Day 1 10/5/08 - Wales

London -> Chittingham -> Keysham -> Chepstow -> Monmouth -> Newport -> Brigend

Highlight

• We set off ½ hour late already because Slokky for some stupid reason decided that it was a good time to call his grandma!!
• Then we got a flat tyre. We went to Chittingham to try to get it fixed, but they didn’t have the spare we needed.
• We called around everywhere, and in the end, had to go all the way to Keysham to get it fixed.
• Needless to say, all my plans went out the window, we were supposed to be at the Chepstow markets for lunch, but by the time we got everything fixed, totalling 4 hours, costing us a bundle too, it was past 2 pm, so we had lunch at Keysham, by the river with some swans.
• We finally did arrive at Chepstow, but we didn’t have time to walk around the town.
• The country side was very nice and the weather was actually warm.
• Chepsow castle was veery impressive, a large imposing castle over looking a river.
• Tintery Abbey was very tranquil, also stopped by the very small and charming town.
• Monmouth castle – the museum was closed, the ruins were very small, so that was good in a sense, so we could move on swiftly.
• Monnow Bridge’s claim to fame was one of the first toll collecting bridges, it was definitely very cute.
• Went to Waitrose to buy yummy Welsh cakes.
• By the time we had finished, all the other shops were closed, but the town was still charming.
• A quick stop at Newport, just to look at the outside of its castle and bridge, before dinner after a frustrating day.
• The Chandlery had very affordable and generous food, and the staff were first rate, so we left happy.
• We had heaps of trouble finding our hotel, and had to ask for directions, so it was very late by the time we got to sleep.

Food

• West Cornwell Pasty Co traditional and wholemeal vegetable pasties
• Neal’s fine food pork belly sandwich.
• Dinner at The Chandlery:
  • cornbread with butter and tomato chutney
  • Loin of Welsh Mountain Lamb (£15.95) - Lamb and potato torte, cumin infused swede, rosemary jus
  • 8oz Welsh Sirloin Steak (£16.95) - Tomato, mushroom and green salad with a choice of chips, new potatoes or mash potato
  • Banoffi Tart (£4.95) - Banana, toffee, fresh Jersey cream and shaved chocolate