Tintern to Redbrook

Sunshine with a little cloud greeted our morning start. We have been laughing as the Welsh describe their weather. Usually it goes 'Rain with a little sunny break'. Walking through Tintern village was a beautiful way to begin today's walk. The reflections on the water of the river created many photo opportunities.

St Michael's Church sits on the bend in the river, where we say goodbye to Tintern. But only for the day, as we return this evening.

The local community saw the benefit in preserving the old disused railway station and have created a great picnic area

with a resident dog. Into another forest

for another not quite so muddy climb. Some of the trees towered over us, great for hiding behind. We meet a couple of ladies out for a Sunday ride on their Clydesdale horses. Not something you would see in Australia.

The views across the valley were much clearer today

A lovely sunny day brings the Welsh out in droves. We have met many bikeriders, lots of families out walking and always with their dogs and canoeers paddling on the Wye.

Reading our guide book and our maps hasn't saved us from getting lost. We missed one turn, or rather we should have continued on straight. This mistake took us down a very steep hill which we were not going to climb up again. We ended up in Llandogo, another pretty village

A couple of very friendly villagers helped us find another route which turned out to be a more direct way to Redbrook. The couple invited us to join them at a gathering of several villages where they were having a Coronation Party. She was dressed up and he was in his pyjamas. I guess it was a 'come anyway you like' party. Some flat tarmac walking brought us back to the river. Watching a herd of cows running around in the paddock, kicking up their heels, helped cheer us on. We sat on some cut logs and ate our lunch then continued on only to discover a lovely picnic area just 100 meters down the track. Everyone we meet is happy to chat and helpful with information and directions. We arrived in Redbrook around 3pm and happily waited for our taxi to take us back to Tintern. The local pub in Redbrook sits almost under the bridge of the disused railway line. These old structures add such character to the villages of the Wye Valley.

After dinner we took the opportunity for a last look around the village and particularly

Tintern Abbey. We weren't willing to pay to walk around inside the Abbey but we did get some great shots walking around the outside walls. We all agreed that Tintern was a most delightful village to stay in and we will be sad to leave but I'm sure more beauty is waiting for us.