ONE of the most popular hiking routes in England and Wales, the Wye Valley Walk, is facing major disruption in the Lower Wye and Forest sections at a critical time of year.
Extensive renovations, including removal of rockfalls, is being carried out between Chepstow and Tintern in spring and summer this year, while at Lydbrook vandals have put a major access river bridge out of use.
The Overlooking the Wye Landscape Partnership Scheme, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, is carrying out repairs and conservation works to some of the walk's most famous and historic viewpoints through Piercefield Woods at the Alcove, the Platform, the Grotto, Double View, Giants Cave and Lover's Leap.
Monmouthshire County Council says: "The conservation work on these Scheduled Monuments is dangerous, difficult and involves highly specialised teams undertaking the work.
"Due to the unstable nature of the masonry and the additional path restoration work being proposed, Monmouthshire County Council has taken the decision to divert the path for the protection of the public for six months."
"We very much regret the prolonged diversion," said Andrew Blake, Wye Valley AONB officer.
"When the repair works are completed people will be able to fully appreciate the refurbished 18th century viewpoints.
"I hope local residents and visitors will bear with us while this essential work is being done. The work will save these historic monuments and clear the blockages that have been obstructing the route for the past couple of years."
Meanwhile it is uncertain how long repairs will take at Black Bridge, the old railway route crossing the Wye to join the walk near the cable works at Lower Lydbrook. Vandals have stripped off iron guard rails and thrown them in the river.
Forest of Dean tourism officer Nicola Greaves said of the incident: "It is of course disappointing that the bridge is going to be closed for repairs. However I hope that the work can be carried out quickly and without too much disruption, and in time for the busy Easter season."