Calche two

Verified Slow Way

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September 2022. Direction: Chepstow to Caldicot.

An excellent, varied and easy to navigate walk, which follows the Wales Coast Path for around half of its route. The previous reviews have said it all really, but here`s a few more photos.

Photo 1 - The old Severn Bridge from Mounton Pill
Photo 2 - The old bridge and estuary from near Black Rock
Photo 3 - The Prince of Wales Bridge and "The Engineer"
Photo 4 - The lave net fisher at Black Rock
Photo 5 - The Prince of Wales Bridge.

A lovely walk taking in some great scenery across the Severn.
We did this from Chepstow to Caldicot and it was very easy to follow for the most part. The only place that caught us out was in the fields crossing under the A466 heading through Newton Green. In the last field before hitting the housing estate you need to make sure you cross over into the field to the right half way and head towards the houses or you end up in someone's back garden next to a Brook.
The stiles and gates all passable.
Gorgeous walk on a summers day!
You pass right by Asda in Caldicot and end up in the town centre.
Sudbrook had public toilets available, not sure if other amenities local.

This review is from Chepstow. The route does not go into town centre, so if you need supplies use the Tescos near the station. Calche Two is a modification to Calche One to avoid crossing A466. It is best go under the road via Mathern Road footpath adding a minimal distance and elevation. Calche Two is much shorter than staying on the Coastal Path and more varied. It goes through Mathern and Sudbrook which give stops for water, food and toilet. From Chepstow station, Calche two follows the NCN cycle route with blue signs and red 42 numbers all the way to the A466 where the route goes under that M48 access road and heads into Wyelands Estate pastures. The styles crossing the fields are the old metal step through design (photo one) which makes them more difficult for many people. Wyelands' cows are very curious as not many people use these footpaths in/out of Mathern. You can see in the photo how the farmer drove through the field to show the way to the next style. The route crosses the train track two times (photo two). This line from Maestag to Gloucester is ideal for reaching the start of the walk from the North, or walking in reverse, from the West. You can buy a return and get off at either Chepstow or Caldicot and reboard at the other town. After the farm fields, the route skirts the edge of St Pierre Golf and Country Club and then joins the Coastal Path with stunning views (photos 3 & 4). The end of the walk is along a main road to the Slate Cross in Caldicot Town Centre (photo 5).

An enjoyable route which provides for an alternative and shorter walking route between Caldicot and Chepstow. Taking in local landmarks, crossing fields, and using paths not usually associated with travel between the two towns. A few easily manageable styles close to Chepstow and then there are kissing gates. Lovely to also walk part of the Coastal Path and pass by Black Rock. Logical start and finish points making access to public transport easy.

This alternative route avoids crossing the A466 in Chepstow.
Starting from the Caldicot Cross the route takes you out of Caldicot to the Severn Estuary where you pick up the Wales Coast Path next to the Second Severn Crossing. After walking along the sea wall you arrive in Sudbrook. It is well worth visiting the museum which tells the history of Sudbrook. There are also toilets and on some days the cafe is open.
The next point of interest in Black Rock where the Living Levels Partnership have erected two statues. One to the Lave Net fisherman and the other represents Thomas Walker, the contractor who built the tunnel. It is also an acknowledgement to all the men and women who built the three river crossings.
The next part of the walk goes along the embankment to St Pierre Pill where it crossing the railway. After this it is mainly farmland to Mathern where there is a pub, the Millers Arms.
It is then back onto fields before getting to Chepstow. The final part of the walk is through Chepstow to the railway station.
As an alternative the walker could keep to the Wales Coast Path from Mathern all the way to Chepstow.

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