W12 - Llanymynech to Chirk

Summary
Offa's Dyke has a habit of avoiding big towns (well small towns really) such as Montgomery, Oswestry and Chirk. So the day that was meant to be 13 miles, ended up at 16 because we had to walk off track to Chirk. The day consisted of most things, ups, downs, views, woods, roads, tracks and bridleways. It was a lovely day in the 20's ie hot for walking with no stopping points. It is fair to say we found it tough. It took us 9 hours.

Longer version
The day (as usual) started with a climb out of Llanymynech and up by a disused limestone quarry (that closed after WWI). Interestingly the owner in 1840 decided to blow the rock face with 4 times the normal dynamite - he did get a lot of rock down, but he lost money overall because the explosion also destroyed many local roofs. Either way, there was a great view at the top of the Severn Valley ie where we had walked yesterday.

We left the cow country of the Severn valley and went back to sheep farmers with woodlands. After going down various valleys and up various hills we found this disused cottage near Oswestry. I doubt it has any services but was in a great location just below the hill that is shown next. 
This is the view from the top of the hill near Oswestry. The local Rotary club had put in a guide to the local areas so it proved we could see over 30 miles into the distance. it was completely uninterrupted in all directions. An amazing place for a picnic - or in our case a flapjack 😅
At the village of Forden we spotted this carving of an eagle. I only took mini car to give you an impression of the size ie its huge. A good carving I thought if you are into eagles.
Interestingly we walked passed the old Oswestry race course. Very little of it remains and frankly it was not worth a photo. After a few more valleys we had a spectacular view of the Cheshire Plain. In the very far distance you can see Ellesmere Port.
We had to walk down the next valley and up to Chirk. Interestingly we saw the Chirk aquaduct.: it is the same network of canals as the Monty canal ! Small world. We stayed at the Hand Hotel that was a bit run down but extremely welcoming.

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