The Warren Hay-on-Wye – Visit a Gorgeous Riverside Meadow
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Although the bookish town of Hay-on-Wye is known for its fabulous collection of independent bookshops, it’s also known for its riverside walks.
The Warren Hay-on-Wye is the perfect place to enjoy some of the beauty on the English-Welsh border.
It’s just a short walk from the town itself, and you’ll be immersed in a peaceful oasis beside the River Wye.
This lush green meadow and its river bend are ideal for walks, a picnic, a quiet place to read, and even swimming on those rare warm sunny days.
I loved my visit here with a picnic, soaking up the sun, and enjoying some peace.
Here’s a complete guide to The Warren Hay-on-Wye and how to visit.
The history of The Warren
This riverside meadow has been known to locals as The Warren for hundreds of years, since the medieval era.
This is because it was used as a breeding ground for rabbits, which were used for food.
However, it is believed that there have been human settlers here since the Iron Age, based on modern excavations.
For centuries, The Warren has been a popular place for locals to enjoy a picnic or recreation.
This was further enhanced by the horse-drawn wagons on the Hay Railway that would run through here during the Victorian era.
You can still find what’s left of this old tramway route on the walk down to the river meadow, which is now a public footpath.
The Hay Warren Trust still protect the meadow to this day, and it’s a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to the wildlife.
Today, this area is still open to the public to enjoy free of charge, and it’s extremely popular amongst locals and tourists alike.
How to find The Warren Hay-on-Wye
The Warren is just a short walk from the main town of Hay-on-Wye. It’s quite easy as there are signs for the river all over town.
The easiest way to visit Hay-on-Wye would be to drive. This Book Town is located on the English-Welsh Border in Powys, South Wales.
It’s on the fringes of the Brecon Beacons National Park, and so it makes a fantastic addition to any road trip.
The address is Hay-on-Wye, Hereford HR3 5EL. Click here for a Google Pin.
Where to park
There is a large park on Oxford Road, or you could park in Church Street.
It’s far easier to park in the town itself and then walk to The Warren from there.
Most of the parking around the entrance pathways to the Warren is for residents.
Walking to The Warren from Hay-on-Wye
After book shopping, it’s easy enough to walk to The Warren. It’s around half a mile, and flat.
To head out to the river, first head over to Church Street. You’ll be walking by the Blue Boar Pub and Hay Cinema Bookshop will be on your left.
Just before you reach The Swan Hotel, take a right on Swan Bank Road and walk past the Church of St Mary’s the Virgin, Hay-on-Wye.
You’ll eventually continue on Gipsy Castle Lane; keep walking down this road through the residential estates.
Eventually, you will find a small bridle path that will have a sign pointing you towards The Warren.
Keep following this beaten path down to the kissing gate, and then you’ll enter the meadow. From here, you can access the river banks.
Things to do at the Warren
Once you’ve made it here, you can spend some time exploring the area or simply enjoy the peace.
As it’s so far from the roadside, it’s incredibly serene, and you can enjoy a few moments away from the hustle and bustle of the town.
If you were looking for some inspiration or ideas, here are all the things to do at The Warren.
Have a picnic in the meadow
If the weather is fine, there is nothing better than grabbing some sandwiches in the town and heading here for a picnic.
You can sit beside the river banks on the pebbled ‘beach’ or choose your spot on the grass.
The views will be fantastic as you’re surrounded by countryside with bird song. It’s so tranquil.
The Warren wildlife
The Warren is a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to all the wonderful wildlife that makes a home here.
Living up to its historic name, you’ll find plenty of rabbits running around and poking their heads out from their burrows.
You can also see otters by the River Wye. As well as Kingfishers, Woodpeckers and Red Kites, the national bird of Wales.
Go Swimming
The River Wye runs through this meadow, and you’ll find that you’re walking along a river bend.
In the summer months, the river here is very shallow, and the current is extremely slow. It makes a perfect spot for swimming.
If you head to the river, you’ll find a small pebble beach for sunbathing, paddling or skimming stones.
The Warren Fishery
If you were looking to do a bit of fishing on your visit, The Warren Fishery is the perfect place to do it.
It’s located around a mile from Steeple Pool, below Warren Cottage.
Here, you can try coarse fishing for trout and grayling. You’ll need your valid rod license and pay a daily charge.
Kayaking
While I was here, I saw so many Kayakers. They were sailing over the currents and riding the waves.
The water was pretty shallow by this river bend, making it a struggle. Many of the kayakers stopped here to relax for a while.
It did look like a lot of fun. If you fancy trying it, you can contact Wye Valley Canoes.
Walking Trails
Hay-on-Wye is home to some of the most beautiful walking trails.
This area is where the Wye Valley Walk and Offa’s Dyke Trail part ways, so you’ll have lots of choices on where you want to head.
There are also routes to the Black Mountains in the Brecon Beacons, Cusop Hill, or you can circle back to the Hay Bailey.
Just make sure to wear sensible shoes as it may get a little mucky.
Things to do in Hay-on-Wye
Hay-on-Wye was one of my favourite places to visit in the Brecon Beacons. There is so much to see in this quaint town on the English-Welsh border.
It’s famous for its large collection of independent bookshops, Hay Castle, shopping, and bookish culture.
See some of my travel guides for Hay-on-Wye below:
The best bookshops in Hay-on-Wye
The legacy of Richard Booth, the King of Hay
The Hay Castle 24-hour Bookshop
Recommended Travel Resources
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Read my South Wales guides
How to visit the ancient Llanthony Priory
The crooked church of St Martin’s in Cwmyoy
Amazing places to visit in Monmouth
How to find King Arthur’s Cave in Wales
A complete guide for Crickhowell Bridge
How to visit Henrhyd Falls – Batman filming location
Discover Wales
Save The Warren Hay-on-Wye for later
