Day 43 – the highs and lows

Monmouth to Chepstow. 18.63 miles, 2,736ft of elevation, 30,242 steps

A lovely end to today with a detour in to Cardiff to see Maddy in her new uni digs and take her and Kate our for dinner. Maddy was glowing with confidence and excitement about the years ahead – good on you Mads.

The day started with breakfast at the surprisingly good Queens Head, with Trev and Chris, our last stop before we finish Offa’s Dyke at Chepstow this evening.

As is often the case the day started with a steep climb up out of Monmouth once we crossed the river Wye. The route very much follows the river but often takes you up on to the ridge above to add some additional climbs and amazing views. The best of these at Devils Pulpit.

It was a lovely days walk and we took it relatively easy until we reached the outskirts of Chepstow

The walk down in to Chepstow was a series of very frustrating switchbacks and was probably 2 miles longer than it needed to be. Then we spent 45 minutes waiting for a train to take us to Cardiff and Newport (for Chris). It has been great having Chris along and we have had three really enjoyable, diverse days on the trail. I would highly recommend Offa’s Dyke to a anyone. It’s clearly laid out, well trodden, lovely stop offs on route and stunning in its unspoiled surroundings.

The low was really down to a bit of fatigue and a hole in my planning. Up late yesterday and tonight trying to fix my route from Bristol to Barnstaple has made me stressed and am knackered having not had a rest day since Glasgow over a month ago. Onwards and upwards.

I am meeting Mandy tomorrow who has very kindly agreed to do the all with me to Bristol which over the Severn Road bridge.