We took a train from Paddington to Newport, South Wales, arriving half an hour late. We had some trouble leaving Newport, almost heading on to the M4. The correct way out of town is via the bridge over the river Usk. We had a picnic in a field  on the way to Usk and then a coffee in “La Fleur” in Usk.

Here we joined Sustrans Route 42, a quiet but hilly road all the way to Abergavenny.

Our first impression of Abergavenny was of too much motor traffic and a rather deserted town centre; the gothic church was closed for re-paving. Then we saw the market hall and other interesting Victorian buildings in the central pedestrianised area.

We had a meal in Wetherspoons which is in a very fine former cinema called the Colosseum.

After supper, we took a very nice walk on the water meadows by the river Usk and then around the outside of the castle - signs for Sustrans 42 and 46 were everywhere - they seem to have almost taken over the town.