Day 27 - Redbrook to White Castle

Today was the first morning that the air felt warm and there was the promise of another lovely day. However, after a beautiful morning, the wind got up and went from strength to strength! Right now it has stopped barbecues and is making the evening quite chilly, though one stalwart is hiding behind his windbreak, which is nearly taking off and pretending it's a great evening for outside cooking! Everyone else is looking on thinking "daft devil!" No Kids, for once it isn't your Dad!!

Spent the morning shopping in Monmouth for necessities - cider, coke - oh and some food for tea! An interesting high street, quite busy; lots of coaches of elderly people and once again a very touristy place. Will visit the museum next time we come to Wales.

White Castle is quite atmospheric; the wind was blowing through the arrow holes and I could imagine freezing to death behind the thick stone walls. Tremendous views, though, of all around.

White Castle - 12th century Norman fortification

Staying on the same campsite for 2 nights and internet seems good and so do the washing machines! Only drawback - it is next to a mainline railway, so The Walker is enjoying saying "bloody trains " every time one goes by! Hope they don't keep us awake!

From Bernie:

Today's walk 14.9 miles : Cumulative 357.9 miles

Two days into the Offa's Dyke path & I haven't met anybody yet who is walking the whole trail; in fact, today I met no walkers at all. Given that thousands complete this route each year it must be very busy at times....
Nor have I met any other LeJoggers yet & I'm quite looking forward to that!

Started the day with a climb of over 700' to the Kymin from Redbrook followed by an immediate descent to the river at Monmouth, where we stayed last night. The rest of the day, on the map, looked quite gentle but several of the field climbs were through grassland & my knees were very grateful after the last hill of the day took me to White Castle.


Weather-permitting, this should allow a nice easy day tomorrow before tackling the long day to Hay-on-Wye... & good weather's crucial for that one!

Highlight of the Day: the Kymin. High on a hill above Monmouth are 2 unusual buildings built at the end of the 18th century by the 'Gentlemen of the Kymin Club'..... a dining club!  The Round House, built in 1794, contained a kitchen & banqueting room - when I peered through the window today all I could see was a kettle & a jar of instant coffee! The other building is the 'Naval Temple', dedicated to British triumphs at sea! My guidebook tells me the views from here are as good as any on the trail... after 2 days I'm not going to argue!

Naval Temple

Round House

View from the Kymin towards the Brecon Beacons

Beer of the Day: distinct shortage of pubs in these border villages! Tried my last Glastonbury Ale, 'Lady of the Lake': maltier than the others - I liked this.

Jamie: love the photo - looking forward to seeing a full wall!

Jamie's kitchen wall with a postcard from each day of Lejog so far. Might have to move or build an extension before we're finished!

Ann: forgot to mention yesterday that when Les set off to walk back to Tintern, worried about cows, I suggested she sang 'Hey, you, get 'Offa' my track'! I'll not disclose her response....

Terry & Pauline: didn't know you had connections in Tintern! Knees are just about standing up &, strangely, often seem to hurt more after 'easier' days! As you've observed, I am doing my best to keep them well-oiled.

Pam: perhaps my manager (and driver!) should have explained that the 'writing on the pavement' is actually a series of decorative & informative plaques set into pavements describing & explaining the history of the town..... Les said that was just too many words!

Impressed by this sign painted on the side of a building in Monmouth - discovered it had been painted for a Dr. Who episode filmed here!