Let's Walk Talk Wales with...
Private Walks
Strolls 'n' Stories offers private day walks for groups of two or more. The following day walks are available and full descriptions are listed below.
Discounts are available for groups of 8 or more.
Celebrating a special event such as a birthday during your private walk? Bubbly and cake can be arranged. Just let us know.
CAPEL Y FIN – In the Llanthony valley, and Brecon Beacons National Park
SYMONDS YAT – on the River Wye
PATRICIO ( patrishaw) Church– in the Brecon Beacons National Park
LlANTHONY PRIORY – in the Brecon Beacons National Park
SKIRRID INN and the HOLY MOUNTAIN –on the edge of the black mountains, near Abergavenny the gateway to the Brecon Beacons
TRELLECH AND THE WYE VALLEY – once the largest town in Wales
CAPEL Y FIN – In the Llanthony valley, and Brecon Beacons National Park
““A superb story teller.”
I thoroughly enjoyed Jan’s trip in the beautiful Llanthony Valley but what made it special was Jan’s story telling. Jan is a superb story teller and her stories are very well researched. The story she told about David Jones, the artist and war poet, had me gripped in the heart of the great and awful war; she brought it alive. ”
Walk: a short section of Offas Dyke footpath
Length: 2.5 - 3 miles (4 - 4.8 km)
See:
Father Ignatius monastery ruins, the fields where the Virgin Mary was seen 3 times and the statue in her honour.
The small chapel at capel y fin and its amazing ancient yew trees.
The home of Eric Gill artist where he developed a commune.
The most stunning views of the black mountains.
Hear:
The story of the boys who knew father Ignatius and were the first to see the Vision of Mary.
The story of David Jones – artist and war poet who lived at the Commune.
Eric Gills story of genius and child abuse.
““A delightful experience.”
What a delightful experience, a wonderful mixture of strolling through nature, hearing the history of the local area, and wonderful stories that captivate the imagination. I left the walk feeling somehow rejuvenated and inspired. ”
SYMONDS YAT – on the River Wye
Walk: up to Symmonds Yat Rock
Length: Two length options are available
Option 1: 2 miles (3.2 km)
Option 2: 4 miles (6.4 km)
Cross the river on the Ancient hand ferry. Optional river boat trip.
See:
Where poet William Wordsworth walked.
Beautiful views over three counties.
The peregrines who breed in the cliffs here.
The Olde ferry Inn with its history.
Hear:
The poet Wordsworths' story... his affair, illegitimate child and desertion of his lover in France.
What went on in the Olde ferry Inn and the persecution of homosexuals in Britain.
Sabrina, goddess of the River Seven.
PATRICIO ( patrishaw) Church– in the Brecon Beacons National Park
Walk: only a little of the Gader range of hills
Length: Two length options are available
Option 1: 2 miles (3.2 km)
Option 2: 3 miles (4.8 km)
See:
The little church of St Issui, in its beautiful setting.
Its exquisite rood screen that survived the reformation.
Its medieval wall paintings.
The Holy well of St. Issui still subject to well dressing today.
Hear:
How St. Issui was murdered.
The story of the grim reaper medieval painting.
The most recent recorded healing at the well.
LlANTHONY PRIORY – in the Brecon Beacons National Park
Walk: A section of Offa Dykes path
Length: Two length options are available
Option 1: 2.5 miles (4 km)
Option 2: 4.5 miles (7.2 km)
See:
The black mountains with stunning views.
The majestic remains of the Priory.
The little church of St. David.
The quirky Llanthony priory Bar and hotel.
The site of the home of Victorian Poet Walter Landor.
Hear:
How Walter de Lacey founded the original priory.
Why the monks had to leave.
How Walter Landor created havoc in the valley!
SKIRRID INN and the HOLY MOUNTAIN –on the edge of the black mountains, near Abergavenny the gateway to the Brecon Beacons
Walk: Up the Skirrid Fawr, a place of myths and legends, isolated from the main mountain range and 486m high.
Length: Two length options are available
Option 1: 4 miles (6.4 km)
Option 2: 7 miles (11.2 km)
See:
The site of St. Michaels chapel on the summit... a place for catholic worship after the reformation.
The landslide on its northern tip.
Views of Herefordshire and the Mendips, the Black mountains and the Brecon beacons, the Usk Valley and Somerset, and Gloucestershire and the Forest of dean... 360 degree views.
The oldest Inn in Wales with its gruesome past and history. See where criminals were hung.
Hear:
The story of David Lewis catholic martyr persecuted by local Squire John Arnold.
The antics of the ghosts at the Skirrid Inn and the Judge who sentenced people to death there.
The myths and legends around the cause of the landslide.
TRELLECH AND THE WYE VALLEY – once the largest town in Wales
Walk: From Cleddon Falls to Trellech (5 miles) OR stroll around Trellech itself (2 miles)
Length: Two length options are available
Option 1: 2 miles (3.2 km)
Option 2: 5 miles (8 km)
See:
The Standing Stones.
The Virtuous healing well.
The Tump - site of the old castle.
The archeological dig uncovering the town's history.
Cleddon's Falls sometimes dry now alas!
The childhood home of philosopher Bertram Russell (only on the 5 mile walk).
Hear:
How old Nell survived the plague.
The legends about why the standing stones are there.
The guardian of the well who wants to resign!
The story of Bertram Russell's mother, who deserves more fame (only on the 5 mile walk).