![]() Site Choices Latest Newsletter Jan 08 Newsletter Old Stuff
|
The SHOT (Salford Hiking Old Timers) club was formed in 1993 and is composed of ex Salford University Hiking Club members, but more recently we have opened our doors and many friends and acquaintances have joined in some of our activities. We now have over 50 members.
Subs are due NOW (October 2007) contact
Donna to pay for those who still have not paid.
Many a backpacker on the Offa's Dyke's Path will have stayed at Wonastow or passed
through an hour or so after finishing breakfast in nearby Monmouth This rural,
sparsely populated location is not quite in the Wye Valley but it is near as damnit in
its orbit for our purposes.
Rickyard Bunkhouse next to Hendre Farm is an example of farming diversity as it
seeks to benefit from its convenient pathside location. It is a fully equipped
bunkhouse with all the usual facilities. There are 25 beds in 5 bedrooms (2x2, l x6, l x l
0 and 1x5 ensuite). There is also a fully secure camping area at £4 per day/per person
from where the incumbents can use the bunkhouse facilities. Further details can be
obtained on www.rickyardbunkhouse.co.uk. Dingestow village one mile south and
twice as far by road has the Somerset Arms Pub which does good food and serves
real ale. An obvious pedestrian route along bridleways betwixt the two could take
about 30mins for the energetic.
Nearby Monmouth is centrally located in the Wye Valley, so a short drive north or
south of here will enable folk to explore this deeply incised valley with its numerous
bends. Symonds Yat, Tintern Abbey, Chepstow, Ross-on-Wye, Trellech, Lower
Redbrook and the Forest of Dean are just some of
the places from which walks could be devised to
enjoy the autumnal colours of this famously
wooded area.
Getting to Rickyard Bunkhouse isn't quite as simple
though. Hendre Farm (Grid Ref SO458 125) is
equidistant from Wonastow (which isn't really a
village), Dingestow, Llangattock-vibon-Avel (which
isn't really a village either) and Llanfihangel-Ystern-Llewern (which completes this
hatrick) - try stopping a passer by for directions to one of those last two villages! All
of these are located on minor country roads in an area north of the main A40 (T) and
west of Monmouth. Because of the lack of junctions the approach has to be made via
the roundabout on the A40 (T) just south of Monmouth before it goes through the
tunnel. Double back through Over Monnow (DO NOT go back into Monmouth) and
hopefully find a minor road signposted for Wonastow (on the left) beyond which
bears right for two miles signposted for Hendre (which you can guess isn't a village)
and Llangattock or Llanfihangel perhaps. lf you spot Jingle Street (not a village) just
past Wonastow on your travels then you have missed the turn.
Alternatively you could all locate the Somerset Arms in Dingestow and then wait for
someone to arrive from Rochdale with his sat nav who may provide a free taxi service
to the bunkhouse for the inebriated. Happy Hunting.
Please send the usual £5 deposit to Gustav to secure a bed or two.
This Page is designed and constructed by Mark Hows
|