Day 18 Tintern to Chepstow

Thoughts on the last day?
I lost a sock yesterday! How does one loose a sock while hiking, you may well ask. These is one of the big questions that make slow walking so interesting.
I will think back on this time as a challenge more than a pleasure. I am tired. My legs are tired. But, at the end of previous walks this has been so. Somehow I feel more relieved this is over. Fortunately, this walk got better as it progressed. Somehow it lacked the purpose and intrigue of the Italian and French Caminos. That said, it was more about the history and the charm of the Welsh countryside and people. And the beer - it is very good. The food has been a pleasant surprise. This evening, in Chepstow, after being declined at two restaurants, Marie scored us an unexpectedly gorgeous French eatery.
Would I recommend this walk? Yes, but …do Italy and France first. Understand this is not a glamour walk. Maybe do it in sections; spend time in Wales as it is a charming and fabulous place. Perhaps a place for the mystical and the history, music and art and poetry. And sheep.
Each town has a sense of community and intimacy. People do not need to travel far from their homes. A bit like Hobbits, Bilbo excluded. Perhaps more like the Proudfoots. Go from one valley to the next and things change. Battles have raged; castles built and destroyed. And the sheep keep shitting.
And me? Yes, I will take a piece of Wales home with me and be richer for it. Travel does that to you. Long slow walks more so.
Could I live in Wales? Yes, I could. France, Italy … no.
Tomorrow Cardiff.

Stats: 16.78 km, 5:07 hours, 427 m altitude gain, HR 81

O-TFWALES-HKF0FKVSH-JXP000001Read more