My wife booked a barn conversion for my belated birthday. We had been last year, so the location wasn't new, but we decided to explore a bit. North of our barn was Devils Bridge, which is a nice enough location in itself but we wanted something a bit less tourist like, something we could explore at our own pace. The river Rheidol runs through Devils Bridge, so after breakfast we OS mapped it and off we went. If you're interested, this river is well known for Brown trout and sea trout. Fishing wasn't the aim today, so we parked here, at the dam and headed off on a circular route.
My wife packed light, but was well equipped.
After a short distance, we came across a few random things, this huge metal chain, jutting out from the side of the path, for no apparent reason, but years ago it was obviously of some use?
There was also this handy sign, blunt and to the point. Personally, I have to agree, live stock is valuable.
The walk is relatively easy. Following the course of the river, it meanders down the valley with ease, allowing time for foraging, botany and bird watching. I came across these blue berries often. A delicious wayside snack.
The views were beautiful and we came across weirs and streams. All are crossed with no more than a leap, unless of course you want to cross the river itself, but more of that later...
The valley is wide, with steep forested hills. It truly is beautiful and we were able to walk at an easy pace.
About lunch time, I found a spot at the river side to make a brew. After a night of heavy rain,things were a bit damp and to be honest, it took a while to get my small fire going. I started with collected birch bark. The woodland predominantly birch, oak and ash. I ended up using a homemade fire disk...
I spread out my JervenBag for my wife and I to lay back on, until the water was got enough for a mocha...
After a hot brew, I felt it would be a good idea to cross the river, just for fun. It was shallow but fast flowing, but I crossed quite easily, only nearly falling in three times. When I got to the far bank I used the saw on my pocket knife to fashion a staff to cross the river back again. Once back next to my wife I was wet up to my knees but had a big grin...
Feet dried, boots back on, we cleared the fire site and continued our journey.
Without a care for time, we followed the river until we found a foot bridge to cross. I forgot to take a picture of the crossing point, but we did come across these beautiful creatures.
There were so many foxgloves I took this snap. ..
The river was stunning. Very clear all the way, except for some deep pools where it was deep and dark. We came across a couple who were navigationally challenged, but I was able to point them in the right direction,before coming across this small church.
Interestingly, in the entrance was this little verse.
Once we had crossed and we're back on the return leg, the weather was warm and sunny. This was the last picture before the rain came and turned everything dark and wet, lol
After a good days walk, we returned to the car in heavy rain. My wife and I really enjoyed the day out. I recommend the walk to all who wander. We stopped off at a pub on the way back for dinner and now, I'm warming my feet and heart by the log fire...
Thanks for reading. Good wishes to all who wander.
My wife packed light, but was well equipped.
After a short distance, we came across a few random things, this huge metal chain, jutting out from the side of the path, for no apparent reason, but years ago it was obviously of some use?
There was also this handy sign, blunt and to the point. Personally, I have to agree, live stock is valuable.
The walk is relatively easy. Following the course of the river, it meanders down the valley with ease, allowing time for foraging, botany and bird watching. I came across these blue berries often. A delicious wayside snack.
The views were beautiful and we came across weirs and streams. All are crossed with no more than a leap, unless of course you want to cross the river itself, but more of that later...
The valley is wide, with steep forested hills. It truly is beautiful and we were able to walk at an easy pace.
About lunch time, I found a spot at the river side to make a brew. After a night of heavy rain,things were a bit damp and to be honest, it took a while to get my small fire going. I started with collected birch bark. The woodland predominantly birch, oak and ash. I ended up using a homemade fire disk...
I spread out my JervenBag for my wife and I to lay back on, until the water was got enough for a mocha...
After a hot brew, I felt it would be a good idea to cross the river, just for fun. It was shallow but fast flowing, but I crossed quite easily, only nearly falling in three times. When I got to the far bank I used the saw on my pocket knife to fashion a staff to cross the river back again. Once back next to my wife I was wet up to my knees but had a big grin...
Feet dried, boots back on, we cleared the fire site and continued our journey.
Without a care for time, we followed the river until we found a foot bridge to cross. I forgot to take a picture of the crossing point, but we did come across these beautiful creatures.
There were so many foxgloves I took this snap. ..
The river was stunning. Very clear all the way, except for some deep pools where it was deep and dark. We came across a couple who were navigationally challenged, but I was able to point them in the right direction,before coming across this small church.
Interestingly, in the entrance was this little verse.
Once we had crossed and we're back on the return leg, the weather was warm and sunny. This was the last picture before the rain came and turned everything dark and wet, lol
After a good days walk, we returned to the car in heavy rain. My wife and I really enjoyed the day out. I recommend the walk to all who wander. We stopped off at a pub on the way back for dinner and now, I'm warming my feet and heart by the log fire...
Thanks for reading. Good wishes to all who wander.
