This is the first of a series of 20 caches placed on a combination of sections of two trials: The Wye Valley Walk and the Offas Dyke Path. It comprises a circuit of approximately 7 miles starting and ending in Monmouth, although an alternative start in Redbrook is equally possible, with parking available. The numbering and descriptions given assume that the route is done in an anti-clockwise direction.
NB: From Redbrook onwards, you will find clues in some of the caches to help you find the bonus cache.
It is an energetic and varied walk with local history to discover and some fantastic views, including sections on: riverside, fields, hill, woodland, lanes and a short but busy road section, where care is needed, especially if with children and dogs. Please note that sections of the walk can be muddy and slippery in wet conditons, so you will need appropriate footwear. Also if the River Wye is in flood, then sections of the Wye Valley Walk may not be accessible.
When starting from parking in Hadnock Road, you need to walk towards the town, but just before going over the River Wye bridge, follow the footpath sign that takes you across the road.
If starting from the riverside car park, you need to go over the Wye Bridge. The Wye Bridge was originally a large medieval bridge, but was completely rebuilt in 1615 and again widened on both sides in 1878-80 (Architect Edwin Seward of Cardiff), when it was also given corbelled outer parapet walls to carry footways. An inscription on the central upstream side says: 'This bridge was widened 1879 from designs by the County Surveyor, David Roberts Contractor'. The causeway and flood arches on the eastern side probably date from the widening of the bridge in 1878-80. The Bridge is now a Grade II Listed Building.
Cache is a magnetic nano.