Monmouthshire borders England (Herefordshire and Gloucestershire) to the east and is a county of wonderous landscapes, including the Black Mountains which it shares with the county of Brecknockshire, and impressive ancient monuments such as Tintern Abbey and numerous impressive castles. It also includes one end of the Offa's Dyke path which starts at Chepstow and runs north through the county passing Tintern Abbey and the county town of Monmouth on the way.

The Black Mountains, part of the Brecon Beacons National Park, reach about 2660 feet at the highest point with narrow mountain roads winding through wild uplands. These mountains are made of Old Red sandstone (Devonian) which are about 400 million years old.