Tintern Abbey
Overview
At Tintern Abbey you will find two car parks and the ruins of the Abbey (OPW). The site was established by William Marshall, successor to Strongbow, and colonised by monks from Tintern Abbey in Wales. Henry VIII suppressed the Cistercian Abbey and the lands became the property of the Colclough family until 1960.
The wood is situated at the head of a small inlet beside a quiet stream. A haven for wildlife, all trails in the Tintern Demense will enable you to not only enjoy breath taking views of Tintern Abbey but will also bring you on a voyage of discovery through woodlands where natures bounty is as its best. Pleasant and serene landscapes with drifts of ferns, bluebells and wild garlic in the Spring, where else would you want to be? There are a number of walks along forest paths and roads.
The mature beech trees in this area are up to 200 years old. The oaks grew from stool-shoots where the previous crop had been harvested.
There is also a beautiful restored walled garden situated in the woods, a gem not to be missed:
http://www.colcloughwalledgarden.com/
Things to do
5 way marked walks in Tintern will have something to suit everyone.
Abbot John Torrell Cistercian Trail - 4.5 km - 1 hour 20 minutes - Purple markers - Moderate
Buggy Trail - 5 km - 1 hour 30 minutes - Pink on Blue markers - Moderate
Caesar Colclough Trail - 11 km - 3 hours 20 minutes - Green markers - Moderate
Marie Biddulph Colclough Trail - 3.5 km - 1 hour - Red markers - Moderate
Mr. Rose's Garden Trail - 1 km - 20 minutes - Blue markers - Easy
Visitors Facilities on site
Walkers car park – 38 spaces
Additional car parking is available at the Abbey visitor centre further down.