Chepstow, Wales

We were heading out for the day to walk the southernmost ten mile portion of the Offa's Dyke National Trail (more on that in the next post) and started with a bus from Bristol to Chepstow. As the bus wove its way over the Severn River Bridge we seemed to cross the England/Wales border multiple times and we realized we weren't sure which country Chepstow is in. Actually, it's in both. The main town is in Wales, on the western bank of the river Wye, while the adjoining villages on the eastern bank of the river are in England. The town turned out to be a delightful surprise, worthy of a visit in its own right, having been a medieval port with a walled town and the oldest surviving stone castle in Britain.

The dramatic castle ruin is perched on the limestone cliffs overlooking the River Wye.

Seen from the town side, the castle looks more intact.

The riverside area adjacent to the Castle had interesting sights as well. This elegant cast iron bridge was built in 1816.

Across the river we could see the Gloucester Hole, an enlarged natural hole in the limestone cliff opposite. Forming a natural warehouse, cargo used to be unloaded from ships anchored to the wall. It must have been a nightmare for ancient (and modern) boats trying to navigate this river. The tides are the fastest on earth and can rise 13 metres (43 ft.) in just four hours. The tides at Chepstow and the Severn Estuary are second in height only to the Bay of Fundy in Canada. The river 'reverses' and changes direction of flow four times a day.

The town itself was not to be outdone. The town gate and part of the wall is still intact.

The high street was busy with many small specialty shops. Civic pride was evident everywhere. Something we've not seen in any other town are the plaques set into the pavement giving the history of the use and occupancy of the shop it marked, so interesting and what a great idea....

Some of the art installations were also unique...

Many narrow, quaint streets were just waiting to be explored.

We didn't spend as long as we would have liked in Chepstow, our day's walk was beckoning, but, it was such an interesting place we may come back to have a better look!