THIRTEEN walkers and Pepper the spaniel joined Joy at Monmouth Leisure Centre on a lovely dry autumnal morning following heavy rainfall the day before, and passing beneath the A40 and reaching the Monmouth Rowing Club where morning training was taking place on the calm water of the River Wye, their route led north-eastwards along the riverbank and through several gates.

Arriving at the lovely 12th century riverside St Peter’s Church, which over the years has suffered much flooding, two metal gates rehung beside steps leading down to the river where the vicar in days gone by used to row across to the vicarage on the opposite bank, bear the initials NCE a memorial to Captain Noel Chamberlain Elstob, headmaster at Monmouth School in 1941 and a great oarsman.

Leaving the riverbank and very carefully crossing the busy A40, a quiet lane led gradually uphill to Newton Court surrounded by autumnally tinted trees with wonderful views over Monmouth.

Admiral Thomas Griffin purchased both Goodrich Castle and land in Dixton and his son built this three-storey house at the turn of the 18th century, which remained within their family until around 1845, whilst the stable black is an SSSI because it is the only breeding colony for the rare Greater Horseshoe bat in the county of Monmouthshire.

Heading steeply uphill on a rocky bridleway through Hayes Coppice where the muddy path bore imprints of motor cycle wheels, hoof prints and deer footprints, a stop amongst the discarded leaves of ancient thick-trunked beech trees at Joint Wood followed for morning coffee.

The track ahead was boggy in places due to underground springs, but scuffing their way along multi-coloured leaf strewn paths they found many of the trees had been felled, which meant glorious but misty views across the rolling Worcestershire countryside with the Malvern Hills just visible on the far horizon.

Exiting opposite the 16th century St Wolstan’s Farm and following a road to the scattered village of Welsh Newton, a rough track behind houses led them across several stiles and downhill through soaking wet grassy meadows to the Parish Church of St Mary, where a holly bush close to the entrance gate was festooned with bright red berries.

After lunch there was time to peek inside the lovely 13th century church with its glorious stained glass windows, along with a gabled window on the south wall which lights up the unusual and delightful three-arched stone rood screen to perfection.

The churchyard bears the grave of St John Kemble, an English Roman Catholic Martyr. After 50 years of serving the local community and following false accusations in 1678 by Titus Oates and Israel Tonge, that the Catholic Church was conspiring to assassinate the Anglican King Charles II, so his brother James II a Catholic would become King, John Kemble at the age of 80 was arrested and although totally innocent of the initial charge was subsequently found guilty of treason and put to death.

Following a short spell along the A466 Hereford Road, a short climb up through fields led them to a lane with fantastic views across the pretty Monnow Valley towards the mist covered Blorenge, Skirrid and Sugar Loaf Mountain away to the north and west.

Pretty pathways in Buckholt Wood led them downhill at first with views over the green hillsides of the Mally Brook valley, and then uphill to deviate down through sheep-filled pasture land with views over Osbaston.

Heading down to the Monnow River through an overgrown vinery complete with hanging grapes and passing a weir that was constructed to power a forge which stood on the site, some pavement walking led back into Monmouth before a short cut through the Burgage led back to their start.

On November 7, meet 9.30am at Cogan Leisure Centre for a six-mile moderate walk around Penhow; contact Jan/John on 01446 418514.

On November 8, meet 9am at Cogan for a 10-mile hard walk over Allt Lwyd to see the wreaths that were laid at Carn Pica and Waun Rydd on Armistice Sunday; contact Robin on 029 2051 4051.

Wear suitable clothing, preferably boots and carry waterproofs, food and drinks. Some degree of fitness is required and if you are in any doubt, then please contact the walk leader for advice.

To follow the group log onto penarthramblers.wordpress.com. Programmes and membership advice can be obtained from Pam on 029 2025 5102.