Are you writing a novel that is set in a valley? Let us help you. Read on to get some ideas on how to describe a valley in a story. We’ve used 10 words as a basis of our explanations.
1. Broad
Definition
Something that’s very wide.
Examples
“She overlooked the broad valley and felt at peace. It was a beautiful view that swept for miles.”
“The idea of running across the broad valley made him feel sick. He wasn’t fit enough to do that!”
How it Adds Description
The adjective “broad” gives a good overview of the valley, as this word describes the physical characteristics of the natural formation. This gives the reader a deeper understanding of the world, and it shows them more about the terrain the characters are navigating. “Broad” can also show how large the valley is in comparison to other places in your fictional world.
2. Bleak
Definition
Somewhere that is empty, unattractive, or cold.
Examples
“The bleak valley left the group feeling isolated, and they all secretly wished to leave as soon as possible.”
“It was a bleak valley, and no one had settled there for centuries.”
How it Adds Description
“Bleak” gives the impression that a place is unattractive or empty, so if you want to show there aren’t many positive qualities or prospects, this is an appropriate adjective to use. If a character describes the valley as “bleak,” it could signal their personal dislike of the place, and it can also signify their desire to leave.
3. Magnificent
Definition
Somewhere extremely impressive or beautiful.
Examples
“Returning to the magnificent valley always puts a smile on her face. The place truly feels like home to her.”
“With splashing waterfalls, unique fauna, and an abundance of animals, it really was a magnificent valley.”
How it Adds Description
If your valley is a place of outstanding beauty, “magnificent” will relay these features to your reader. “Magnificent” can also show a character’s awe of the location, further emphasizing it’s an important place in your story. This word always carries positive connotations, ideal if you want to build a magical or comforting atmosphere.
4. Leafy
Definition
A place with lots of plants and trees.
Examples
“She skipped through the leafy valley, admiring the flora and fauna as she went.”
“The leafy valley contains some of the rarest plants in the world. We must protect it!”
How it Adds Description
Many valleys are places with lots of nature and green space. “Leafy” showcases the valley is populated with flora and fauna, which can help you build a strong scenery, or you can link the excess of plants to the plot. If a character notes how “leafy” the valley is, you can use this to foreshadow future plot points that involve nature.
5. Mystical
Definition
Something that involves magical or spiritual powers.
Examples
“The mystical valley was home to legends, witches, and unicorns. But you had to have a strong belief to see them.”
“I want to see the mystical valley. I need to feel the natural power for myself.”
How it Adds Description
If your book involves magic or powers unknown to the average person, “mystical” shows an area associated with these spiritual influences. A “mystical” valley might be home to characters with special powers or a strong belief in unique religions. This word shows the valley’s inhabitants aren’t like others, hinting to your reader that curious things might happen in the setting.
6. Ghostly
Definition
Somewhere that feels unnatural, frightening, or spooky.
Examples
“The ghostly valley consumed all who entered. If you visit, you’re sure to lose your mind.”
“The wind rattled through the ghostly valley, but no one was alive to notice.”
How it Adds Description
“Ghostly” offers a negative description of your valley, which is ideal if you want to build on a scary or horror-focused atmosphere. The use of the word “ghostly” could also imply your characters are anxious about entering the location, which in turn can build suspense for your reader.
7. Overgrown
Definition
Somewhere untidy, unkempt, or covered in plants.
Examples
“He navigated the overgrown valley using his intuition, and his heart was thumping the entire time.”
“She tentatively approached the overgrown valley, and she didn’t like the look of the jumbled vines and twisted plants.”
How it Adds Description
“Overgrown” offers an almost menacing effect, as this shows the valley is uncivilized and potentially dangerous due to the plants that obscure the view. Using “overgrown” can single the journey across the valley will be a tough one for your characters, allowing you to build an exciting storyline.
8. Striking
Definition
Somewhere unusual or very noticeable.
Examples
“There was no doubt in her mind that they’d arrived at the striking valley.”
“She wished she could live in the striking valley, as its beauty left her feeling complete.”
How it Adds Description
If your valley is particularly wide, deep, or shallow, the word “striking” can show it has a distinctive look. This adjective can show characters are drawn to the location due to its beauty or unique features.
9. Bountiful
Definition
Somewhere that provides or produces large amounts of something valuable (e.g., food)
Examples
“The bountiful valley was home to happy residents, and their life was peaceful.”
“I’m traveling to the bountiful valley, and I will make it my home, and you can’t stop me.”
How it Adds Description
Often, valleys are lush, green areas with natural water sources. This makes them great places to settle, and “bountiful” emphasizes how many beneficial living aspects your fictional valley provides. This word also hints that the ground is fertile for crops or other plants.
10. Tranquil
Definition
Somewhere extremely peaceful and calm.
Examples
“As soon as he stepped into the tranquil valley, he felt like he could drop his emotional guard and be himself.”
“The tranquil valley proved that nature was the best healer. Everyone felt better while there.”
How it Adds Description
If you simply want to show how calm your valley is or how relaxed your characters feel while there, “tranquil” is the adjective to use. This word paints the valley as a positive place, and you can use this as a safe location for your characters — especially if you have some additional negative or scary locations in your novel.