8th April 2017 Lancaut in the Wye Valley

Sorry we’ve been away for so long but a change of country (we’re in Wales not England, that sort of counts) is a large upheaval. We’ve been gathering some miles under our boots and now have a series of walks to show you, the first being literally from our doorstep. We are now within walking distance of the spectacular Wye Valley, a truly stunning natural area which ends in Chepstow.

Cool gnarly trees

Our first walk starts at the bottom end of Offa’s Dyke path. This is a big ditch which was designed to keep the Welsh out, or in, depending on your perspective. Our walk took us north down a small back road towards the A38. A quick dash across the road and the path took us past the National Diving and Activity Centre. I would give this a review but there’s no way on God’s green earth you’ll get me underwater in a stinking old quarry.

Under the arches leading down to Lancaut

Next we skirted St Mary’s church in Tidenham. Then the path follows the old train line to Tintern. There is a tunnel which burrows under the hills and exits into the Wye valley just before Tintern. You can see the boarded up entrance but unfortunately there is no way to get in. Probably wouldn’t have made for particularly interesting pictures anyway.

Ruined church at Lancaut. Chuck beat us to it.

After a jaunt across the fields we reached the road down to Lancaut, our destination. There are a few paths down and you can take your pick. There is also a large wooden owl at the top. Just because.  Lancaut is a small peninsular in the Wye valley. There were some sheep and a farm and some nice views. Tucked away near the water there is a small ruined church. It was a good place for a picnic.

Some light scrambling on the route back

The route back involved getting from sea level back to the top of the cliffs. At one point there is some scrambling across some rather large rocks. If you are taking a dog ensure it is big enough not to slip between the cracks. Thankfully Chuck managed just fine. Once atop the cliffs it’s a walk back down the hill again and into Chepstow. All that remained was a drink in our new favourite pub, The Three Tuns. That gives me an idea for a pub review.

Atop the Wye Valley