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I got up at 7:30am and pottered around doing some stuff online
(poor reception) and getting ready to go to the Post Office after
breakfast. At the PO, my fresh set of maps for the next
section, and my boots (posted from Bridgwater) awaited me. I
mailed off my old maps and a few other things I had decided I didn't
need and then returned to the hotel and changed into the boots,
wearing two pairs of thick socks in yet another footwear variation
to try and reduce my feet problems.
I finally started walking soon after 10am and followed the
historic town main street down past the old castle and across the
River Wye (back into England). I was following the Offa's Dyke
Path today and expected it to be easy to follow. Too easy!
I missed a turn and spent nearly an hour negotiating a nature trail
loop and some difficult tracks before finding my way back to the
path proper. Although it gave me a good look at the gorge-like
cliffs along the Wye River, I didn't need to walk those extra
kilometres.
Back on the Offa's Dyke Path, I really enjoyed the easy walking.
It more or less followed the crest of the ridge on the east Bank of
the Wye River and rose high enough to give some superb views.
It also followed some beautiful woodland paths bordered by carpets
of wildflowers. The path also followed the recognizable
earthworks after which the path was named, a defensive mound built
around 700AD by Offa. I met a few other walkers early on, but
then had the day pretty much to myself. Every turn of the path
revealed beautiful rural and woodland vistas with wildflowers.
It was an unbeatable walk.
I dropped down to the village of Brockweir soon after 1:30pm and
had lunch in the pub there. For the next hour or so after
lunch the Path followed the bank of the Wye River through short
grass fields...almost like walking on lawns for a good part.
High on both sides could be seen forests cascading down to the
river, interspersed with fields and the occasional farm.
Then the path climbed high again and more woods, fields and
wildflowers. I finally descended into Monmouth around 7pm and
crossed the river back into Wales where I quickly found a pub
offering B&B and checked in. After doing some chores and
having a shower, I walked into town to find somewhere to eat and
managed to get myself lost on the way back to my B&B. Only an
extra few hundred metres, but my feet are again sore, though perhaps
better than yesterday. It felt more comfortable in the boots
after days in the running shoes, but who knows what tomorrow holds.
I forgot to mention yesterday that I found a tick embedded in my
groin after last night's shower. That makes the third feeding
on me in the last three days. I have been just pulling them
out and hoping the head comes with the body. Some itchy spots,
but so far so good.
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