What is the historical significance of the Wye Valley near Chepstow?

Back in the 18th century, the Wye Valley was the birthplace of modern UK tourism, when people flocked to the picturesque landscapes described in William Gilpin’s book Observations on the River Wye. This steep-sided woodsy AONB straddling the Wales-England border immediately north of Chepstow remains mighty popular. A wide mix of big full-facility camping complexes and small farm campsites is bolstered by top-drawer hiking, with the long-distance Wye Valley Way running through, and Wales’ best-known kayaking zone on the River Wye itself.