Redbrook to White Castle via Monmouth
14.50 + miles
8 hours
Monkey Tree
Tropical plant
Woke up to dense fog which disappeared during breakfast. The crisp air felt like high elevation mountain briskness. Was given a ride back to Redbrook where. I was deposited within 4 feet of where yesterday's collection had been. My hostess pointed me in the correct direction, feet set off, practically straight up hill. Little elderly woman quickly overtook me. Used the chance to confirm feet were going correctly. They were. Woman disappeared up the hill striding away practically blowing smoked from her trekking poles.
Round House at Kymin where Lord Nelson had a picnic
Offa's Dyke in Welsh
High on the first mountain The Kymin was located. This was the site of a naval temple built in 1800 to celebrate British Naval victories The Round House was used by Lord Nelson for a picnic.
From there the path descended into the rather large city of Monmouth where all the bustle and excitement of people distracted me. Bought tuna and corn sandwich and package of chocolate covered digestives at a Waitrose and made use of the clean and modern "loo".
Missed the route out of the city. Finally approached a woman walking to market with her shopping basket to ask directions. She went way out of her way to lead me on a shortcut that was actually about a mile distance. We chatted away. She was from Cornwall but had moved here and was never leaving.
Cleaning ladies strolling up the lane
Saint Michael's Church of the Fiery Meteor - sure would like to know about the "fiery meteor" but the church was locked and no one about to solve the mystery.
Back into the countryside. Back to steep climbing through the Dean Forest. Wanted to stop and eat the lunch but decided to wait until the top of whatever the top was, was reached. Summit achieved and there was even a bench to sit on, and to stretch the back on, and with a great view of the hills and valleys of the Wey River.
Grave in churchyard covered with ivy
The Grange
Downhill. Trek over muddy paths from yesterday's rain. Red clay/mud coated boots. Going through one meadow covered with sheep a large one close to me lifted its head and said "moo" rather than "baa". Maybe it was learning to be bilingual to better relate and communicate with the cattle in the next enclosed field.
Path through field
The Path went right through an Apple Orchard
At Saint Michael's Church of the Fiery Meteor (yes that was its name), I wandered in the old graveyard, stretched the back on a stone bench, and ate a few digestives.
Onward. Many more fields. Many more sheep. Many more muddy paths. I began to feel like Superman who could leap tall buildings, only I am able to leap large mud puddles with the use of trekking poles. Trekking poles are very useful for pulling a tired body up a hill, and as acting as brakes on the downside of a hill.
Narrow lane
Saw another elderly lady who reminded me of the funeral director in the movie "Oranges are not the only fruit"
Met a group of four men traveling south. Yesterday in all the rain and mud they didn't teach their B&B until 9 pm
My hostess for tonight, Karen, came to collect me by prearrangement at the White Castle, tomorrow she will return this hiker to where she collected me, and I will continue hiking Offa's Dyke Path, which runs right by here - The Old Rectory.
Tea and homemade cake Karen my hostess delivered to this tired trekker's room.
Tonight I wish either Sarah or Kimara were here to do some magic on the back!
VERY VERY LOW CEILING BEAM, thus the signage.
Must now walk down the street to find food at the one place that has food.
Butternut and feta filo pie. Layers of roasted butternut, pine nuts, in filo pastry with toasted carrots, and a flash fry of couchettes leeks (looked like zucchini to me) and aonds and rice. That was a direct copy of the menu listing.
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