Most of our hikes on this trip we see a lot of sheep—a LOT of sheep, along with some cows. On a few occasions we’ve seen wild horses. Today we finished a two day segment where we saw many wild horses ranging from full to pony sized. So many that we eventually quit taking pictures.
Our two days was split up by a stay in the remote Welsh village of Llanthony where the internet is piped in by Elon Musk and non-existent in our rooms. We stayed in a stone priory which does not lend itself to WiFi so both hikes are included in this post. Frankly, the stay is pricier than most on this trip, but it was well worth it; a “magical place” as one of the staff members said.
The priory was founded early in the 12th Century and was thriving until Henry VIII suppressed it, along with many others. Most of it is now a ruin but the hotel and bar occupy a solid—and I mean solid—building, with stone floors, spiral staircases, but modern heating and plumbing. And dinner and breakfast were both excellent.
According to our host at the priory hotel, the horses run wild in the park along the ridge where the Offa’s Dyke path runs. Most appear to be healthy, but it would be better if they got some management, including vet care. They were a special treat, among the still ubiquitous sheep.
Our hikes as you’ll see from Laurie’s Relive video were pretty challenging. Steep climbs and rough terrain. The second day out of Llanthony was up a steep hillside on full stomachs from the excellent breakfast at the priory hotel. Just glad that the climb was at the beginning of the day, and not the end.
Offa’s Dyke Day 3
Click on the picture of the stone fence to the left or here to see Laurie’s Relive video. The software does a nice job of showing the mountain range we traveled for these two days. It is part of the natural border between England and Wales
Offa’s Dyke Day 4
Click on the picture of the wild herd to the left or here to see Laurie’s Relive video of the hike today. The graphics show the steep climb at the beginning—but not our sweat. Also not shown are the ever present horse and sheep dung that we dodge on the trail.