Walks around Abergavenny.

Well as you can gather from my previous post and other related Blogs, we have been moving from the pub into a new place and a new way of life. We eventually finished moving on Wednesday 29th May, but I have obviously been too busy unpacking to write. . On Saturday my Parents came down to see the new place and to go for a walk. When I say walk, I mean a hike for me and a stroll for them (my Parents are fitter them me!!!) We set out only down the road from our house in Llanvetherine and parked outside the Church in the Village. We set off up the hill where we saw a beautiful renovated Gypsy Caravan, it was stunning. It was clearly a place that you could rent for a holiday. I don’t know the people who own the Caravan way but please take a look on their website www.underthethatch.co.uk/accommodation.php?accomid=104. By reading it, the caravan is the very same one that featured in the Wind in the Willows film and you can rent it out for that extra special time away from it all.

As we trekked on, my ankle throbbing (I know, I am a wimp) we eventually got to our goal. And what a view! OK we have only just moved here so we can be forgiven for that, but the Castle we came across is simply stunning. The White Castle is a few miles from Abergavenny and is one of the "Three Castles", alongside Skenfrith and Grosmont, the total walk is 18 miles. This was on a short 3 mile walk which was perfect for me as I am so unfit at the moment. We expected to find a small ruin but were amazed by our find. The White Castle is about a mile from the village of Llantilio Crossenny and sits low on the hillside. It dates back to the 13th century, the Welsh form of the name, Castell Gwyn, is said to derive from a local ruler of early Norman times, Gwyn ap Gwaethfoed, but the original name of the castle was Llantilio Castle, and the alternative - first recorded in the 13th century - refers to the white rendering which is still visible on parts of the exterior walls. Although the Castle is in partial ruin, a large amount of the Towers do remain and are open to visitors to walk to the top of and look at the incredible view! Although I can’t do heights, I have no idea why, it started when I was 18 when I tried to run down the Eiffel Tower like I did when I was 13. To get to the White Castle, you cross a modern bridge has been built by the Cadw. They maintain and look after the Castle. My partner and I plan to take his kids up there when they come over in the next few weeks. They love walking around old ruins, I didn’t mean their father! It will be really exciting for them to come over to Abergavenny now as there is plenty to do over the next few months. They were so bored in the Pub and we can now enjoy fun family days out together. I just hope this lovely weather holds out for picnics by the river and more walks around Abergavenny

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