Walking the Wye Valey | Llandogo to Monmouth | A Talk About The Salmon & Fishing

Walking the Wye Valley | Llandogo to Monmouth | A Talk About The Salmon & Fishing
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Hi, happy hikers - thanks for stopping by. Join me as I hike from Llandogo in the Lower Wye Valley to Monmouth on what's a fresh wet November day. A memorial walk remembering my brother the scene is full of color, which inspires a talk about salmon fishing. We finish outside the gates of Troy House. See you on the trail or in the comments box.
Don't forget there are video chapters below so you can go straight to a certain point in the video.
Video Chapters
Intro 0:00
Valley Colors 3:17
Bigsweir Bridge 3:43
Wye Valley 5:20
Be Bold Go Cold 6:29
Scent Talk 7:10
By The River & Scramble 8:06
Natural Drinking Water 9:56
Redbrook 10:24
Salmon Talk 12:03
View Break 19:57
Troy Farm 20:34
Troy House 20:11
River Trothy & Finish 24:01
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Thanks for watching. Take care out there.

[@bumblejennybee88]

Evening Mark, what a beautiful walk and how special to walk with the memories of your brother - precious. Isn't it so very sad about the salmon! Again it's the arrogance of mankind thinking everything is ours for the taking! I really do fear that a lot of damage we've done to the eco system is, sadly, irreparable. The Wye Valley really does look a wonderful place for sure! Thanks for the walk, take care, Jenny.

[@WyeExplorer]

Hi there Jenny, yeah it's a gorgeous valley. A far as Paul goes he's with me all the time especially this time of year. I agree the arrogance and greed of humans. It's a truism there has been, over the decades, a lot of greedy fishing that's impacted upon the river. The order to return caught Salmon is telling. Thanks for stopping by. All the best. Mark

[@michaelrawson6261]

Oh Mark, I adored Paul, we used to meet at Turner Street and talk and talk when he'd been swimming, he was a lovely fella, I miss him so much

[@WyeExplorer]

Hey, Mike so good to hear of old chats mate. We need to chat - drop us an email bro. Yeah, Paul was a beautiful human being. All the best. Mark

[@timscanlanphotography]

Thank you for sharing this vlog. I love this part of the Wye Valley, usually photographing Bigsweir Woods and Cadora Woods on the opposite bank. Your tribute to your brother was very touching. You clearly had great times together. Best wishes.

[@WyeExplorer]

Hi there Tim, a pleasure to share. I bet you do love it around there - it is a treasure. Re-my dear twin we didn't get married or have children and lived together - proper twins. The loss almost took me but nature helped immensely - you know. Many thanks - hope to hear from you again. Mark

[@TerryMcGearyScotland]

This is great Mark. I tend to ‘be bold go cold’ and rarely regret it. So long as you’ve got it to put on😀And thanks to you I now know how a grey heron sounds. Biodiversity is important and the more salmon, plants etc the better. It’s good that sewage treatment plants are being highlighted. There’s so many of us contributing to it needs more money and science to improve treatment. I hadn’t thought about fishermen being an issue. I assumed stocking the river with fish took care of it. Brilliant stuff Mark. Atb.. Terry

[@WyeExplorer]

Hey, Terry that's good to hear. Hats off I'll go cold next time. Yeah, A herons sound is wild and awesome - listen out for em. Fir sure hope the Salmon return and biodiversity. We need it as we do a sewage free river. Fisherman? As I said there's been so much greedy fishing over the decades. It's had an impact for sure. Thanks Terry. Take care bro. Mark

[@Baronvonfarron]

I`ve walked that stretch many many times. An inspirational place.

[@WyeExplorer]

Hi there Mark - I assume this us you. Yeah, I know you know it well. I guess we all have out patch. It is glorious. Have a great rest of the week. Mark

[@OSMOneStepMore]

Hi Mark. As always, a wonderful walk and a beautiful path. I am sorry that the wild salmon stock is disappearing and I agree with you that we humans are the only ones to blame. It would be nice if they would come to their senses and hear your message, because obviously we have not reached that stage where if you take something from nature, you should return it but not in the form of garbage, hunting or fishing. Take care and have a nice rest of the week. Sretana and Zac. 🖐😄🤗

[@WyeExplorer]

Hi Sretana/Zac good to hear from you. Glad you enjoyed this one. It was a nice day. Re-the Salmon yes it would be nice if people changed their habits but they are addicts. But addicts can recover. So there is hope. All the best over there both. Mark

[@HikeCamp]

It is awesome that you take yearly walks in remembrance of your brother and visit the places that you and your brother frequented.. I love how you consume the outdoors...

[@WyeExplorer]

Hi there Max, yeah he's never not with me and each year he takes me out. Ah, like you can't live without the nature. All the best. Mark

[@Cueman222]

Fantastic indeed 👍

[@WyeExplorer]

Alright Cue, it is good out there. Glad you liked this one. Have a great rest of the week. Mark

[@williamclarke2020]

Greetings Mark! My name is William and I'm from Nova Scotia Canada. I come to your channel because of Patrick the solitary Rambler who suggested it. Looking forward to going to some adventures with you on KZbin. Cheers

[@WyeExplorer]

Hi there William, Good to hear from you. Patrick's a good man. Hope you enjoy some of my adventures. All the best over there. Mark

[@SetForAdventures]

I’m glad this walk has reappeared Mark (it was as good as I’d hoped it would be 👍) With you on the scents and smalls mate they add depth to a landscape (and years later a similar scent takes you right back to those moments) A some nice memory’s of your Paul too 🙏🏼 Best regards Simon 👍🤠

[@WyeExplorer]

Yeah, Simon I hid it then decided to put it back up - glad you liked it mate. A simple walk but with awesome scent in the air - as you say they come back to us. Glad you liked the memories. That'll never stop either. All the very best. Mark

[@FXWalesAnnaAlf]

Hi Mark that's a stunning place on a lovely day and so nice to see the photo of you and Paul from 8 yrs ago at that spot, so nice to remember him . Ooo old school Wye Valley with the smoking chimneys sounded great ! That's a lovely Medieval church you're at, what history that place must hold. This trail was gorgeous and I loved the singing birds. The river looked beautiful and full too, and the smells definitely sounded like aromatherapy 🙂Loved the natural drinking water, so bad and sad that the salmon are being taken out of the river and 3 rods each ? 😳 It's good that you are highlighting this issue. Loved the look of your houmous and raw carrot, very healthy and the farm you passed by looked so nice and Troy House looked amazing from your photo. That looked like a beautiful place for a menory hike and the photos were so good to see :) ~ Anna 👍

[@WyeExplorer]

Hi there Anna. Glad you enjoyed this one memories of Paul and all. Yes, I had to come out and reflect back - it was a good day. Out of all you mentioned I especially liked the water coming out of the woods. Any chance to drink from nature is jumped at. Re-the food I'm trying to reduce the saturated fats in my diet - getting there. As for Troy House I've been inside to the side - it is awesome but in ruins. Many thanks Anna. All the best up there. Mark

[@chrishomer]

Thanks Mark, your videos are getting better all the time. As interesting as ever. Thought those dogs had you for a minute, and I’m with you on the smells. If they ever invent some kind of smellovision it will be truly awesome. On the Severn I’m sure I used to see more leaping salmon than you do now too. Thanks. Cold and bold. Will have to remember that one. I’m always leaving the car wrapped up and having to remove layers 10 minutes later

[@WyeExplorer]

Alright there Chris a pleasure to share bro. Glad they're alright. Ha, a bark worse than the bite - no bother! For sure whoever invents bottled nature will be a wealthy person - maybe they'll give back to nature. Yeah, the Severn is similar - I find it sad. I'm like you I go out wrapped up - I'll go bold and cold next time too. All the best. Mark

[@TerryMcGearyScotland]

Same in our hiking club: first little rise and we need a stop for many to lose a layer,.

[@WyeExplorer]

@@TerryMcGearyScotland And they'll probably do the same next time Terry. When do we learn? Take care.

[@saunteringsapsfords]

A lovely memorial walk Mark,remembering Paul.I know that area quite well,but unfortunately only by travelling the road,.The river looked like a river of chocolate, not so tasty I guess.I remember Mark,back in the same era,late 70s,being at the spot where the Monnow joins the Wye,and watching huge Salmon leaping, they were easily a metre long if not bigger.my dad and I were comparing them to the width of the car windscreen on the way home,was only a Datsun Sunny..but we see a few of them,so lucky to see that.used to do a bit of fishing there as a lad,never a threat to the fish though, never caught any,ha..Great video again Mark,take care.

[@WyeExplorer]

Hey, thanks bro - yeah at this time of year I'm compelled to go back. It's worth exploring this area - I recommend it and the Boat Inn - you'll love that and the chocolate river. Yeah, I can see that at the Monnow/Wye - a great memory of healthier Salmon times. Ha, it's good you were a hopeless fisherman. All the best out there. Mark

[@andrewnorris2]

Love the bridges especially the first, the white cast iron one. It looked fairly contemporary but not, as you said. Very elegant. Its great that even someone like yourself still finds unfamiliar parts on a familiar trail. Stunning countryside I can see why you keep returning to it again and again. An inspiring place for sure and in the footsteps of your brother a place resonate with meaning. Thanks, Mark

[@WyeExplorer]

Yeah, I'm a bridge fan Andrew. This is a nice one. Yeah, some new areas - as far as the valley is concerned as I said it's about 15 miles of woodland. Spectacular in the UK. Paul loved it - I had to come back this month. Thanks Andrew. Take care over there. Mark

[@Top.Mallorca]

So lovely relaxing place ! Best greetings from Mallorca Spain!

[@WyeExplorer]

Many thanks - yes it is good for you. All the best. Mark

[@DaveCollierCamping]

Outstanding

[@WyeExplorer]

Hi Dave. Many thanks. Mark

[@DaveCollierCamping]

@@WyeExplorer my pleasure

[@WyeExplorer]

@@DaveCollierCamping Appreciated.

[@mycolliesandme268]

Good calling out the fishing, the amount of rods as you said, and then on competition days bartonsham, Vicky bridge, old bridge,new bridge rowing club,up to hunderton bridge and to breinton.theyre everywhere,I can't walk my dogs along the river on them days, the risk of a fall out, which has happened, I've been told by some fishermen to put my dogs on the lead, in my local area, and half of them don't even live in Herefordshire. They come from far and wide to fish the Wye, and it's also the tackle, lines and hooks that get left to cause damage when they get tangled. A bit of a rant sorry. But mark this was a cracking walk talk and video, ATB Good man. 👍

[@WyeExplorer]

Yeah steve it's never in the reports but the mere fact they have to put the salmon bac k is informing us of a connection and any how as you rightly highlight there fisherman are greedy and their greed leaves behind all manner of litter - litter your dogs could die from. All good with the rant. Mark

[@solitaryrambler]

Great to see you on the Wye Valley Walk again Mark. Gorgeous day you had for it too. That churchyard where you and Paul were sitting in 2015 is where my great grandmother is buried, who was from Llandogo. Yeah I remember the Llandoger Trow pub in Bristol. Good memories of your chats with those guys at the Toll House at Bigsweir. It's a sad fact indeed about what could happen to our salmon. Troy House looks impressive, very grand indeed. So glad you got a photo of that. A fantastic walk then Mark, good going. All the best down there 👍

[@WyeExplorer]

Alright there Patrick, yeah always good to explore on such a fine day. Interesting to hear of your grandmother there. You really are from the valley. Gotta say I'm going to have a drink in that Bristol pub. For sure great to remember Patrick and his mate but not so good to recall the Salmon's demise. Re-Troy House You'd love it - I've been inside. It's a wreck - most rooms empty yet a portion is still lived in. Glad you enjoyed this one. Take care up there. Mark

[@smoggiewalks578]

a great walk with memoirs Mark. playing catch up on vides at the moment., salmon talk so many true comments we need to preserve our rivers, as well as embracing them. ATB Martin

[@WyeExplorer]

Morning Martin, yeah I always go back this time of year - the valley was pretty. Thanks mate. re-the salmon they have fished them to death over the decades. For sure our rivers need our help. All the best. Mark

[@straightouttacornwall]

I do love a wye explorer hiking vid :) Hope you're well bud and have a good christmas if I don't see you before then 🥾🥾🎄

[@WyeExplorer]

Hey, bro nice one dude. I'm Ok thanks - I trust you're well too. Crimbo - tucked away. All the best. Mark

[@NewHorizonsTravel]

Hello Mark, I.really enjoyed it You will have some fantastic memories. It is a breathtaking area of the country, have a lovely weekend 👍 😍 🥰 💕

[@WyeExplorer]

Hi there. Glad you enjoyed it - yeah some great old connections. It sure is a beautiful valley. Many thanks. Mark

[@JimTimber]

Superb as always Mark bro ! I hope you have a wonderful festive season my friend ! It's always a great pleasure to see the beautiful Wye Valley and the lovely old buildings like the Boat Inn.. pint of lemonade and lime for the trail ! Such a shame about the fish poulation !! ..mankind once again playing 'menace' to nature ! Awesome video Mark !

[@WyeExplorer]

Hey, Andy cheers bro. Yeah, tucked away for crimbo mate. Glad you enjoyed the valley - the boat inn is a nice zone. Yeah, next time I'll go with that drink in your honor. For sure fisherman have played their part. Such greedy fishing over the years. Take care my old friend. Mark

[@NBNatureTrailvan]

Absolutely wonderful Mark Just a superb day to be out. The river here is up high at the moment too. Everywhere boggy and now heavy frosts. We may get away without flooding That sunshine looked so good!! So bad that you can’t walk along that stretch of the river. 😨. People should keep dogs on leads if they can’t control them too! The Boat Inn looks wonderful and that whole area is just so spectacular! Interesting thoughts on the Salmon. The rivers generally were in a lot worse condition when I was a kid than they are now - Otters were non existent. So what is going on mate. Uk Ecology is the worst near enough anywhere. The Great Ouse here supports a really good Otter population so maybe as you say, the Wye has been fished to death. Did you know that there’s a petition out there to cull Otters as Barbel have reduced dramatically 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Couldn’t make it up 😃 We’re a mess mate - totally agree with all you say. Wow Troy House has some crazy security 😃. I expect they’ll knock it down. Well another great video Mark and wonderful photos with Paul. Always look forward to watching each week, have a good one 👍👍👍

[@WyeExplorer]

Hi Dave, yeah a nice day bro. Thanks for the weather report - I do enjoy that. Ah, it was alright down by the river - I just ascended a bank and the dogs went at it - no bother. For sure the boat inn is nice/I'll stop next time. Re-the otter yeah they weren't very healthy back then yet the Salmon were. Swings and roundabouts eh? Troy House is awesome - it's just been bought. Not sure of its future. Well, many thanks Dave. I hope you're both well over there. Mark

[@christophergriffiths4646]

Brilliant vid Mark , grew up in Llandogo 👍 it really is a stunning little village .. have plenty of amazing memories of the place .

[@WyeExplorer]

Hi there Chris, yeah a nice little place - would have been nice and quiet years ago. I'm sure you do have great memories. Many thanks. Mark

[@wozoutdoors1439]

good video, its true about the salmon ,when i was younger there used to be loads in the river clwyd ,you could see them jump , but now you dont see many at all . i would love to live in that toll house .

[@WyeExplorer]

Hi Warren, yeah the demise of Salmon stocks is replicated in many places. Funny you say that because the toll house is meant to be renovated. All the best. Mark

[@anitaevans2432]

Lovely walk! Well done for pointing out all the reasons for the demise of salmon in the Wye. It's incredibly sad & largely unnecessary too. Just in case this is your last video before Christmas, have a great time.

[@WyeExplorer]

Hi Anita, glad you enjoyed the walk - it was a nice day. Yeah, the Salmon - they have to put them back in recognition of their link to it. I resonate with your sadness there. Well, I have another video after this one. Have a great rest of the week. Mark

[@lifesahobby]

Congrats on the 4k subs .. Love the old photos and flash backs in your memories . I know that feeling when you walk into a place that is lovely and people are happy . I got that in Galway . . It's a shame that it is an exception most times . Thanks for another journey . . Sad time for you with your loss . . May your journeys be swift and safe

[@WyeExplorer]

Thanks bro - it's taken 13 years - there are people here two years who have sailed by. Glad you liked this one - yeah isn't it good to be greeted by such vibes? Re-my loss I have a different relationship with Paul now. It's not been easy but there you go. Thanks mate. All the best over there. Mark

[@lifesahobby]

@@WyeExplorer I can see the difference a bit . Stay golden

[@WyeExplorer]

@@lifesahobby Maybe here but sometimes it was tricky for people.

[@danexitsstreetview3273]

Great video Mark. Never been into fishing myself, but not good to hear the negative effect fishermen are having on the rivers. Very healthy lunch too. Putting us to shame!

[@WyeExplorer]

Alright Dan. Yeah mate for decades the greed of fishing has had an impact. I could tell you more. Re-the lunch - I try and keep saturated fats down. It's how my dear twin died. All the best. Mark

[@WyeindependantMedia]

good work buddy

[@WyeExplorer]

Alright there, many thanks. Mark

[@NorthwalesBushcrafters]

Love a good stroll sound of the river, I did a nice canal walk yesterday myself first one for a while done me some good getting out hopefully get out again next week 👍🙏 take car. Trev

[@WyeExplorer]

Cheers there Trev. Good to hear of the canal walk bro. Yeah, they work. Peace. Mark

[@NorwayHikesTrails]

Nice video and information. Thanks for sharing. Wishing you a great day 👍 😊

[@WyeExplorer]

Hey, bro. A pleasure to share. Glad you enjoyed. Same to you - all the best over there. Mark

[@FIVE-FOOTLyth]

Lovely walk Mark. I’ve been checking out Offa’s Dyke & the SW coast path too. I reckon that’s an adventure to be had in the near future! Your reflections on the salmon remind me of my school days in the North Yorkshire moors. The river Esk was filled with salmon back then, we could watch them leap. It’s sad to have them disappear so drastically. Troy House is well impressive! I notice your friend the swan made an appearance too. Well, from one trail trash to another… keep on exploring! Sue 😊

[@WyeExplorer]

Hey there Sue, glad you enjoyed this one. Yeah, I was due to do the Offa's Dyke then got injured. It's certainly a great trail. Ahh, them days when we would see the Salmon Esk and all. The rivers were alive. Re-Troy House it's an awesome place - 16th C. For sure the Swan was on time as was I. Hiker trash to the end. Mark

[@Andy-walkaboutnutty]

Hi Mark, I've never looked into the walks on the lower land. I know where you were, but I've never been there. I've driven down that road a few times in my car, and yet I mist all of what is on the edges. Nice one on the history, especially about the fishing. You've got to get real facts out there, warts and all. 👍💯

[@WyeExplorer]

Alright there Andy, I was like you mate - travelled through the valley by car since a young boy but walking is great. I recommend it. Yeah, fisherman have to put caught salmon back, which is telling. Thanks mate. Have a great weekend. Mark

[@JamieHarding5]

Hi Mark. Great vid. I need to get up that way soon. Nice photo of Paul looking at Tintern Abbey from the Devil's Pulpit. You explain a lot on your hikes, really good. So sad about the Salmon in the Wye. Nice to watch and chill on Sunday as I think about my next time out Thanks mate.👍

[@WyeExplorer]

Alright there Jamie, thanks - glad you liked the outing and the photo of Paul. Yeah, it was a good hike on the Offa's Dyke. Re- the explanations I just go with what my mind tells me to say. The salmon are a tragedy - caused by humans. Many thanks - all the best with your adventures. Mark

[@JamieHarding5]

Thanks mate. You too.👍

[@DesmondsDonders]

Nice one. Fisherman do manage to avoid their share of the blame. Back in the eighties I was part of the Salmon Counting station on a big Sottish River. It was thought the estuary nets were entirely to blame but we proved that a major drop in numbers had been caused when one of the estate farms allowed cattle into riverside fields. I have not really fished since though, only in the sea. Take care and stay safe.

[@WyeExplorer]

Hi Dave, they sure do avoid their fair share. So much greedy fishing over the decades. Interesting to hear of your links with the scene. For sure bank erosion doesn't help. I will take care - you too. Mark

[@DesmondsDonders]

@@WyeExplorer I was just a volunteer who knew how to to an analysis LOL

[@WyeExplorer]

@@DesmondsDonders Sounds good though Dave.

[@williamboundey4526]

Great video Mark ..really enjoyed it 👍Some great memories for you. Beautiful part of the country. Thanks for sharing. See you soon mate atvb Bounda!

[@WyeExplorer]

Hey, Bill glad you enjoyed this outing. Yeah, it was great to go over old ground. The valley is awesome. A pleasure to share. All the best up there. Mark

[@williamboundey4526]

@@WyeExplorer Thanks Mark ..looking forward to the next one! Take care mate 👍

[@WyeExplorer]

@@williamboundey4526 A pleasure as always Bill. Peace dude.

[@lifesahobby]

Fished to death .. That is so true . , . It's a very sad thing hunting . But awareness brings education. Good work bringing that awareness , thank you

[@WyeExplorer]

Yeah, bro over the decades they've gone after them Salmon - it aint just agriculture or what happens out at sea. Thanks dude. Mark

[@WalkWithWallace]

A cracking hike mate, I thought those dogs were going to have you. 😂 Would be great to see the Toll house restored and used again as someone's home. Salmon numbers crashing in Scotland too. The farmed salmon are crawling with lice and other nasties. Don't buy Scottish salmon. 🤮 Sorry I digress a bit.

[@WyeExplorer]

Alright there Robin - ha I always know their bark is worse than their bite. Yeah, it would be good to see that restored - perhaps flat for rent or a Wye Valley visitor center or something. Maan, it's bad bro what's happening to our beautiful nature. No apologies necessary. Mark

[@WalkWithWallace]

@@WyeExplorer ha yes, a bunch of softies really. I try and not think about it now, as it's depressing. 😔

[@WyeExplorer]

@@WalkWithWallace Yeah, people get scared over a little bite. It is a downer for sure-well all we can do is enjoy the good that's there.

[@Love.AnitaBlue717]

Well...Hello, mate! ... I did Not get your noticiation ...Just thought I'd check because I was answering about John Muir.I'm enjoying Mark..I will have to finish a bit later doorbell...

[@Love.AnitaBlue717]

1 day to the day!!..Novemeber 2016...7 yrs....Bless Dear Paul & You.🙏 I Am Making Salmon Tonight!! "Human!" lol.... I enjoy your beautiful vides very much...INCREDIBLE & Great Photo's!!! Love & Peace Anita 🎶💙🎶

[@WyeExplorer]

No worries Anita - yeah John Muir. Glad you're checking him out. Catch you up. Mark

[@WyeExplorer]

Yes, Anita to the day we hiked for the last time. That's why I went back to that area. Salmon? Hoped you enjoyed it. Thanks my friend. Peace and love. Mark

[@Love.AnitaBlue717]

@@WyeExplorer Good memories with your brother Paul...a beautiful place! Today would have been my eldest brother Carroll's Birthday. He past on 7-18-2017... The day my grandson was born. Aho. Thanks for your always welcome visits & kind comments. x

[@WyeExplorer]

@@Love.AnitaBlue717 Yes, Anita some great memories my friend. Ah, hats off to your brother. I'm sure he's got a story. Interesting dates there with your grandson. A pleasure as always. Be safe and well.

[@christopherellis2663]

To give, given, gave.( verb) A gift 🎁 noun, gifted 🫠adjective

[@WyeExplorer]

Alright there Chris. Now then mate what are you referring too. I always ask you to put me in the picture. All the best over there. Mark

[@christopherellis2663]

@@WyeExplorer " the house was ' gifted' ...."

[@WyeExplorer]

@@christopherellis2663 What house? Troy House or the Toll House? Be more specific.