Statistics: 15.25 miles, ascent 1545′, 7 3/4 hours
To return to the trail, David, our host, drove us back to Buttington Bridge. The first 10 miles were level, following the Montgomery Canal’s towpath most of the way.
The dyke often formed one side of the canal (canal use was abandoned in 1944). Now it is a favorite spot for the local swans and portions are available to pleasure boaters. At Carreghofa Locks, the locks had been restored and an interesting history board is provided for history buffs to enjoy.
At one point a private, beautiful garden bordered the canal, which allowed us, as we passed by, to fully enjoy the design and the effort that had been made to establish such a space.
When not walking along the canal we were once again on top of the dyke. The cows in the area were not in the least interested in moving aside for us; they were clearly used to having people walking through their pastures. We let them have their way and walked around them.
For several days we had been weaving back and forth across the English Welsh border as we followed the dyke. Today was no exception!
After a series of ascents and descents, the final climb of the day ended at Moelydd Hill with its complete view of the surrounding lands.
If we had known at the time, we could have seen our next B&B in the distance. Our British friends, Jean and Peter, rejoined us at the trail end, where they collected us and took us to our B&B. The Pentre, a restored 16th century farm, was the epitome of country cottage charm. Our wonderful hosts were Helen and Stephen Gilbert. Upon our arrival, Helen served us tea and cakes in her lovely garden.
And then our hosts served the five of us a delicious dinner meal.
After dinner we played some enjoyable board games before retiring to our cozy, well appointed rooms.
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