I started off my Tintern adventure at The Old Station.

Before setting off to explore further I climbed up the steps of the signal box.

There are tables and chairs inside the signal box, apparently humans can hire it for functions. From the top of the steps I could see the cafe, which used to be the ticket office.

The signal operating levers are still there.

Just along from the Old Station there are some interesting wooden sculptures. I spent a while reading the information boards about them.

There are six statues altogether, known as the Circle of Legends. (Not one of our best photos but we were having problems getting good images due to the strong sunlight)

Sir Geoffrey of Monmouth was busy reading

Here I am with Sabrina, the goddess of the river. Sabrina’s Welsh name is Hafren

Part of the joy of exploring in Spring is the wild flowers. There were lots growing next to the river bank as we walked towards The Abbey.

Tintern Abbey was founded a very long time ago by monks in 1131. After King Henry VIII ended monastic life 500 years ago the lead roof was removed and the buildings gradually became ruins. Welsh Heritage (CADW) now look after the ruins.

I spent a while reading the sign explaining who ruined the Abbey.

The Abbey must have been very well built to be still standing after 900 years.

In the gift shop there were many dragons waiting for humans to buy them.

In order to continue on our planned walk we had to cross over the river. Fortunately there is a bridge not far from the Abbey.

The Bridge used to carry the railway to the Wireworks in Tintern. It is now just for pedestrians and has recently been restored.

Once across the bridge we set off through the woods to find The Devil’s Pulpit.

It is quite a climb up from the valley, especially for bears with small legs.

I had to stop for a drink a few times.

Finally we found the Devil’s Pulpit. Legend has it the devil looked down onto the monks in the Abbey below tempting them to leave the monastic life.

The view is certainly amazing.

I was getting a tad hungry so ate my lunch in a shady spot nearby.

We continued along Offa’s Dyke path.

Offa’s Dyke path stretches for 82 miles along the border between England and Wales. It was created over 1200 years ago by humans working for King Offa.

It wasn’t long before we reached Brockweir, where I took this lovely photo of the River Wye from another bridge.

After walking back along the banks of the river we arrived back at The Old Station, where I enjoyed a very tasty Welsh ice cream.

I had a splendid day out though my legs did get a bit tired climbing up to the Devil’s Pulpit!

For more information about visiting Tintern Abbey see: https://cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/tintern-abbey?lang=en

Horace the Alresford Bear 18/6/2023