This section of Offa's Dyke path goes through rolling agricultural land and beautiful historic villages. This is mainly sheep country, at one time a source of great wealth.
The rolling countryside has occasional steeper climbs leading to some wonderful views. Field paths over short-cut grass lead to long-settled villages. One such is Llanvihangel-Ystern-Llewern, which means 'St Michael's of the Fiery Meteor'. Here is where Ynyr, a 7th century King of Gwent, set foot on dry land after wading through a bog in which he had stumbled. The next village, Llantilio Crosseny, has a Norman church where St Teilo offered prayers to aid the Celts in their battle nearby with the Saxons. There are three significant castles along the route, White Castle, Skenfrith and Grosmont, all built by the Normans as a defence against the Welsh. The White Castle in particular must have been an intimidating sight. Go to Walk 3. |
Theme for this walk: From Pythagoras to Dr Who
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