Off Offa

Knackered. It’s done and after over 300km of the most challenging walking I’ve experienced I’m pleased to stop.

We are in Chepstow in the south of Wales. Earlier today we walked to the Sedbury Cliffs about 3km away to the most southern point of Offa’s Dyke and the official start/end. We met many fresh excited people walking South-North just starting out as we shuffled in wild woolly and wobbly kneed.

It was a bit of an anti climactic ending as it felt a bit in the middle of nowhere-but that’s Offa for you. He didn’t build his Dyke as a tourist attraction.

We walked on the dyke on and off today from Tintern. It crops up in the most surprising places and today it followed us along a high ridge and through suburbs and along rivers. There were some beautiful forrests after we climbed up to the ridge and amazing views down to Tintern Abbey. The first view of the enormous Severn River and bridge was also special. Lots of very wealthy properties as you approach Chepstow made for some enjoyable rubber-knecking, but it’s also the first time we had to navigate fast moving traffic on roads with no verge. It felt like Italy.

When we eventually made it to our hotel after 17km I was so tired I literally fell asleep as soon as I put my feet up! Grant wasn’t far behind.

We are back from a pleasant evening in the old part of Chepstow. A pint at the Queens Head followed by a really lovely meal at a French Restaurant called Tell Me Wine. In bed by 8.30pm and I’ll be out for the count once I finish this blog.

Thoughts on the trail? Overall, glad I did it. I didn’t enjoy it as much as the French and Italian caminos, partly because I enjoyed the cultural differences and because I love the shared purpose of a Camino. This was also a bit too hard for me. The lack of rest days was a killer. I did love getting such an immersion in Welsh culture and history. I loved the little pubs and I have found the Welsh people delightful. There were days of astonishing beauty and many places I hope to return to.

I’ve appreciated your company as always. It’s so nice knowing I’m talking to you at the end of each day and it gives me things to think about as I walk.

I will keep blogging as we go through Cardiff (tomorrow), Bath, Oxford and London because I enjoy writing but I’ll understand if you decide you’ve had enough. It’s a remarkable country, this one, with history at every corner, and accents to match. It’s a privilege to spend time here and I feel far more deeply connected now than I have before. And that’s a good thing.

Night night xRead more