Redbrook to Chepstow via Tintern Abbey
12.70 miles plus at least 2
7 hours
Narrow space between the building and the retaining wall.
The Cottage at the Florence Country Inn where I stayed, in the same room.
Dennis and Jane (I think) my hosts.
The last day of "This" long distance walk has come and gone. As has been typical on the return south no map was needed, as long as the hiker stayed on the path.
and studied the maps for an alternative to reconnecting with the Offa Dyke path, without retracing the route and climbing way way back high. The Abbey was located in the valley on the edge of the River Wye. On the Harvey Strip map a footpath was marked that followed the opposite side of the river from the Abbey. Took that for quite a distance until the path fizzled out and became a track.
The route started off with a set of high steps to get up to the path from the village. Tough on the legs first thing.
Followed these two couples for half a mile. All were carrying their jackets in the left hand and chatting away.
Fly fisherman (angler) waist deep in the river hoping for dinner, unless he was a "catch and release" die hard.
This hiker took a detour to visit Tintern Abbey. Here the monks were known as White Monks because their robes were - white. The Abbey was extremely large and complex. Far larger than the Priory of a few days ago. Must be the difference in status and "clientele".
After the Abbey visit I had lunch at the Abbey Mill restaurant which supposedly had "good food " - it was
Very large stone had fallen on to the path. Good thing no one was standing there at the time.
Relatives of Rosa and Bonny (long gone and buried in the pet cemetery under the commemorative fruit tree).
I hate walking in the woods and not seeing anything but more trees.
The track lead to a quarry. Walked through that for quite a distance steadily climbing and switching back and forth. Sweat pouring down face. Hands slippery and it was hard to hold the trekking poles. Kept climbing and checking the compass. Finally came to a gate that wouldn't open. Had to squeeze around the side to get out. There I read the sign that said "Private Land, Do Not Enter, Dangerous Quarry". I survived the danger, and ended up back on Offa's Dyke path for the final push to Chepstow.
Severn Estuary off in the distance.
The Butcher Shop where I first asked directions, the first of many inquiries.
One happy and tired hiker to be back where it all began 5 weeks ago.
Had hoped to stop at the Visitors Center and get some information, but I was 10 minutes too late.
Rounded up a stranger to snap a photo of me in front of the Chepstow Castle.
480++++ miles later.
Ready for a bit of urban life. As adorable as the sheep are, enough sheep is enough sheep. Baa baa!
Encountered a dog who thought I was appealing as a mate, and kept showing his affection by rubbing himself on my leg. I kept shoving him off. The owner kept saying "I am so sorry", but didn't exactly pull his love struck dog off me. Scratch marks on my legs.
Once back in "my" room at the hotel, and the human had a much needed bath, the laundry tried out the bath water, then the trekking poles, finally the hiking boots were scrubbed free of mud, but mostly cow and sheep droppings. Ready for a city!
The bag that covers the backpack has been returned. Tomorrow morning train ride to Manchester. Earlier I walked over to check the train times, how long the walk from the Castle View Hotel to the train station takes, and how to buy a ticket.
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