The footpath back to the Severn Estuary leads me into a farmyard with a locked gate. Rechecking the map, I consider climbing over the gate, when the farmer appears and politely suggests taking the “easier” lane route. It’s too early to argue, and I don’t really mind, as I just want to get back to the coast path before the sun rises.
It’s a gorgeous morning, crisp and dry. The embankment path winds its way gently along the estuary, with only the occasional obstacle to navigate.
The walk into Newport takes me past a nature reserve and a power station, familiar sights around large ports. What is less familiar is the amazing transporter bridge. Opened in 1906, it is one of only six operational transporter bridges left world wide. Unfortunately, it is closed until 2023 for restoration work, so I can’t walk over the towering gantry. This means a detour. It’s not good to be forced east when you are heading west.
Rounding the River Usk, I pass the bridge again on the west bank, close to the impressive suspended gondola.
Leaving Newport, I pass West Usk Lighthouse, now a holiday home. Previous walkers spotted a Tardis on the roof, being the changing room for the hot tub, but it seems to have travelled to another time and place.
It’s dark when I reach the outskirts of Cardiff. I underestimated the length of this walk, at a whopping 28 miles, due to not fully taking into account the extra miles off the path to, and from, my overnight accommodation. I can’t risk a pub stop, as I fear my legs will seize up if I sit down for long. I grab some wine, cheese, and mince pies, from the nearby M&S, and crash out at the ZIP Premier Inn. This is a new low budget concept, with stripped functionality, small rooms, and no windows, but it’s comfortable, clean, and fine for an overnight stay. It’s spacious compared to the sleeping capsules I passed, late at night, when working in Tokyo many years ago. Looking forward to exploring Cardiff Bay tomorrow.
Walk distance: 28 miles.
Total distance: 1,168 miles.
Crikey Tony, 28 miles at this time of the year is going some! Shame about the transporter bridge, it cist me £7 to walk over the top of it back in 2016
I do try and push the miles a bit when I am walking through flat, urban areas. It helps to know there will be street lighting pre dawn and post dusk. A little bit different when camping out in the middle of nowhere!
Another long day and well done on completing all those miles. This part of the coast wasn’t especially good I seem to remember. However I did manage to walk over the top of the Newport Transporter bridge which was excellent, a shame you were not able to do so. I do remember they only let you walk over in one direction (I can’t remember why now) and I was going the other way. So first I had to travel over on the gondola, walk over the top and then come back on the gondola again! I expect they thought I was quite mad.
The Tardis on the lighthouse was there when I walked this bit, back in 2015.
Very envious of you and Alan walking over the top of the bridge. I imagine it felt like being surrounded by space.
I haven’t published this one yet, but you can see my photos here which includes crossing the bridge and the view from the top of it. https://www.flickr.com/photos/joncombe/albums/72157647847618719
Thanks Jon, looks excellent.
28 miles. Wow – you will be looking forward to your Christmas break!!!
The mince pies are already going down quickly. I have calories to restore! 🙂