foliage in the background.
A dirt path surrounded by dense trees with green, yellow, and red foliage, under a partly cloudy sky.
A forest path covered with fallen leaves, surrounded by tall trees with green and yellow leaves, some branches arching overhead.
Four women standing on a leaf-covered forest trail surrounded by trees with autumn foliage.
View of a valley with a river, a small town, and hills covered with trees in autumn, under a cloudy sky.

Essential Information

  • Meeting Time: Check-in from 15:00.

    The Large Outdoors host will meet you in the bar from 18:00.

    Meeting Location:
    Premier Inn,
    Monmouth
    Portal Road
    NP25 5FP

    Parking: Parking is available at the hotel.

    Train Station Collection: We will be offering a collection from Chepstow Station at 17:00. This can be booked during the checkout process or by contacting the Large Outdoors office This must be booked at least 48 hours in advance.

    Finish Time: We aim to finish on the final day between 15:00 - 17:00 the exact finish time may depend on the planned/chosen activity, group dynamic, weather conditions, whether the group chooses to grab a coffee or lunch together during/after, etc. If you’ve travelled via public transport, please ensure you book onward travel accordingly (i.e. an open return ticket), to allow for flexibility.

  • Accommodation Address:
    Premier Inn,
    Monmouth
    Portal Road
    NP25 5FP

  • Included:

    • 3 nights’ bed & breakfast accommodation at the Premier Inn.

    • Pickup and return from and back to Chepstow Train Station.

    • Travel from the accommodation to activity start points and back, where they don’t start from the door.

    • Three days of guided walks.

    Not included:

    • Dinner on each evening - we’ll book a table at a local pub to enjoy dinner as a group and you can purchase whatever you fancy from the menu available.

    • Packed lunches, we will stop at a local shop to purchase lunches.

    • Any extra (i.e. not mentioned above in ‘Included’) excursions or activities that you may partake in which incur a cost.

    • Alcoholic drinks - please feel free to bring something with you to enjoy at the accommodation. There are also a couple of pubs in the village for a post-walk pint or two!

    • Any food, drinks or goods you choose to purchase at any shops, restaurant, pubs or cafés visited.

    • Travel/activity insurance - we recommend having insurance to cover, at a minimum: cancellation and curtailment; medical and emergency expenses (including repatriation); personal accident; injury and death.

Booking FAQ’s

Can I book with a deposit?

Yes, if the trip is more than 12 weeks away you can secure your place with a 20% deposit. The balance is due no later than 10 weeks before travel. You will receive a series of reminder emails when the balance is due. If the trip is less than 12 weeks away, the full balance is due at the time of booking.

Can I pay in instalments?

Yes – although our system doesn't have a function to do this automatically. If you'd like to split your payments, simply email us (hello@largeoutdoors.com) when you'd like to make a payment. Please don't forget to tell us how much you'd like to pay off the balance and your order number. We'll then send you an email with a secure online payment link.

 

Booking Calendar!

 
 

This map is provided for guidance regarding the general location. For detailed meeting information, please refer to the 'Meeting Time & Location' section.