Walking
The Wye Valley is excellent walking territory, offering the dedicated hiker and the afternoon stroller a wealth of interest and variety - from spectacular viewpoints overlooking the Wye to quiet wooden trails.

There are options of low level walks around Herefordshire and the Forest of Dean, or hill walking in the Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains.

Use public footpaths to wander off the beaten track and you'll soon discover some of the area's lesser known beauty spots, the wildlife, and evidence of the area's rich cultural and industrial heritage - some of the gems which led to the Wye Valley's designation as one of the most outstanding areas of countryside in the UK.

Cycling
Cyclists are well catered for in the Forest of Dean. Bikes can be hired from several providers in or adjacent to the area, and they can also suggest local routes.

Pedalabikeaway is situated in the heart of the Forest of Dean, at the start of a way marked, traffic-free trail, near Beechenhurst, and runs a hire outlet at Symonds Yat East for the Peregrine Path.

In the Lower Wye Valley try Tintern Bike Hire and in the Monmouth area Monmouth Cycle Hire. In the Ross area, bikes are available from Pedalaway.

Climbing
The limestone cliffs of the Wye Valley offer a variety of venues for climbing with a good mixture of grades and ideally suited for a good introduction to the sport.

The Barn is only 15 minutes from Symonds Yat where the classic limestone crag has exciting climbs to challenge all levels of ability.

Ideally situated on the Welsh border it is not too far to drive to other climbing venues more suited to people who have climbed before. Here you can improve techniques and push your personal grade.

Canoeing
Whether you're an experienced canoeist or it is your first time, the River Wye offers something for everyone. The Wye rapids offer thrills and spills for the expert while the calmer areas of the river are ideal for the beginner.

Canoes are available to hire at reasonable rates and there are operators who offer qualified instructions for all levels. 

Golfing
There are a number of excellent golf courses around the Wye Valley. All the clubs in and around the Wye Valley sport excellent courses and facilities.

Ross-on-Wye Golf Course is a woodland course that demands strategy, creativity and most of all patience as well as that elusive golf talent to hit a ball consistently straight.

The Ryder Cup is to be held at Celtic manor in Newport, west of the Wye Valley in 2010 which has 3 championship courses.

Fishing
The Wye Valley and Forest of Dean offers some excellent fishing both on the River Wye itself and its many tributaries and also on some of the wonderful still water ponds and lakes in the Forest of Dean.

The middle reaches of the River Wye offer some excellent coarse fishing for chub, barbel, carp, bream, roach, dace, bleak and also large pike. The Ross-on-Wye Angling Club has fishing rights on the town water and at Weir End, Benhall and Sellack with over 5 miles of excellent fishing.

Caving
There are many rock shelters and solution caves in the area. These include King Arthur's Cave, Little Doward Caves, Symonds Yat East caves and Symonds Yat West caves (all in the area of Symonds Yat in Herefordshire).

At St Arvans, near Chepstow, the underground watercourses have carved out long cave systems, which exit at Otter Hole at the base of Piercefield Cliffs - the only cave system in England or Wales which has to be reached through a tidal sump, making it a Mecca for experienced cavers.