Wintour's Leap
Historic limestone cliffs offering spectacular Wye Valley views and world-class rock climbing for all levels.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Gets the sun, dries quickly
Wintour's Leap
Best Time
Gets the sun, dries quickly
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic limestone cliffs offering spectacular Wye Valley views and world-class rock climbing for all levels.
"Queen of the Wye Valley climbing crags - great atmosphere, variety of routes from bolted sport to long trad multi pitch."
🥾 Muddy Approaches
Be ready for muddy, slippery, and steep paths, especially after rain. Good hiking boots are a must!
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking can be difficult to find. Aim to arrive early to secure a spot.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Angel's Girdle
Climbing Routes
An epic, exposed traverse route offering a thrilling climbing adventure with incredible views.
Wye Valley Panorama
Viewpoints
Breathtaking views across the Wye Valley towards Wales, especially from higher vantage points.
Historic Civil War Escape
Cliffs
Named after Sir John Wintour, who reputedly leaped from these cliffs to escape capture during the English Civil War.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Climb (or the View)
Timing is Key for Parking & Sun
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Muddy Approaches
Be ready for muddy, slippery, and steep paths, especially after rain. Good hiking boots are a must!
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking can be difficult to find. Aim to arrive early to secure a spot.
⚠️ Cliff Edge Safety
Some viewpoints have no fences. Exercise extreme caution, especially with children.
🧗♀️ Climbing Variety
Offers everything from bolted sport routes to long trad multi-pitch climbs for all levels.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Muddy Approaches
Be ready for muddy, slippery, and steep paths, especially after rain. Good hiking boots are a must!
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking can be difficult to find. Aim to arrive early to secure a spot.
⚠️ Cliff Edge Safety
Some viewpoints have no fences. Exercise extreme caution, especially with children.
🧗♀️ Climbing Variety
Offers everything from bolted sport routes to long trad multi-pitch climbs for all levels.
☀️ Sun-Kissed Crags
Most climbs get sun until early afternoon, making it a great spot for morning sessions.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Wintour's Leap for its spectacular views and challenging climbing opportunities, with a good variety of routes for different skill levels. However, the muddy and steep approaches, along with limited parking, can be drawbacks. Safety is a concern due to unfenced cliff edges.
"Nice views and walk, the walls are spectacular. We couldn't get the best of it because it rained so much. An excuse to come back.
We could not find a decent parking"
Roberto
"A great viewpoint above the Wye. Worth walking a little bit left to an even better spot - but be warned, no fences or rails etc so not suitable for younger children as sheer cliffs."
Kevin Arscott (The Walking Kev)
"A lovely winter climbing crag when it’s not seeping with wet. Some great trad here at most grades and has some sport. So something for everyone.
The walk in is about 20 min to most walls. The approach can be very muddy and slippery and is up a fairly steep path at sections.
No top out at most of the routes as people live up at the top. Access through the scrubs are good.
Some lines are very run out and offer good holds but little protection for opportunities for gear."
Sascha Kunze
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Wintour's Leap is located on the English side of the Wye Valley, near Chepstow. Access typically involves a walk-in of about 20 minutes to the climbing walls, often via a steep and potentially muddy path.
Parking is available but can be limited, especially during peak times. Arriving early is highly recommended to secure a spot.
The approach to most walls takes around 20 minutes. Be prepared for a steep and sometimes slippery path, particularly after wet weather.
Absolutely! Wintour's Leap offers spectacular viewpoints of the Wye Valley. A walk along the cliffs provides stunning scenery, but be mindful of unfenced edges.
While the views are accessible, the terrain can be challenging due to steep and muddy paths. It may not be suitable for those with mobility issues.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Wintour's Leap is a natural attraction and does not require tickets for entry. Access to the viewpoints and climbing areas is generally free.
As a natural outdoor location, Wintour's Leap does not have set opening or closing hours. Visitors can access it during daylight hours.
There is no entrance fee to visit Wintour's Leap. Enjoy the natural beauty and climbing opportunities without any cost.
While not officially managed, some outdoor coaching companies offer guided climbing experiences or tours in the Wye Valley, including at Wintour's Leap.
The main considerations are safety due to the cliffs and the terrain. Always be aware of your surroundings and follow any local guidance.
🎫 🧗♀️ Onsite Experience
Wintour's Leap is famous for its limestone cliffs, offering a variety of routes from bolted sport climbs to challenging trad multi-pitch adventures like 'The Angel's Girdle'.
Yes, there are plenty of lower-grade routes suitable for beginners, alongside more challenging climbs for advanced climbers.
You'll be treated to spectacular panoramic views of the Wye Valley, looking across the river towards Wales. It's a truly breathtaking sight. 
Yes, the cliffs are sheer and unfenced in many areas, posing a significant risk, especially for children. Extreme caution is advised.
The site is named after Sir John Wintour, a Royalist during the English Civil War, who is said to have made a daring leap from the cliffs to evade capture.
📸 📸 Photography
The viewpoints along the cliffs offer stunning panoramic shots of the Wye Valley. For climbers, capturing action shots on the limestone faces is popular.
The positioning of the cliffs means you can capture beautiful light during sunrise and sunset, with the valley bathed in golden hues.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive valley views. For climbers, a telephoto lens can be useful for action shots.
The dramatic cliff faces, the winding River Wye, and the lush valley scenery provide endless photographic opportunities. The historical significance also adds a unique element.
Drone usage may be subject to local regulations and permissions. It's advisable to check with local authorities before flying a drone in the area.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While climbing is a major draw, it's best suited for experienced climbers with children. For a family outing focused on scenery, consider visiting during drier periods and staying well back from the cliff edges. The historical story of Sir John Wintour might also capture older children's imaginations.
🧗♀️ Climbers
+2Be prepared for potentially muddy and steep approaches, and always check conditions, especially after rain. Some routes are known for being run out, so ensure you have the necessary experience and gear for safe ascents. The sun-drenched crags make it ideal for morning or evening climbing sessions.
🚶 Hikers & View Enthusiasts
The approach can be muddy and steep, so wear sturdy walking shoes. The historical context of the site, named after Sir John Wintour's famous leap, adds an interesting dimension to your walk. It's a great spot for photography and enjoying the natural beauty of the region.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Rock Climbing at Wintour's Leap
+2Whether you're a seasoned trad climber looking for a challenge like 'The Angel's Girdle' or a beginner seeking easier bolted sport climbs, Wintour's Leap has something to offer. The variety ensures that climbers of all abilities can find routes to suit their skill level. Many routes offer great holds but can be run out, requiring careful gear placement and confidence.
The atmosphere at Wintour's Leap is often described as having a great vibe, with climbers enjoying the challenging ascents and the stunning natural surroundings. It's a place where you can spend a full day pushing your limits or simply enjoying the camaraderie of the climbing community.
Hiking and Views
+1While the main viewpoints are accessible, it's crucial to be aware that many sections of the cliff edge are unfenced. This means visitors, especially those with young children, must exercise extreme caution to avoid any accidents. The walk-in itself can be steep and muddy, so sturdy footwear is essential.
The historical significance of the name 'Wintour's Leap' adds another layer of interest to the walk. Imagining Sir John Wintour's daring escape from these very cliffs can make the experience even more engaging. It’s a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts looking to capture the dramatic landscapes of the Wye Valley.
Historical Significance
Beyond this famous tale, the Wye Valley itself has a rich history, with evidence of human activity stretching back through the ages. The dramatic landscape has always played a role in human settlement and conflict. Visiting Wintour's Leap offers a chance to connect with this historical narrative while enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
The area has also been a significant site for outdoor pursuits for decades, with climbing routes established as early as the mid-20th century. This blend of natural wonder and historical intrigue makes Wintour's Leap a compelling destination for a variety of visitors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit