{"id":20156,"date":"2022-09-29T10:15:36","date_gmt":"2022-09-29T08:15:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/?p=20374"},"modified":"2022-09-29T15:58:35","modified_gmt":"2022-09-29T13:58:35","slug":"walk-llanthony-and-hatterall-ridge-monmouthshire","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/rss_feed\/walk-llanthony-and-hatterall-ridge-monmouthshire\/","title":{"rendered":"Walk: Llanthony and Hatterall Ridge, Monmouthshire"},"content":{"rendered":"

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By Carys Matthews\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Thursday, 29 September 2022 at 12:00 am<\/p>

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Running along the spine of England and Wales for 177 miles, the ancient Offa\u2019s Dyke Path<\/a> follows the eighth-century fortification built on the order of King Offa in an attempt to divide Mercia from rival kingdoms.<\/p>\n

This energetic circular walk explores a small part of the long-distance path, meandering in and out of the Brecon Beacons National Park, negotiating the scenic Hatterall Ridge that separates England from Wales.<\/p>\n

Lying in the Vale of Ewyas, the evocative ruins of Llanthony Priory<\/a>, a 12th-century Augustinian abbey, can also be enjoyed. However, to appreciate its full splendour, grit your teeth and prepare for a heart-pumping climb\u2026<\/p>\n

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Wander among the ruins of Llanthony Priory\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Llanthony and Hatterall Ridge walk<\/h2>\n

5 miles\/8km |\u00a03 hours | moderate<\/em><\/p>\n

1. Into the woods<\/strong><\/p>\n

Starting from Llanthony Priory car park (free to use and toilet facilities available), head past the abbey to the site entrance and walk diagonally across the field. You will soon reach the lower Wirral Woods. The route here is well sign-posted \u2013 follow the national trail towards Hatterall Hill. At the top of the field, keep an eye out for Offa\u2019s Dyke waymarks, before continuing upwards along a woodland path.<\/p>\n

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Llanthony Priory sits in the\u00a0Vale of Ewyas in Monmouthshire\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

2. Breath-taker<\/strong><\/p>\n

Next, you will join the Beacons Way. Follow the route towards Grouse Butts and the rural parish of Cwmyoy (again, well sign-posted). It is a stiff but well-trodden climb to the summit of the ridge. If you need a break, pause for a moment to enjoy breath-taking views of the Vale of Ewyas and the distinctive Sugar Loaf mountain<\/a>.<\/p>\n

3. Wild encounters<\/strong><\/p>\n

At the top of the ridge you should see a stone marker and cairn. Here, turn left and head along the Offa\u2019s Dyke Path for a little under two miles. Wild ponies<\/a> and birds of prey<\/a> can often be spotted along the route.<\/p>\n

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