Coed y Cerrig National Nature Reserve, near Abergavenny
Small woodland big on variety with accessible...
Largest area of ancient woodland in Wales
Coronavirus update
Our sites and most visitor facilities are open but, under the current coronavirus restrictions in Wales, this is intended only for the use of people who live locally.
You are strongly advised – in line with current Welsh Government regulations – not to drive to any of our sites to exercise unless you have specific health or mobility issues.
We have changed the normal route for some of our trails to help you maintain social distancing – please follow signs on site.
Wentwood was once a hunting preserve for Chepstow Castle but nowadays it is a peaceful place to explore and enjoy nature.
The forest covers over 1000 hectares and is scattered with archaeological features from ancient trackways to the remains of an old mill.
Most of the original native trees here were felled during the middle of the 20th century to make way for fast-growing, timber-producing conifers.
We are restoring Wentwood to native broadleaved woodland and our ancient woodland restoration project has been accredited under the Queen's Commonwealth Canopy initiative.
You can explore Wentwood on foot, bicycle or horseback.
There is a welcome panel in the car park with a map and information about what to see.
There are also marker posts to help guide you along the paths through the forest.
In spring the paths are surrounded by carpets of bluebells.
Look out for wood ant nests - these mounds stand up to 4 feet high.
Enjoy the harmony of bird song and you may spot deer or even an adder.
Wentwood is 7 miles west of Chepstow.
This site straddles the county borders of Newport and Monmouthshire.
From Newport, take the A48 towards Caerwent.
After 6 ½ miles, turn left onto the Usk Road, signposted Llanviar Discoed (Llanfair Disgoed / Llanvair Discoed).
After around 3 miles, pass the Wentwood reservoir and Foresters’ Oaks car park is on the left.
Continue for a further ¾ mile, and Cadira Beeches car park is on the right.
Wentwood is on Ordnance Survey (OS) map OL 14 and 152.
The OS grid reference is ST 422 948.
The nearest mainline railway station is in Caldicot.
For details of public transport visit Traveline Cymru's website.
Car parking in Wentwood is free of charge.