GWENT WYNDCLIFF
A spectacular section of the Lower Wye Valley
There are cliffs and steep wooded slopes with spectacular glimpses of the River Wye from the Giant’s Cave, Lover’s Leap, Piercefield Cliffs and Eagle’s Nest, one of the best viewpoints in the Wye Valley constructed in 1828 for the Duke of Beaufort and well worth the climb, the Cotswolds and the Mendips visible on a clear day.
WHERE TO WATCH
1 Within a few yards you get a wonderful view of the Wye as it makes a spectacular bend of Prior’s Reach. Shelducks nest – one of the great joys of midsummer is to watch a brood of ducklings being ushered by their parents. 2 Having driven to the Upper Wyndcliff car park on the fringe of the magnificent woodlands, you almost share the air space with Buzzard and Red Kite; while watching a pair of Ravens tumble about the sky or later in the year a family party loudly announcing their presence, one of those priceless birdwatching experiences. As one report says, the longer you watch, the more likely you will see a Goshawk.
3 For the fittest, the climb of 365 steps is well worth it, for the less athletic like this author, make frequent pauses and enjoy the summer warblers – Blackcap, Chiffchaff Garden Warbler and Wood Warbler. Where there is a good covering of Ivy on the trees you may well hear and then see Goldcrests.
4 More spectacular views of the Wye, with Grey Herons and Little Egrets and in late summer the calls of Common Sandpipers, which have probably nested far upstream and are now on migration south, while Goosanders are winter visitors. Remain alert at all times for the sighting of a passing Peregrine.
5 Herring Gulls are usually present they have nested at Tintern Abbey and downstream at Chepstow Castle. Cormorants are a constant feature, their roost site in trees on the Piercefield Cliffs has at times held up to 100 birds; the nearest breeding colony is on Denny Island some 10 miles distant in the Severn Estuary.