A GROUP of 11 walkers including several members of Cardiff Ramblers and leader William travelled up to Chepstow where a landslip is being repaired on the A466, so boarding a mini bus to Tintern before taking the normal coach to the historic border town of Monmouth they began their linear journey along part of the long distance Wye Valley Walk from the town square.

From Monmouth town centre where the leader first nipped into the local butchers to purchase some tasty faggots wrapped in bacon, they took the underpass below the A40 near the rowing club and proceeded across the stone river bridge into meadows on the Gloucestershire side of the mighty River Wye.

At Lower Redbrook which in the past was a renowned industrial settlement with both copper and tin works and many mills situated beside Valley Brook, a footbridge led them across the river to the Boat Inn and back into Monmouthshire.

Following the old disused railway line a stop for coffee near a fishing lodge resulted in them watching a fisherman spinning for salmon, whilst listening to a WH Davies poem from William.

Joining a road then a track, a steep climb led them up through Whitebrook where a branch of the Tintern Wireworks was established in 1606, until some 40 years later when paper mills became the main industry in the valley and pollution from these turned the brook white in colour, hence the name of the village.

Gradually climbing up through Cuckoo Wood above Llandogo situated on the steep-sided west bank of the River Wye, then through Bargain Wood and Botany Bay, all the time taking the opportunity to pause at viewpoints overlooking the stunning beauty of the Wye Valley and dropping gradually downhill to the A466, they headed across the road by the Brockweir Bridge which links Wales to England.

A flat track along the old disused railway line led them to Tintern Old Station built as a Victorian country railway station which is now a visitor’s centre for a well-earned lunch stop, before continuing along the riverbank where there was evidence of the recent high tides which had washed debris up into the fields.

Heading through the churchyard of the historic Church of St Michael which dates back to 765AD, but was rebuilt in the Middle Ages and through Tintern, soon the atmospheric ruins of Tintern Abbey came into view to be enjoyed, before another steep climb up through Limekiln Wood and then Black Cliff Wood where the trees are only just beginning to show their autumnal tints.

Reaching the highest part of the walk at Wynd Cliff and pausing for refreshment there was a chance to admire the views from the Eagles Nest down across the Lancaut Peninsula, across Chepstow Racecourse to the ruined Chepstow Castle and out over the Severn Estuary.

Following a woodland track down to Lower Wyndcliff Wood, the undulating path led them down to the Giant’s Cave hewn out of solid rock before a slight deviation to visit the ruins of Piercefield House and old stable block.

Passing near to Chepstow Racecourse just as dusk began to fall and reaching the outskirts of Chepstow and bidding farewell to the Cardiff walkers, the remainder made their way back to the car park at The Dell for the journey home after completing 18.5 miles.

On October 29, meet 8.30am at Cogan Leisure Centre for a nine-mile moderate walk taking in the Rhymney Valley Ridgeway and North Cardiff Craigs; Contact Liz on 029 2051 3698.

On October 30, meet 9.30am at the Barry Waterfront for a 7.5-mile moderate walk taking in Ogmore-by-Sea and St Brides Major; contact Geraint on 029 2051 5278.

Wear suitable clothing, preferably boots and carry waterproofs, food and drinks. Some degree of fitness is required and if you are in any doubt, then please contact the walk leader for advice.

To follow the group please log onto penarthramblers.wordpress.com or Facebook. Programmes and membership advice can be obtained from Pam on 029 2025 5102.