The Three Mary’s Walk

A walk around three churches near Tintern.

Leader: Jo McCrum. A joint walk with Cambrian Archaeological   Association

Start at 11.00, return to start by 4.00, bring your own lunch.

If you have ever stood on the Devil’s Pulpit to admire Tintern Abbey you may have noticed two further churches further into the Monmouthshire hills. We will walk to these other St Mary’s, once Celtic Christian sites re-dedicated to their patron saint by the Cistercians, to serve the lay-tenants working in their granges.  We begin by going along a steep rocky path, built by indentured medieval labourers, which, by 1452, was known as Stony Way.  We go right towards the open uplands of Penterry, to St Mary’s (Llanbedui) to learn about the history of the church and site with its abandoned medieval village and plague pits. We then head back to Tintern’s Chapel Hill to a private garden where you can have a comfort break, your packed lunch and, for a donation to the St Mary’s Conservation Fund, an optional cream tea, before moving across to the second St Mary’s (Llanandras). Discover the colourful history of this ruined church and site, the ironmasters buried there, and the Lower Wye Valley Building Preservation Trust’s plans to consolidate her for safe public access. After enjoying the beautiful aerial views of the river Wye, Tintern Village and abbey we will go down the ancient and pretty cobbled pilgrim path to the most impressive of all, St Mary’s, Tintern Abbey.

This route takes in difficult and steep ground and a couple of stiles. It is not suitable for pushchairs or anyone with mobility issues.

Meet in the Tintern Abbey car park (paying) outside the abbey shop.

Bring Cadw cards for free entrance to the abbey.

The numbers will be limited so booking is essential. To book (requesting optional cream tea if desired) email secretary@maa.wales