Chepstow (Day 2)

Once the pubs closed and the Friday night revellers left, we settled down in Marge to a quiet night. The park up was reminiscent to one we'd stayed at in France by a chateau, under the trees. An added bonus nice clean public toilets with a hand dryer that blew warm air, perfect as a hairdryer. Needs must.

Today we decided to visit Tintern just six miles down the road. The village is famous for its Abbey founded in 1131 by Cistercian monks. This roofless splendour dominates the landscape and attracts many visitors each year. Today was no exception, when we arrived around midday the area was busy. Marge parked on the site of the old wireworks we walked down to the abbey, astonished by its size. One could only imagine how impressive it must have looked in its heyday. 

Keen to explore the area more Angela walked back to Marge to make sandwiches which we took with us up to the Devils Pulpit. 

The walk up was challenging. Our feet slipped on the rocks and dry ground as we made our way up, up and up careful to avoid catching the exposed tree roots which were waiting to trip us.

Along the way John spotted a few fungi, none of them edible (one lethally poisonous) so we left them in place. The woodland was dense and stunning. However, the walk was worth it.

We were rewarded with spectacular views from the rocky outcrop down to Tintern abbey and the river Wye below.

Having puffed and panted our way to the top we now had the joy of the descent. Fortunately, Angela had remembered to bring the walking poles with her when she returned with the lunch which helped stabilise us as we returned to the village. After walking three strenuous miles there had to be a reward. Ice cream anyone? 

Tired from the day we decided to return to Chepstow. The weather forecast for tonight is not good so we'll sit it out until mid morning tomorrow when we will move a little further into Wales. There's no rush is their Marge?