Today was the day we would leave Wales and start down the Somerset / Devon / Cornwall peninsula. We are joined today by Jen, Claire, Sophie and Mick. Darren continued as our driver for the day.
We left Monmouth (Welsh: Trefynwy meaning “town on the Monnow”) and headed towards Chepstow and the Severn Bridge. Monmouth was the site of a small Roman fort, Blestium, and became established after the Normans built a castle c. 1067. The medieval stone gated bridge is the only one of its type remaining in Britain.
It was a misty start to the day as we started climbing right from the outset (would feel like we wouldn’t stop climbing for most of the morning) but soon the sun burned the mist off.
We passed through Trellech and the Lost City of Trellech Archeological dig site (the largest settlement in medieval Wales).
As we continued to climb and then descend into Chepstow, we passed a rainbow trout fishery with multiple “ponds” and then walked alongside the famous Chepstow Racecourse.
We then had the obligatory HSBC branch photo with today’s HSBC team and then a spot of lunch before heading to the bridge.
We left Wales via the old Severn Bridge – opened on 8 September 1966, by Queen Elizabeth II, who suggested that it marked the dawn of a new economic era for South Wales. For thirty years, the bridge carried the M4 motorway. The bridge was granted Grade I listed status on 26 November 1999. Following the completion of theSecond Severn Crossing, now styled the Prince of Wales Bridge, the section of motorway from Olveston in England to Magor in Wales was designated the M48. Bit of a panic when we discovered the pathway was closed – luckily a quick dash under the road and the pathway was open on the other side. Plenty of gunfire as we crossed the bridge from the army firing range underneath.
As is ever with a long day walking, other than a church in Bristol and some Belted Galloway cows, there is not much to photograph as we are tired and just focused on completing the walk and getting to Clifton.
Mick, Claire and Sophie left us, as did Darren – again huge thanks to them for taking the time and joining us on our adventure – we really value the company and support.
Tomorrow we head for Stawell in Somerset and another day of hills.