Lines composed below Tintern Abbey

I have spent most of today wondering why Tintern Abbey seemed so significant in my mind. It was only minutes ago that I remembered the incredible Wordsworth poem written near it, titled Lines composed a few miles above Tintern Abbey.

I took the opportunity to re-read it and there was something quite magic reading a poem in the place in which it was written. Wordsworth loved the Wye Valley and wrote the poem after walking the same paths and hills that we are exploring. He reflects that last time he was here he was a young and athletic 25 years old and rushed about the place. This time he’s older and has learned to relish the rich experience of a slower pace, in the company of his beloved sister.

That was our experience today. I will attach the full poem at the end of this blog for those who would like to read it. It’s one of my favorite and holds a lot more significance now than it did when I first encountered it in high school.

We had a beautiful meander through the Wye valley today following the course of the river. The trout fishers were out, the sun shone, the quartet of blackcap, wren, blackbird and chiffchaff were in full voice and there were no real hills. Bliss.

That does not mean it was a bludge. We still covered 19.5km. So far Grant has walked 322km. I am 25km behind so I’ll hit my 300 tomorrow but we celebrated today with a buttercup sign:) see pics.

Once we made it to the town of Tintern via an ice cream at a cafe in an old station, we dropped our bags at our lovely accommodation (Parva Farmhouse) and walked up to Tintern Abbey which was about 1km away. It was so striking! It’s basically like a skeleton of a cathedral and it’s quite astonishing to see in the flesh. (Pics attached).

It all began in 1139 with a group of Cistercian monks. The original buildings were simple and wooden, but in the 1200’s the Marcher Lords became patrons and the monks started to think bigger. The result is considered one of the greatest examples of Gothic architecture in Britain.

The abbey and its magnificent church thrived until Henry VIII came along with his Reformation when he dissolved monasteries. In 1536 Tintern Abbey surrendered and that was the start of its gradual decay.

While we were there it was apparent there’s some serious restoration work under way, so it’s clear that its value is still recognized.

We have dinner tonight at our accommodation and it’s looking pretty special. Tomorrow is the last day of walking! Wow!

I will leave you to read Wordsworth and speak to you tomorrow at the end of this epic adventure.Read more