THE 30th year anniversary celebrations at Penarth and District Ramblers continued with the long distance Three Castles Walk, which William Milne organised to take place over two days. On day one, a group of seven keen walkers joined him at Grosmont at the start of their journey.
Grosmont Castle is one of three including Skenfrith and White Castle which were built by the Normans in the Monnow Valley to control the border and the route between Wales and Hereford. In 1135 after a major attack by the Welsh, King Stephen bought the three castles and in doing so created a lordship that was known as The Three Castles. However, by the 16th Century, the castle was in ruins and is now cared for by CADW.
After viewing the imposing ruins that guarded a crossing over the River Monnow they made their way downhill and out of the village of Grosmont, passing Lower Tresenny Farm, for the long steady climb past Little Cross Farm to reach the coolness of High Meadow Wood.
Emerging into bright sunshine for a brief drinks stop, they passed through a field containing a magnificent bull with his entourage and through Upper Craig, to pause on the hillside for morning break whilst overlooking the charming Monmouthshire countryside.
They descended towards the river near Trevonny Farm and Old Weir before climbing Birch Hill, which brought them to overlook Skenfrith Castle, nestled within the village. Initially given to Hubert de Burgh by King John, the king later changed his allegiance and granted the castles to William de Braose, so a struggle for ownership followed – with de Burgh becoming victorious. A moat was dug around the castle, so the Monnow River made it impenetrable. Entering the ruins, they enjoyed lunch in the shade of the castle’s keep, whilst listening to the excited swifts screeching and darting around the castle walls.
After visiting the nearby picturesque Church of St Bridget with its wooden bell tower, they crossed the Norton Brook and then climbed to Tump Farm. Some road walking and a short steep climb led them to the magnificent White Castle – the most complete of the three castles. Originally built by William FitzOsbern, Earl of Hereford, during the 13th Century it was remodelled in stone and became a garrison and storage centre for weapons.
DAY TWO
The following day, and with the group down to five walkers, they set off beside the River Trothy below White Castle to enter the Glentrothy Estate and journeying through Lower and Upper Green, a track led them to the little church of St Mary at Llanfair Cilgoed. This church was remodeled in 1843 and thoughtfully water, squash, tea and a kettle are left for the use of weary walkers who choose to pause there. Crossing fields and the Bont Brook and the delightful orchards at Upper House Farm, looming ahead, they climbed Edmund’s Tump.
The long haul led them into woodland below the Tump and, pausing at the tree line to enjoy the stunning views to Ysgyryd Fawr, Sugar Loaf and the Black Mountains, they entered the shady pine woods to walk the length of Graig Syfyrddin, the summit of which is known as Edmund’s Tump, which stands at 423m. A steep descent past the long abandoned Barns Farm led to some ancient oak trees, where they paused for a break before the final push across the Tresenny Brook, for the last climb of the day past the Church of St Nicholas and back into the lovely village of Grosmont to end their adventure.
You can follow the group here or on Facebook.
Joy Strangward
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