Goodrich Castle

One place we visited, on a trip out from Ledbury, was Goodrich Castle (English Heritage site). It is very impressive and well worth the walk from the parking area.

Views from outside the walls and of the keep and a range of buildings inside.

Ledbury

Two years ago we stayed near Ledbury and visited there again this autumn. There are many good walks in the area and interesting places to visit. British Camp is an iron age fort which we have visited before. A good walk, but curtailed by the rain. However we did reach the top but this year did not continue to walk along the ridge, returning instead by the path round the lower side of the main fort.

Moel Famau and Offa's Dyke

Moel Famau is the highest hill in the Clwydian range at 555mts Our walk started from the car park for Moel Famau and went uphill through the woods. The first more gentle section soon becomes much steeper. On our first walk we took the steep route to a point near the 'scenic' alternative before returning downhill for lunch.

On our full walk we took our lunch with us. There are marked diversions for a slightly easier walk so on the first section we chose this and the zig-zag path made the ascent better. Views from the point where the paths joined were excellent as it was a clear day.

The next steep section again has a marked alternative and this is the more scenic route. This was a good choice as it was clear enough to see Snowdon from this path.

The track wound around and uphill until we could look down onto the Offa's Dyke path, the two tracks meeting below the steepest section we tackled just before the Jubilee Tower. From the tower, built n 1810 for the golden jubilee of George III, it was possible to see not only Snowdon but also across the Dee.

We then turned downhill and walked Offa's Dyke back down to the other car-park, then the footpath parallel to the road back to the Moel Famau car park (also bus stop and toilets) Total approx distance 5 miles, including the diversions.

Track through the woods
and
before the 'scenic' split

The scenic turns left, the main track goes uphill
and
the scenic track

The view looking down to Offa's Dyke
and
the Jubilee Tower

View of Snowdon from Moel Famau
and
Jubilee Tower from the Offa's Dyke path

Offa's Dyke path

Spring 2019

Staying near Ruthin (N. Wales) we walked in the area and a short distance on Offa's Dyke. This was followed by time near Castleton with further walking in that area. More and photos to follow.

A good decision

We are relieved that we did change our plans as the ferry we would have been using has had an engine fire. Thankfully no-one was injured but the ferry is currently out of service. Our outgoing service would have been affected and possibly our return as well. Meanwhile we continue with our plans for Offa's Dyke and Tideswell later in the year, with a return to Ledbury planned for a further walking holiday in the autumn.

Spring is here

We have continued to walk through the winter, but mostly on the road. We have taken few photos. However now that spring is here we are again walking the footpaths locally, when it is not too muddy underfoot. Hopefully we will soon have more new places to visit and more photos to add to this blog. Meanwhile here is a photo from our time in Spain in 2018.

Changed plans

With continuing uncertainty over Brexit and the paperwork needed for the car we have cancelled our plans for Spain. Instead we will walk part of the northern end of Offa's Dyke and the area of the Peak District around Tideswell. The former we have had in mind since we walked other section several years ago. The latter is a return to the area where we spent our honeymoon.

So far these plans seem to be working out well.

So - once again - watch this space......