Monmouth Up to the Kymin

ONCE more unto the breach, dear friends, once more.

Under the gaze of King Henry V, we gird ourselves for an easy walk along the riverside and a modest climb up to the Kymin.

The first half of our expedition from Agincourt Square follows the Wye Valley Walk to Redbrook. Peeping down at us most of the time from Beaulieu Wood is our lofty objective, the Round House.

Along the riverbank there’s plenty of interest for lovers of the old railways. After 650 yards, we come to the River Bridge which linked Monmouth May Hill and Monmouth Troy stations on either side of the Wye.

As the train crossed the 99 yards of bow string girders, passengers were able to see another railway line back to their left heading for Chepstow and Tintern.

This second line crossed the river via an impressive stone structure known as the Monmouth Viaduct; distinguishing it from the River Bridge.

The viaduct, constructed from local stone tinged with pink by its iron content, also had a girder span across the river’s width, but a masonry approach section on the east side and 20 arched stone spans on the west side.

At Redbrook, we start climbing and join the Offa’s Dyke Path for the rest of the route. Upper Redbrook used to have a watermill, malt house, forge and several inns and the village takes its name from the iron-stained stream beside the road.

After a quite stiff climb as far as Duffield’s Farm, the path takes on a more gradual character, with fine views opening out across the valley to Penallt’s hillside church.

At the Kymin, we first reach the Naval Temple; it is believed to be the only one built to commemorate the whole of the British Navy, celebrating 16 admirals victorious in major sea battles.

A few paces further on we come to the walk’s climax and a spectacular viewpoint. The Round House is an unusual two storey banqueting house where the most famous of those admirals, Lord Nelson breakfasted with Lady Hamilton in 1802.

It was built in 1794 for use as a dining club by the local landowning gentry. The views from here across Monmouth and the Wye Valley to the Black Mountains really are quite stunning.

Henry V was born in 1386 in the tower above the gatehouse of Monmouth Castle. Henry IV, then Earl of Derby, learned of the birth from the boatman while using Goodrich Boat ferry.

Prince Hal’s earliest exploits in the military field were in the company of his father fighting Harry Hotspur at the Battle of Shrewsbury where, aged 16, he was almost killed by an arrow that became stuck in his face; and he further cut his teeth by fighting the Welsh revolt under Owain Glyndwr.

This took all of his energies for the next five years, but his finest hour came in France. At Agincourt, the king led his forces into battle.

Though heavily outnumbered, the English and Welsh archers prevailed against a bogged-down cavalry.

French casualties included 3 dukes, 5 counts, 100 lords, 3069 knights, and 2600 others. Incredibly, Henry’s casualties are estimated at between just 9 and 30.

We few, we happy few, we band of brothers.

St. Crispin’s Day, 25th October 2015, marks the 600th anniversary of Agincourt.

Monmouth and the Kymin.

Town, riverbank, hillside, historic buildings, spectacular viewpoint.

6½ mile moderate ramble, following the Wye Valley Walk and Offa’s Dyke Path. No stiles.

The Route

1. Agincourt Square, Monmouth. Having parked wherever we can, we will take our start point to be the Square at the north end of Monmouth’s High Street. Statues of Charles Rolls and Henry V, victor of the battle which gives the square its name, look down upon us at the Shire Hall. Beyond The Punch House, continue ahead along Church Street. Just before the church, TR along St Mary Street Shops. TL, TR at the Queen’s Head Inn. Bear L through subway under A40. TR, TL over Wye Bridge. Cross to other side.

2. Wye Valley Walk. (Which you now follow to Redbrook). TR to pass behind the pavilion on Monmouth School sports field. After 650m, you will reach and go under a disused iron viaduct. Just beyond, carry on ahead under the remains of the beautiful stone viaduct which carried the line from Monmouth to Pontypool. Now follow the riverside path for 2 miles, from shady trees, opening out into meadows, to eventually pass the river monitoring station and join the pavement along the A466 for 300m into Redbrook.

3. “Inglewood”. Just before Gloucestershire border, TL up the lane as if for Newland and Clearwell. Pass the Old Brewery House, now in Upper Redbrook, and join the Offa’s Dyke Path. (You now follow this trail all the way back). At “Woodlands”, bear L off the road up the signed OD path. Climb quite steeply to a fork and go left on a more surfaced path. Pass between (what is) Duffield’s Farm and the access drive to Jordan’s Barn. Keep ahead, with views opening out westwards, including to Penallt church on the hillside. After half a mile, the climb levels out to (what is) Cockshoot Ash Barn.

4. Stables (behind left). Keep ahead along grassy path to R of house. Go thro’ k-gate along L edge of pasture. Keep ahead thro’ 3 gates, a paddock, gate and L edge of a meadow. Go thro’ k-gate in wall, along narrow enclosed path and out into the NT car park area at the Kymin.

5. The Kymin. Visit the Naval Temple and Round House. The view over Monmouth and across to the Welsh Mountains is sensational. When ready, continue for 80m and TL down through woodland. (OD Path, still.) Soon pass marker post, kink R and leave woods through gate. Go R down tarmac lane for 50m. Go R through k-gate, paddocked area, continuing to lose height down fence under trees. TL through gate, glade and gate to keep ahead down road.

6. Private Road. Where road bends R, go ahead between fences still on OD Path, which soon accompanies the A4136 to the May Hill Hotel. Re-cross Wye Bridge back into town.