A walk of two halves – caught in several downpours between Pandy and Llantilio Crossenny, with fine weather from Llantilio through to Monmouth. Esther and I were joined by my walking pal from the Wales Coast Path experience, Lucy and Rhonda who was keen to fit in as much of Offa’s Dyke as possible, fitting it into her busy NHS schedule.
From the village of Pandy we crossed over the A465 into the fields beyond. Much of this walk is through gently undulating fields, lanes and road. Easy walking, and as the weather had been dry until now, none of the flooded fields and muddy lanes mentioned by some winter walkers.
At Llangattock Lingoed we stopped to admire the Medieval church of St Cadoc. The painting of St George and the Dragon dating from 15th century. We noted the nearby pub called Hunters Moon, too early for a drink we hurried onwards, to be caught in a downpour half way across the meadow.
Through fields of maize we walked, eventually looking backwards to enjoy the views across to the Skirrid.
We reached the B4521 passing a chapel conversion, it made a change to the “barn conversion envy” we’d experienced on the path from Pandy.
We spot White Castle ahead, dating from 12/13th Century. Yet more road walking down to Llantilio Crossenny and the Church of St Teilo.
Then there were four and a dog, walking at a fast pace across fields, roads and lanes.
Through the cider apple orchard eventually reaching Llanfihangel Ystern Llewelyn, we approached the 15th century church of St Michael and All Angels with its wagon roof and timbered belfry.
When we reached Hendre Farm we knew we were nearing our goal, with some three miles to go. Hendre had been recommended to us, as offering a range of accommodation facilities from camping to B& B.
We reached some woodland and once clear we were into some fields with farmers busy harvesting, before reaching Rockfield and eventually Monmouth, with the medieval bridge, said to be the only surviving example in Britain.
It is worth noting that the nearby car park offers free parkin