Wentwood (309m) [P-243]

Overview

Wentwood (309m) [P-243] is the southernmost part of a range of hills which stretch in an arc across East Monmouthsire with a Western escarpment that is characterized as “well wooded”. The hill, which is situated between Newport (Usk), and Chepstow (Wye) is home to the largest ancient woodland in Wales, and the ninth in the UK, which was once much larger. Given its location in the “entrance” of Gwent it has major local associations, with the medieval Kingdom of Gwent once separated into two, Uwchcoed and Iscoed; that is above and below the wood. The name “Wentwood” is a simplification of the term “Gwent Wood” which obviously denoted the area.

The old-growth pines of Wentwood (309m).

The gate of Roundwood Farm in the morning.

Wentwood (309m) is one of the highest points near Newport, and featuring both an ancient woodland and easy public transport connectivity, made it quite compelling proposition. Additionally, the location of the hill offers spectacular views into the Severn Estuary and as I would find out, the only complete view of Prince of Wales Bridge!

Route

07:15 on Christmas Eve found me on the frigid streets of Newport, where I would be catching the bus (73) towards Chepstow, stopping at the tiny village of Parc-Seymour near Penhow at the foot of Wentwood (309m). From the village at 95m, I would follow some lanes, and then trails to the summit, trying to spend as much time within the forest. I would try to return relatively quickly, either catching a bus, or as it ended up happening, have Nieve’s father pick me up. All in a rather complete morning outing for Christmas Eve.

By 07:50 I reached Parc-Seymour and disembarked the bus, wished a Merry Christmas to the driver and walked out into the frigid darkness of the morning. Most of the village was still deep asleep, most of the lights off, the bakery-cafe was closed, and only an older man could be seen, walking his dog. I wasted little time and walked up through the main street and joined the narrow lane of Wentwood Road.

Views across to Caer Licyn (241m).

A classic Welsh scene!

In the pre-dawn twilight the dark colors of the surrounding forest took on a depressing quality, but the ample views down to Newport, and the overall bucolic scenery of lanes, tress, and sheep promised a pleasant outing. Ascending through Wentwood Road, I passed by a number of quaint farms, set within the easygoing hillside, and just 20 minutes from central Newport. Certainly, Wentwood (309m) offered a higher contrast between modern provincial industry and traditional countryside aesthetics. Just after 10 minutes on the road (T1-), I reached the gloomy lower entrance of the wood.

The first clearing, fit for a Nordic Noir scene.

The low forest traverse was pleasant.

Entering the wood the route follows the FSR alongside the lower pine forest for about 350m before turning right onto a dirt path and ascending towards a clearing (T1). With the color palette still drab, this section gave off an unmistakably Nordic vibe - or maybe it was the cold, pushing towards freezing. Continuing on a wide path - as usual without markings - in a left (westwards) traversing manner, the route gains elevation through an increasingly dense forest (T1). With low temperatures and a few days between rains, the trail was rather dry and the going quick. At around 250m elevation, the route veers slightly right (north) and ascends a moderately steep slope via a narrow track in one of the densest sections of forest (T1+). This section is reached in just 15 minutes from the lower gate.

The 275m FSR and the forest’s old-growth.

Narrow track on the final forest trail.

Considering the poor lighting of the morning, I avoided stopping for photos within the dense forest, instead speeding uphill mindlessly. Completing this section in less than 5 minutes, I reached the penultimate FSR just as the day finally broke, painting the surrounding forest in vibrant greens. I continued along the FSR for 300m before turning left onto a narrow track which would lead me to the summit-ridge trail. While unmarked and steeper at points this track was not out of place and presents little issue (T1+). I topped out just 35 minutes after starting from Parc-Seymour.

The summit-level FSR on Wentwood (309m).

The unique red-dragon trig. point!

Joining the summit-level FSR I nearly immediately ran into the first other hiker I’d seen all day, and turning right (east) again, I continued just 300m down the road. After nearly 40 minutes and around 4.0km I wiggled through the narrow track guarding the trig. point and reached the summit of Wentwood (309m). The fresh hues of dawn painted the sky above, and in the company of the very unique red-dragon marking I thought to take my break here. However, I soon realized that the nearby parking would be more comfortable than the wet log I had found.

Dawn by the telecom tower near the summit.

The signage at the Wentwood (309m) summit parking lot.

Passing first by the telecommunications tower, I reached the parking-lot in just a couple of minutes. Having not eaten any breakfast, and lowkey feeling sick already, I sprawled on a boulder and unpacked my meal deal (sans yoghurt). I spent a good 15 minutes enjoying my triple chicken sandwich and soda, as well as a cheeky cigarette. With the sun rising further and further, it was time to start down - after all it is Christmas Eve!

Panoramic view of Prince of Wales Bridge at dawn.

Walking down Wentwood Road in the crisp but bright morning was a quintessential winter moment, and it didn’t take long for it to become unforgettable. Gaining an unassuming turn near the middle parking-lot I passingly caught an incredible view into the Severn Estuary and the Prince of Wales Bridge. This near impossible vista simply had to be captured, and I climbed onto one of the grass banks, getting enough of a view to take the image above.

Descending into the Wentwood forest.

As tropical as Wales can get.

Reaching the middle parking-lot right after, I decided against road-walking and entered the wood again, via the FSR at 275m, which I followed for about 600m until turning left, off the FSR and back into the dense forest. Having passed on taking photos earlier, I was pleasantly surprised by the fresh light and color which imbued life into the scene. The otherwise noir ambiance had not transformed into something more tropical. With Nieve’s father soon on his way to pick me up, I sped up my pace as I descended through the forest.

The lower Wentwood gate at sunrise.

Early morning at the Parc-Seymour store.

Nearly jogging, I traversed the lower FSR and made my way back to the lowest entrance gate. With the time past 09:00, the village slowly came into life and I now saw quite a few people by the gate, among them a lady taking her horse for a ride! I joined Wentwood Road again and followed it to descend. The once gloomy views of the surrounding fields had taken on a magical quality under the bright winter sun. I continued down faster, wanting to avoid Karl waiting for me by the village store. Luckily, at a near jogging pace, the descent was swift and I reached the store with some time to spare. After a smoke, I entered the shop for a potential fresh baked good, and while they had none, I managed to pick up some post-cards instead; I was gifted a mince pie alongside my purchase. Turning around to exit, a man dressed up as Santa startled me but nonetheless put me into the holiday mood. I wished Merry Christmas and was soon back in Newport.

Interactive Map

Logistics

This was the fourth and final summit of our 2025 Christmas in Wales Trip during which we travelled to South Wales and enjoyed some easy peakbagging in the surrounding area. To read more about the trip itself please read the following Trip Report.

📰 Trip Report: Wales Christmas 2025

Eco-Point via Newport

To get to Parc-Seymour from Newport or Chepstow, throughout the day, just take the 73 Bus, which costs about GBP 2.50 per direction. From near Beechwood Park it took me about 25 minutes to reach Parc-Seymour.

Nearby Peaks

The following is a list of significant nearby peaks.

📰 Wentwood (309m) [P-243]