A Walkers tale
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| Way back in the early 1980’s I promised myself that some day I would walk Offa’s Dyke. By early 2010 I decided that the time was right; I would have finally retired and I could choose my time without having to worry about holidays! June 14 saw me on the train to Chepstow where I arrived mid-afternoon. By 4.30 I was at the cairn marking the southern end of the route: I didn’t want to waste any time and so I got a good few hours walking through the Forest of Dean. Having had a short first day I made up for it on the second and third days, doing slightly more than most people. The section through the Brecon Beacons and later through the Clwydian Hills looked the most challenging, but in fact the most demanding day was between Knighton and Montgomery: a series of short but very steep climbs in quick succession. What about Offa’s Dyke? For a good half of the route it’s there alongside you, sometimes hidden by trees, sometimes right underfoot. What stands out to me about this walk: two things; the sheer breathtaking beauty and variety of the countryside through which I walked, and the people. The people in the B&Bs in the different villages were all so encouraging and supportive, the other people I encountered along the route were just the same Mike Burton |
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