We are now on our fourth trail system on this trip, the Offa Dyke Trail which roughly follows the historical border between Wales and England. It was reportedly built on the orders of King Offa of Mercia in the eighth century, as a defensive earthworks. It is basically a trench on the Welsh side with an embankment, or dyke. Some of the path is through fields but some is recognizable as being on the historical dyke. We plan on walking about half of the 177 mile path in the next three weeks.
Our route today started from our flat in Chepstow, a good sized town on the southern end of Wales. Seals are unusual in the local area but one, named “Sammy” frequents the River Wye nearby. He’s inspired a series of statues to raise environmental awareness. See the center picture below.
Our path today took us across the River Wye into England and through fairly gentle hills, with minor exceptions. There are no ocean views, but like every other one, cows, sheep, and trail dogs are ever present companions
Click on the photo of the Tintern Abbey ruins on the left or here to enjoy Laurie’s Relive video.