- Day: 27 – Friday 9th June
- Started at: Beeches Farm, nr Tidenham Chase
- Finished at: Monmouth Campsite
- Miles: 12
- Miles from LE: 320.5
- Duration: 7hrs (9:30-16:30)
- Trig points visited: 0
- Ales imbibed: 1x Thatchers Gold Cider, 1x HPA
I had a rest day yesterday and mostly spent it tucked up in my tent listening to the rain pounding against the roof, feeling smug that I wasn’t out in it. During the only prolonged dry spell from midday ’til 4 I crossed the river to Tintern to enjoy a scrumptious lunch of; Welsh lamb and mint pie and carrot cake! I also took a peek at the Abbey, but since it’s a ruin I didn’t pay the £6 to get wet if it started raining again. It was very reminiscent of the aimless wander around Tintern back in November on the Rockhopper Annual Dinner trip but with poorer weather – go figure!
I reluctantly left the lovely Beeches Farm campsite – if only more campsites were like this one. There wasn’t one particular special feature, just a nicely kept and interesting field with a nice view, clean and tidy facilities and chilled out owners who make you feel welcome. I don’t ask for much, but I’m amazed at the number of sites that fall below my expectations.
Today was spent entirely on the Offa’s Dyke national trail which made wayfinding extremely easy – a relief after traipsing around the Levels last week trying to find rights of way that aren’t maintained. The route was either riverside which was novel or in woodland where in recent days a number of trees have fallen across the paths. I even heard one go down – it was a really loud and slow ripping sound and then crunch.
I got to Lower Redbrook for lunch and there was a perfectly positioned bench on the village green that had my name on it (metaphorically not literally – I think it was in memory of Jim Pearson – thanks Jim!). The sun was shining and so I took the opportunity to spread out various parts of my very wet tent on the grass to dry out – it felt a bit ‘trampy’ and I think I got a couple of looks, but needs must!
About a mile out of Monmouth I met Ian – another LEJOG-er! He’s a man on a mission, he left Land’s End on May 20th(!) and was planning to do the whole jolly lot in 10weeks, I’m pretty certain I’ll never see him again.
The highest point of the day was on top of the Kymin (Wikipedia page) which gave stunning views over the river valley below and the hills beyond.
I walked all day in England but am spending the night in Wales, so it just leaves me to say: hwyl fawr a nos da.
My Walks 