Day 30: Chepstow to Monmouth

My first full day on the Offa’s Dyke Path, which sadly was about 95% walking across the border in England. Apart from a lunchtime downpour, it’s been a really warm and sunny day. 

• Date: 19 April 2024
• Start: Chepstow
• End: Monmouth
• Miles: 18.1
• Total miles: 356.6
• Accommodation: Monnow Bridge Campsite

I popped into Tesco this morning for supplies, then bumped into the one other person in the hostel, Tom. He’s walking the Offa’s Dyke Path as well, but he’s doing the whole thing. We had a good chat over breakfast and we set off together. 

We were immediately out of Wales and back into England as we joined the Offa’s Dyke Path 2 miles from its start. The path starts at Sedbury cliffs, but having walked the path before and not needing to go there, I saved myself a 4 hour detour. Tom had done this section yesterday when he arrived at the hostel, so he was also fine to get going on the same route as me. 

The day started mostly walking through woodland, which was very pleasant and there were a lot of people about. Tom likes to take a break every hour, so we parted ways after the first hour while I ploughed on. I then reached the viewpoint for Tintern Abbey. 

I now descended down into the valley to walk alongside the River Wye for a few miles. 

I had lunch at this bridge, where as you can tell, it started to cloud over and soon there was a pretty big downpour. Fortunately, I was inside these bluebell woods so was partially sheltered. 

The sun then reappeared as I descended into Redbrook, and stayed out all afternoon. Sadly, the downpour had made going downhill a bit treacherous, and I ended up on my bum going down it. I then had one final hill to climb to a viewpoint overlooking Monmouth. 

I then proceeded to walk through a busy Monmouth, with the pubs beer gardens littered with people. It was a nice Friday afternoon after all. I headed to the campsite at the other side of town and pitched up, then did the usual shower and food routine. 

For the first time in two weeks, I decided not to use my walking poles today, which actually made me walk faster. There’s obviously some weird science going on here as you’d think poles would make you quicker. I guess if you are concentrating on using them, then maybe you just slow down. Apart from my little slip, there wasn’t any need for them anyway, as Offa’s Dyke Path has good ground.