Chester

We decided to visit Chester as heard it was interesting and we were so close. Had 2 nights at the new Travelodge which was right in the centre of town. We walked around the top of the 2 mile city wall on both days and diverted off into interesting parts of the city. 

Chester Cathedral- Went back for Evensong. We sat right next to the choir and the sound was incredible. 



Part of the city wall. 








Chester Racecourse. It’s very accessible people were even walking their dogs when no racing on.





In these Roman gardens they have an open air cinema.









Went here for breakfast.



The town crier was entertaining. 





Lots of art shops and one had exclusive rights to Bob Dylan’s art. 

The town hall.

















We really enjoyed Chester so we decided to rebook for 5th August for 2 nights and meet our Jess here. Can’t wait 😊 we then drove back to Harpenden to get ready for our holiday in France 🇫🇷 

Offas Dyke - Llandegla to Prestatyn

To July 6th 2019

Llandegla Campsite- couldn’t believe our Berlin family turned up on the same site. We were so pleased to see them. There were lots of groups of youngsters coming through this site all doing their Duke of Edinburgh award. All carrying way to much. 

We set off in glorious sunshine after breakfast in the community shop. I had just googled how far to the finish point of Prestatyn and it told me 59mins to drive! Made me laugh at this sign cause it said 29miles and it’s going to take us 3 days to walk it!

Even the cows were cooling off today. Just after taking this picture we met 2 men in their 80’s walking the path!



A few more steep ones, but worth it for the views.





Half way through the day we found this message for us! Left by Cora and Margret. How gorgeous-Jo had tears in her eyes. 

A very steep climb up to The JubileeTower on Moel Dywyll. The tower was built in 1810 to celebrate the golden jubilee of George 111. Not so impressive nowadays.

The view up here was a stunning 360°.





We walked on until about 8°c and came across a small lay-by at the bottom of Moel Arthur and it even had a bench so we were stopping the night. Cooked up some noodles and a sausage roll. Luckily earlier in the day, when we were getting short of water, a couple drove David down the mountain and back to fill up our water bottles. We left it till it was almost dark and put the tent up. There was also a No Camping sigh right next to us!

Can you see Jo on the bench the next morning and the tent? 

What great morning entertainment we had when Phil the farmer turned up with his 2 dogs to round up 250 of his sheep as it was shearing day. 

Just as we had packed our tent up and had started walking look who turned up. It was great to walk with them as far as Bodfari. 



Amazing views from The Dinorben Arms in Bodfari. We had a great meal together with Svenja Ralph Cora and Margret. 

With mouse Pipa

With mouse Rosa.

They went on ahead and we stayed for a few more beers and FaceTimed our Jess in Australia. 





We must be getting closer to civilisation. Oh the noise!

Walked until about 8°c and found a campsite near the path with the best facilities so far and only £8 per pitch. This will be our last night in the tent for a while.

Ian quite pleased with how my feet have held up except my little toe. Of course David’s feet are perfect.

We stayed in the tent until 10am until it stopped raining. What a shame on our last day that it is wet and misty, but it is going to brighten up later. We cannot believe we are nearly at the end. 





After this picture we caught up with our family from Berlin and walked to the end with them.

We can see the sea! Nearly at the finish line! Prestatyn.

Walking to the seafront and the statue at the finish.



We made it and the sun is shining.

Cora Margret and Ralph actually put their bathers on and went in! 

After their swim they collected plenty of shells to take back to Berlin tomorrow.

Took another picture at the statue. 300kms done. 

We don’t think the two girls realise how well they have done walking this distance at 7 and 9 years old. Well done to the parents for giving them this opportunity. 👏👏

Time to play in the park in Prestatyn.



A final fish and chips meal and a beer together before we said our goodbyes and went our seperate ways. We are sure we will meet again. 

David and I then got a train to Rhyl and checked into The Westminster Hotel on the seafront. Not a bad view. Nice long bath and a very long sleep in our first bed in 10 days. 

Spent the day looking around Rhyl. A very typical Seaside town but very run down.

We cannot believe the amount of wind turbines there are out at sea. Zoom in.

The beach was huge and big tides too. Off to the movies later to see “Yesterday “

We watched a very odd form of bowls it’s called Crown Green. 

The Westminster Hotel. 80 rooms. Some very odd and entertaining guests!!!!

Offas Dyke summary: 

In the tent for 18 nights - 4 of which were wild camps.

4 nights in hotels.

Total time 22days of which 16 days we walked.

Spent £513 on accommodation.

It has been a love hate walk! Very hard at the start as the weather was against us with plenty of mud too. This certainly improved in the second half. It was so much tougher than we were expecting but maybe our lack of fitness had something to do with that. But overall, looking back everyday was different, the people we met were wonderful and helpful, and we are so glad we have achieved this and would recommend it to all. 🥾🥾 

We are now looking forward to a weeks rest in France before walking some of the Welsh Coast Path and seeing our Jess.