Walking Wales: The Art Lover's Guide to Wye Valley Way

by Jacqueline Jeynes

Stunning Wye Valley Way - 136 miles Chepstow to Plynlimon, the source of the River Wye thousands of feet up in the North Wales mountains. One New year's Eve, "two old ladies" decide "Hey, that sounds like a bit of a challenge. Shall we have a go? I will if you will..". Five months later the journey starts, 15 days trekking with bed and breakfast stops along the route. Jacqueline's journal forms the basis of the book, plus tips on planning and walking long-distance, lots of photographs and information about places to stay on the way. What makes it so special? 45 high-quality images of old paintings and photographs from the digitised National Library of Wales collections - a glimpse of how the river and the towns looked during the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. From ancient maps of Wales and the border town of Chepstow with its imposing castle, to traditional iron works and the famous Tintern Abbey, to idyllic rural scenes of villages, farmsteads and the river as it flows through Monmouth and Hay-on-Wye (famous for its annual Literature Festival!). As the author says "This is not the book you drag around with you as you walk - there is a fantastic official guide for that - but a beautiful record of what to see if you are inspired to take up the challenge for yourself" Jacqueline also points out that "life is too short to camp - why drag a tent around with you when you can stay overnight in a decent bed with real bathroom facilities?" Surely a sentiment echoed by many readers! Look out for Tips on how to train effectively/ what to wear/ what to take with you in your rucksack/ what to post ahead to some of the places you are staying at - post the dirty laundry back home and have a clean set waiting for you at the guest house! There are lots of online contacts included related to walking in Wales, and information on the accommodation Jacqueline and her walking companion stayed at as they explored the stunning Wye Valley Way - definitely one of the most beautiful rivers in the UK.

117 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 9, 2017