Sex Education Country for the mysteries of Trellech
Final walk for 2023.... scores on the doors - 1241.5 Miles walked, 931 geocaches found, 132 Good Beer Guide Pubs ticked.
Since 2005, its been a traditional to make a pilgrimage to the Wye Valley. No surprises that I am flying solo, Mrs M still not forgiven me for yesterday's mud bath.
Today's walk starts at Llandogo. The village stores makes a regular appearance in the Netflix "one series too many" Sex Education. I don't remember noticing the pub, the Sloop Inn, in the programme.
Confident that I will be able to add my registration number into the terminal post walk, I make this my starting point. I am already £30 into fines this December - straying into a bus lane 20m too early when turning left off the East Lancs Road in Salford. This walk completed with the vague threat of a £100 fine.
2024 might be the year of staying in for fear of technology monetary demands with menaces.
All the hard work today is completed early doors - a very stiff climb out the valley through Cuckoo Woods.
 |
| Wye Valley views disappear once in the clouds |
 |
| Finding the Wye Valley Walk in Cuckoo Woods |
All fine walking through the woods and as long as you are going up, the mud is not too bad.
Trellech is reached - and what a history and legend packed village it is. Lets record what they have;
Tump Terret - A Norman motte and bailey castle, with 18ft of earth works remaining.
 |
| Situated in a farmer's garden |
The Harold Stones - Three bronze age standing stones, giving the village its name.
 |
| Wonky Stones that stopped the Druid (and pub walk author) Lawrence Main from dowsing |
 |
| One of several information signs |
Virtuous Well - Alas, no photo but long associated with its healing powers and still a pilgrimage site.
Church of St Nicholas - Hosts the Rosetta Stone, complete with pagan carvings. I knew I should have tried the door.
 |
| Will complete pre-walk research better in 2024 |
And a Good Beer Guide Regular - which I have never been able to time my walks for when its open.
 |
| A reason to return - the Lion Inn |
One more thing of interest on the return through the woods. Always a good idea to visit a waterfall after days of monsoons.
 |
| Claddon Falls in Spate |
Soon back into the Sloop Inn, where I burst through the door and rather enthusiastically ask for the registration terminal.
Oh, we don't use that, was the reply. Too many people park in the car park, the explanation.
I'll wait for the next fine email.
 |
| The Sloop Inn, Llandogo |
A large roomed village local. One cask - Tribute. Items that delight - a huge open fire. Items that disappoint - A fish finger sandwich without tartar.
 |
| Xmas at the Sloop |
Walk Details
Distance - 7 Miles
Geocaches - 4
Walk Inspiration - Country Walking Magazine, October 2023, Walk 21
No comments:
Post a Comment