What a great last night we had at The George. The Rock Choir turned up for a celebration meal. We mentioned David’s Mum was born in Wales and at 86 she still sings in a choir. We asked if they would sing and later on of course they did. They sounded wonderful and really quite emotional-it bought tears to David’s eyes. They sung Hallelujah Bread of Heaven and even some from The worlds greatest showman.
At the start of Offas Dyke 177miles to go.
The Severn Bridge in the distance.
One hour into the walk and “are we going the right way???!!!”
A very recent tree fall blocking the path. We had to walk through it.
Not sure if this may be a toll to The Devil.
The ruins of Tintern Abbey in the distance this is The Devils Pulpit where legend has it Saturn tried to lure the monks away from Christianity.
Wet weather gear off for a while.
Brockweir and blue skies!
This was a very fast flowing River Wye cause of all the recent rain.
After a fairly tough 7 hours of walking these little pleasures are so rewarding. Tent up in the dry and a cup of Bovril before bed.
After a comfy and dry night the drizzle came in.
These ponchos were a good buy. Quick and easy to put on and off and a wonderful fashion statement too!
Lots more woods today. This is the naval temple above Monmouth in honour of the admirals of the napolenoic wars.
A stunning view of Monmouth and the rain has gone.
These guys were part of a living history day.
The rains gone but the mud is still here! Just after this picture was taken Jo fell and landed up sitting in this mud!
Walking into Monmouth it looked like a nice town to look around so instead of walking straight though we checked into The Punch House which you can see at the end of the road. £81 - bit steep for us but after a 5 hour walk today which was tough it was worth it.
Great view from the hotel room and apparently underneath there are holding cells and tunnels for prisoners before they were taken off to be executed.
This statue is of Charles Rolls who, with his partner Royce, created the engine of their names. Charles was the first Britain to die in a plane crash at the age of 32. In the background is the statue of HenryV who was born here in Monmouth Castle - now just a ruin.
What a nice way to end the day and soak those weary muscles.
The best breakfast so far to set us up for the day.
Omg! There was so much mud!
Always a worry when we go through fields with cows in them! There has been so many attacks here. You are always adviced to keep well away from cows with their young. This field we had to wait at the gate for quite a while until the young and all the others moved away.
Rest stop. Checking out my feet and changing a Compede.
Amazing views today.
This was a Bulmers Cider orchard.
Fields of corn followed by fields of potatoes then beetroot.
The White Castle. We were very tempted to put the tent up here as another long long day.
We found a campsite off the path Church Cottage Campsite. When we staggered in we jokingly asked if they had any wine. Next thing the owner Ed (gorgeous blue eyes-and I told him so!) came over with 2 wine glasses and a bottle of red. We also had a bench to sit on so we were very happy. Noodles and scotch eggs for dinner followed by hot showers then we were off for the night.
My sister asked what we did with our boots in the tent.
Said our goodbyes and thank yous. Flo with Elouise 7 months. Great campsite they are creating.
We don’t all make Offas Dyke!
Stopped at a church. David made a coffee but I tipped it straight away as it was disgusting, but what a great idea of the church to provide this service for a donation.
Stamping our Offas Dyke passport.
The Rising Sun campsite and pub at Pandy. I put the tent up while David got 2 buses back to Chepstow to pick the car up. Leaving the car here for a few days and will pick it up later. The silver tent at the back belongs to a guy from NZ who has just finished the whole of the Welsh Coast Path and is now on this path Offas Dyke and only carries 3.5kg and sets off at 5am every morning. Hence, we will never see him again!
Set off from Pandy on our next leg to Hay-on-Wye. Look both ways!
Done plenty of these over the last couple of days and not easy with a heavy pack on.
A big climb up from Pandy to the top of the ridge of the Black Mountains, but then a fairly level 9mile hike along the top.
Amazing views can’t really describe them just felt like being on top of the world. Even on an overcast day the conditions were perfect for walking. No wet weather gear all day!
This is the first day in Wales that I’ve worn my shorts.
Zoom in as we were fascinated what these circles were for?
At the very top (705m) it was very boggy. But thankfully a well maintained path.
The way ahead.
Wild ponies and sheep up here.
Starting to descend after 7 hours of walking!
Couldn’t believe that at the bottom of the mountain a sign informed us we still had another 4 miles to walk into Hay-on-Wye 😮
Staggered in Kilverts pub after 28kms - our favourite day so far on the path. Had a meal and a few drinks with Don and Chris whom we had last seen in Pandy. So many people doing this whole walk and all at different speeds. We are always last but there is No Rush! Could not find any cheap accommodation so walked another 10mins out of town to a great campsite (Radnors) have decided to stay 2 nights to have a bit of a rest and look around this interesting town.
A day off in Hay-on-Wye.
A Very quirky place! Very famous for its second hand book shops with over a million books for sale.
Going here tonight to watch Rocketman.
Even books to buy by donation.
May have to stock up here ready for tomorrow’s walk. It is starting to feel that we are getting a bit fitter. Looking forward to the rest of it and the forecast is looking better.
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