Chepstow to Tintern

Our day began with devotions with Graham and Ammie then our last breakfast served by Kate. A departure photo sent us on our way.

What excitement today, at last we are off walking the Wye Valley in Wales. Yesterday we took photos at the beginning rock, beside the castle and then we began the walk. The trail took us beside the castle (up 'The Dell') and brought us out on Welsh Street, right up the road from our accomodation. We decided to count this as our beginning, thus saving us having to walk down to the castle and then up the hill again. Graham was a little concerned that we were shortening our walk but we convinced him that our feet had walked that .60km.

Our guide book is a valued friend which was consulted often during our day. I found my neck getting sore as we had to watch every step. It rained during the night and all day today so the pathway was very wet and muddy.

Walking in Piercefield Park was 'lovely'. A carpet of bluebell looked like a blue mist hovering among the trees

Our guide book told us that Piercefield Park had many viewpoints along the way providing opportunity for glimpses of the river. We did manage to capture some of the vista from some of the viewpoints in the Park but many were either overgrown or the rain created a foggy view.

The Grotto provided some relief from the rain

We spent much of our time climbing; over 400 metres. Every bend in the path was a cause for hope that the path would flatten but no, the incline continued. The anticipated view of the river didn't happen, so we kept going, all the while taking every care not to slip on a tree root or a protruding rock. Sliding in the mud was always a danger.

We did smile at our adventure. Over the years we have walked 26 days together and this is the first day we have walked in rain all day.

Ammie said she has never seen Graham so dirty. Three fields were our next challenge, even getting into them was difficult. This was mud at another level because a herd of cows regularly stood at the gate. We had to walk across the centre and onto the next one. The herd began to move towards us and I began to sing, 'No more fear, the Lord is my protector'. One of the steers took a fancy to me, coming close to sniff my backpack. Eventually he left me and joined his mates and we quickly moved into the next field.

After one more really tough climb we caught our first glimpse of Tintern Abbey.

Tintern is a beautiful village sitting in a superb setting among the hills. It has an alpine feel about it. We weren't sure what we would meet here on Coronation night.

Our accomodation is The Wild Hare

where we are enjoying beautiful surrounds, incredibly friendly and helpful staff and a delicious meal. After another good night's sleep we will be off again to continue our wrestle with the elements.