Offa's Dyke Path - south
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15 October 1990. Sedbury Cliffs to Brockweir. Eight miles.
Most walkers take their first day as a whole day, having stayed in Chepstow the night. I came up on the morning coach from London, took the local bus to Buttington, and still had ample time to walk high above the Wye to the riverside village of Brockweir.
16 October 1990. Brockweir to Llantilio Crossenny. 20 miles.
My goodness what a long way - only time for a cursory look at the historic town of Monmouth. I noted ‘a perfect autumn day’ - I can recall looking over the Wye from near the Kymin towards the forested hill of King’s Wood. Llantilio is a tiny village but big enough for its own music and drama festival!
17 October 1990. Llantilio Crossenny to Llanthony. 14 miles.
After such a lovely day, it was a shame to wake to mist - and more of a shame that it was not to lift until near Knighton. This stage crosses farmland before meeting the Black Mountains; however I broke the mountain stage by dropping down to the remote village of Llanthony.
18 October 1990. Llanthony to Rhydspence. 20 miles.
Never underestimate a mountain stage, but the long level track along the broad ridge to Hay Bluff, then the descent to Hay itself, allows for fast walking. Most would want to spend longer in Hay-on-Wye; I made a mental note, and came back to the bookshops some years later. Compensation, off route, was the Rhydspence Inn.
19 October 1990. Rhydspence to Maes-Treylow. 20 miles.
I really didn’t want there to be continual mist on this stretch, with Hergest Ridge and other small hills due to provide glorious views over unspoilt border country. The path runs by the Dyke for long stretches too. Most would stay in Kington, but I found a farm a few miles north. I remember resting for a few minutes at dusk by the Dyke; perhaps the most peaceful pause I can recall.
20 October 1990. Maes-Treylow to Knighton. Seven miles.
Piece of cake after all that had gone before. The cloud lifted too - on the descent to Knighton and the train home.
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