Goodrich walk

We had a much better night’s sleep and the river level had actually fallen overnight. However, we still couldn’t get anyone to hire us a canoe for a downstream trip, on safety grounds. So after making breakfast we got a walking guide from the Tourist Information and drove to Goodrich for a walk which took us south along the banks of the Wye. Symonds Yat towered on the other side of the river, with birds of prey circling and screeching above us.

We were rather frustrated to see parties of canoeists – school trips I imagine – safely enjoying the stretch of river denied to us.

The walk took us up through the woods to the remains of a folly at the highest point. We stopped for a rest and took in spectacular views across to Wales in the west, and Goodrich Castle to the north – built in the 11th century to keep the Welsh at bay.

Back at the castle car park there was a line of twelve Morgan cars (some from France) and their enthusiastic owners very happy to engage in conversation. Eleven Morgans were the traditional design, but one, looking like a Batmobile, was an Aero SuperSports and only 90 minutes old! Its new owner excitedly lifted the bonnet to show us the impossibility of removing the oil filler cap without dismantling the front of the car.

A quick sandwich at the café and it was time for Dave and me to part company and leave this beautiful part of the country.