Redbrook to Symonds Yat

The taxi which collected our luggage to move it on to Symonds Yat dropped us back in Redbrook so we could continue our walk. Again we misread our guidebook but thankfully we didn't get lost, we just ended up back where we started.. Today's walk was reasonably flat keeping us close to the river nearly all day. This was a relaxing walk, as we enjoy river life. There were many fly fishermen standing, sometimes thigh deep, in the river, skillfully casting their lines far across the water. We asked one if he was successful and he said, 'Not yet'. I loved his optimism.

This tree caught my attention, as did many others. Walking in the forest again was pleasant. We have met several locals who have told us about the red deer which live in these woods, adopting their yards as their own. The only gardens that survive the deer are the plants that deer don't eat. It seems deer eat most plants. Maybe we will spot one some time but I don't think we would get to our cameras quickly enough to capture it. Here are some of the trees; the fresh bright green leaves are testament to Spring

This one (I think its called a wedding tree) beside a really old church.

Maybe this one has dieback.

There is red and then there is red! Both are beautiful. Many paddlers were on the river today. This pair spent some time going round in a circle, fighting the current and eventually gave up and went with it.

We passed by the Monmouth Viaduct and took this photo from the Duke of Beaufort Bridge. We managed to get a passerby to take our photo, standing on Beaufort Bridge. The bridges over the river tell such a story of the history and age of life in this valley, just beautiful. The pathway through the woods was right beside the river but wasn't too muddy. In the middle of the river was a sandy bar where many birds and ducks of many varieties live. I could hear quite a ruckus so stopped for a look. What I observed was too far away to film but what a dance. Two big, longnecked birds with dark colourful bodies and long white necks were honking loudly as they stretched their necks, bowed towards each other, head butted and waved their heads around wildly as they moved around each other. It was quite a sight. Was it a fight for territory or a mating ritual? I don't know enough about these birds to say.

We witnessed the politics of the river with these swans. Obviously territory is everything. One against two and the big one won. We diverted into Monmouth for lunch. The town was dead as its a bank holiday for the coronation. Not one coffee shop open, it seemed strange. Allan and Graham thought this was a great name for a pub..

Monmouth has a very impressive school for boys. We saw a group of boys rowing. Perhaps they were from the school

Another forest, filled with wood anemomes, was lovely to walk through.

It brought us out at Biblin's Campsite, used by youth groups. We were all ready for a break so we turned into the coffee shop beside the campsite. A cup of tea, cake and a chat with Steve, a very resourceful and friendly man, refreshed us

ready for the final 20 minutes of our walk for the day. Unfortunately the rain came but not too heavy.

Biblin's Bridge took us across the river again. This is a suspension bridge, but not too wobbly. As we walked along the other side of the river we saw a course for white water canoeing. No photo - too wet.

Our arrival into Symonds Yat (East) was worth every step walked today. Wow! What an idealic setting for a village, with the river running through the middle. Just perfect. There is a hand pulled ferry across the river which we just had to experience, even if the rain was pouring down.

Our accomodation for the might was Saracen's Head Inn

How amazing to look out of our bedroom window at such beauty

Celtic Trails had booked us in for dinner which was great. We didn't have to go out in the rain and find somewhere to eat. What an amazing meal. We were all wrapped but I was amazed with Allan's choice; he ordered Vension Faggots. Our waiter described it and I thought 'No way!' and then Allan ordered it and loved it. The meal was a great end to a big day.