| The
last day of the year, and to celebrate this we set out on the section of
Wat’s dyke from Overton Bridge to Ruabon, a five-mile hike that should
have been straightforward, but wasn’t quite. We took a taxi from a
frozen Ruabon to begin our walk, to find that the river Dee was high and
roaring over the weirs as we followed its course through for the first couple
of miles Erbistock. A watery sun cheered us on our way, despite the mud
underfoot, and the sights of the river and old dwellings enthralled us,
especially the ancient ferry crossing. After we left the river the route
became more tiresome, with signs and even stiles missing, and curious twists
and turns with unmarked deviations. With the dropping temperature this had
a rather dispiriting effect, and we eventually had to abandon the path as
we neared Ruabon, since our path was obliterated with crops and the way
obstructed with electric fences and livestock. Nevertheless, we arrived
back to see a rare and glorious blue moon rise (the thirteenth full moon
of a year). Excellent food, drink and good cheer was provided later in Moreton
to see in the new year. Back to Home Page |
