Bigsweir Bridge to Monmouth, Offa’s Dyke – day 2

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The path is signposted off the bridge. The road goes uphill quite quickly, as we walked a gentleman stopped in his car to warn us to walk with the traffic as there were a couple of deadly bends up ahead which restricts the driver’s view, so much for following the Highway Code!

We were quickly left into a field leading into the woods. Confronted with the path in front travelling along the joining point we were confused as to which direction to turn, but a finger post some 10 yards to the right pointed the way, we eventually decided that our way of travel was through the Woodland Trust gateway and not up the lane.

Quite a few ups and downs through field and Highbury woods, and then the long, steep descent into the village of Redbrook. We sat in the park and found it hard to imagine that this pretty sleepy village used to be a centre for the tinplate and copper smelting works, with all the horrible smells and pollution attached to those industries. In addition, there was a papermill,cornmill, brewery, trams and railroad and busy river traffic taking products to market.
The path heads up at an angle from the main road beyond the car park, clearly marked up the restricted byway to the bridge that used for the Monmouth tramway, passing the cottages, then cross the road and follow the signs, a long trek uphill as far as the stables. We were sweltering in the heat, dripping with sweat.
A woman driving down the hill stopped to chat. She said the lane ahead was very dusty and exposed to the sunbut we would get a bit of a breeze when we had reached the top and a barn. She was right!

By now we had drunk most of our water bottles dry! Only one left to last the journey.

The Woodland leading to the Kymin was cool and inviting, we spent a bit of time here, reading the apt words hanging on red panels from the trees.
The Kymin roundhouse was built by the Monmouth Picnic Club and the Naval Temple was built to celebrate the battle of the Nike. Today under the guardianship of the National Trust.

A splendid view of Monmouth from here.

Our descent into Monmouth starts from here, follow the pathway, reaching the end of the lane ignore the footpath signs to your right and the private property signs. You need to turn right into a field, leading you down to a very pleasant woodland walk.
Straightforward descent from here into Monmouth. We popped in for a drink at the Mayhill Hotel, and got chatting to the friendly host. They not only cater for walkers but also for cyclists, as they have a bike lock up. All the rooms were newly furnished. The thought of staying in friendly pubs as we move away from home put a smile on my weary face


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