That’s a very cool spot for the farmer to put the bench… what a view. Looks like a walkers paradise in the glorious sunshine. I must say, I love the trails that have access through old farm buildings. I like photographing the buildings. That chip shop is fab, tiny but a beautiful building 👌 I’m glad you managed to see the abbey from inside. Great condition for 1147 wow. Is that a working army base? Lucky to see such a big group of deer, not often do we get to see them in such large groups.
Hey, yeah Shameer a great surprise to have a bench there - loved the view. Re-the old farms I am a lover of them too. They have such a feel. As for chips I've enjoyed those out of there and can recommend them. Yes, the abbey is still strong - it is amazing. You'd enjoy it. The base? Yeah, still operational. As mentioned it's the base where the regiment (SAS) do a lot of their counter-terrorism training. Our dad used to take us in there. Always good to see the deer. Take care out there. Mark
Hi Abigail - you won't be disappointed by a visit. It is amazing and in a beautiful spot. Yes, the Rotherwas video is interesting. It also records how it was before recent developments. All the best my friend. Mark
@WyeExplorer so wonderful to have so beautiful nature where you live. Im Lucky too,live by the longest fjord in Denmark. There is a lot of farmland but also a lot of beautiful nature
Another stunning walk, Mark! The views and colours with the early winter sun were just beautiful. No block off path can stop you from getting to where you want to be, haha. The Abbey was a grand sight indeed... hopefully, it'll survive for many, many more years yet. That Cockerell really had feathers to show off, he was a beauty! What a treat to see the herd of deer - those antlers were amazing. A fantastic video, as always. Take care, Jenny 😊
Thanks Jenny, I had a really good mooch about colours and blocked odd paths - we make our own. Ha ha! For sure the abbey is a gem - I can see it their for another 8-900 years. As for the cockerel and deer, they were a treat - close together too. All the best out there. Mark
That was spectacular. Love the old buildings over yonder. Beautiful hazy view and the Dore Abbey was pretty amazing. Be careful hopping gates over there .
Hi there Maria, good to hear from you. Yeah, thanks to the farmer - cracking view. Hey, you have to visit the abbey - it's a gem. You'd love it. All the best old friend. Mark
Interesting walk again Mark, as per usual. We loved the old abbey and could almost smell the muskiness. Good on you standing your ground outside that boundary 😀
Hi Larry, glad you found some interest in this one. Yeah, the abbey is a gem - love that musky smell. Re-the lads at the boundary I wasn't accepting that. Thanks mate. All the best for the week ahead. Mark
I enjoyed that, Mark. Names I know but have not explored. I see a Pontrilas Timber lorry almost every time I travel along the motorway. Good to see how you were able to redirect your own way from the obstruction on to the road, early on. I'll have to rewatch your Trothy hike again, it's been a few years. I believe we're supposed to have a few days of dry weather now. I hope you'll keep getting out there. All the best.
Hey, there Olly - good to hear from you and glad you enjoyed this one. Hey, that's unusual you seeing the lorries and you're a wood worker. Ha, yeah always making up our own paths eh? No bother - all part of the fun. Yeah, the Trothy vid is there - in your own time Olly. Nice weather? Ah, good - I am out there trying to get my leg fitter. I trust you're well. All the best old mate. Mark
What a gem Mark that Dore Abbey is, the architecture and stonemasonry 👌🏻 I always take note of the positioning of altars and fonts. You might notice they built fonts in sometimes odd positions in places of worship. You usually find they are sometimes on leys, or just general energies atop of water. A dowser once showed me to dowse over a font, the rods crossed over very strongly. Mind you, the Christian church liked to build and give a nod of respect and acknowledgement to our original pagan sites as to build upon it's energy. Fantastic autumnal light in this film mate.
Hey, there, Andy. Yeah, it's a treasure tucked away in deepest Herefordshire. Interesting about the fonts-I shall have to take note and observe next time. Oh, yes, our former druid and pagan sites have been infiltrated alright. I just went to see the fifth oldest Yew in the country yesterday just over the border (5,000 years old, they say), and I mentioned that pre-Christian, they were gathering points. Thanks, my friend - yeah loved the light. Take care out there. Mark
Nice one Mark, a lovely time of year to show off that stunning scenery. I worked not far from The Base during the 8os mate. I was involved in communications then and the Base had a wonderful array of HF Antenna equipment in those days, which was used for long distance comms. Looking at the pic you showed, things have moved on considerably in that field. I can just imagine that little Brook being full of Trout back in the day. I have only ever caught Grayling once ( known as the Lady of the Lake ) and that was in County Fermanagh in Northern Ireland, they are a Beautiful little Fish and I believe good eating, though I have not tried one, I put the Girl back to swim another day. Enjoyed that Mark 👍👍
Hey, thanks steve. Yeah, nice and cool out with some colours. Interesting to hear of your work there in the 80's. They still have long-range coms there - well known for its communication gear. For sure lots of change. I'm sure Grayling is alright prepped right - nor sure if its bony. Good to hear of your fishing exploits. Glad you enjoyed this one - I had a time of it. All the best up there bro. Mark
A pleasure as always Mark. Yeah, it truly is a wonder inside. 11th C and still here. Yeah, Dad used to take us inside when we were young. They do a lot of anti-terror training there. re-the country it's right on the border - close to the Black Mountains. It is super nice. All the best. Mark
Hi there Cynthia. I'm so pleased you liked this outing. Yes, the abbey is a gem. I'm amazed it's still standing as other abbeys are ruins. A pleasure as always. Take care over there. Mark
Awesome views indeed. Another classic walk with you through some lovely countryside, villages and meeting people. The military sites and history is always interesting.
@@WyeExplorer Thanks mark ,im down your neck of the woods on a wednesday night at the hinton boxing club doing muay thai..they are doing there best to get me into shape..its a hard job aswell..happy christmas mate!
Nice hike, the landscape is beautiful. Interesting facts about Secret Base. I like the church with its rich medieval past and its historical, architectural, and spiritual significance.
Thanks. It is green and pleasant here. Re-the base we used to go in there as children as my dad was long-serving SAS. As for the abbey it's been standing a long time and is a real pleasure.
Really really interesting Mark bro !! The Abbey is truly awesome !! Henry King of the Fatmen missed this one then.. and thank a higher power ! ..an amazing edifice ! ..ha ha ..my house smells 'musky' ! lol You always meet such amazing people mate ! ..superb !!
Alright, there Andy, It sure is a treasure mate - ha yeah he missed it somehow - a mystery that. It is incredible - looks small outside but like a tardis inside and smells just like yours bro. Ha ha! Hey, always up for the people. Take care old mate. Mark
Loved the view from the bench, stunning in fact! Amazing Abbey you've shared with us, can indeed imagine those monks up and down the corridors! Shame you got challenged, some people just like to cause trouble, you were so in the right there Mark! A lovely watch as always, cheers, Simon👍
Yeah, it was a good view, Simon. It's only 366 meters, but that hill looks impressive from certain angles. Those corridors definitely evoke visions of monk life. Re-the challenge I wasn't having any of it. Many thanks old mate. Take care out there. Mark
Nice video Mark.. You are making some of your best films recently I would say... I thought this had a nice spirit of Adventure to it as well. You can tell you love Wales ..
Hey, thanks, Dave. I appreciate the kind words there. The funny thing is I get fewer views - it must be because I don't pay for them. I hope you're well old friend. All the best out there. Mark
Great stuff Mark. Thanks for the memories and thanks for the shout out. I remember loving Abbey Dore, an amazing place. I also have a memory of loads of mistletoe in the trees on Ewyas Harold Common, so it was good to spy some in the background as you crossed it. How infuriating re the blocked footpath. Report it to the relevant PROW Officer. I'm always doing it! And the nerve of the bikers too. I wonder if they were up to something illicit and you made them jumpy? Anyway, all the best mate and Merry Christmas.
Thanks, Chris. A pleasure to shout you out and to hear of your memories. Yeah, it's a pleasant area with blocked paths too. Ah, just make my own route. Re-the bikers they were on the base - may have been security or even regiment guys filling in time. Take care out there. Mark
Another good 'un Mark. Back in 2000 I remember doing a circular walk between Dore Abbey and Eywas Harold, but I think that's the only walk I've ever done in that area. I can vaguely remember the Common. Annoying when footpaths are blocked eh, but I'm sure you didn't upset anyone by cutting the farmyard. Glad you weren't put off by those dirt bikers. When you're in a public space you are in your rights to film whatever you wish. The Abbey was sure impressive, glad you got inside. Well as always I enjoyed that Mark. All the best down there 👍
Hey, Patrick - thanks. Yeah, I enjoyed this one - a rural ramble as you well know around there or at least c an remember slightly. Re-the footpath made my own eh? I enjoyed that as I did coming across the bikers. A bit of a vibe. And yeah, no harm being done by me. As for the abbey that is awesome - it really is. Your type of place of Patrick. Well, many thanks my friend. Have a great day. Mark
an sas base to start I did not expect that. Looks like a beautiful day for a walk. Lovely view from the bench :) Love these kind of walks, its exciting you never know what you will find :) i dont blame you for cutting through the farm, good find to get back on the path. Nice to meet with nick :) church looks beautiful x
Hi Kate, yeah the regiment is nearby (SAS). My dad was RSM 22 SAS when he left. He used to take us in there. For sure loved this walk shortcuts, friendly folk and all. It's green and pleasant outback there. And what with the abbey it has some hidden gems. All the best out there. Mark
Hi Mark. A cracking walk! Shame about the blocked path but you managed the detour well! The abbey is absolutely stunning isn't it. Thanks for sharing and keep 'em coming please.
what a great abbey , had me cup of tea ready whilst watching .there a big ammo dump in Llanberis ,i think for ww2 .that tree in your last video is really cool.
Hey there Warren, good to hear from you. Thanks for tuning in - yeah it was a good walk. I'm sure many remote spots saw ammunition dumps in the war - makes sense. Re-the tree that was special. Thanks mate. All the best. Mark
I visited Dore Abbey a few weeks ago, having first scaled Skirrid Fawr in the morning, then called in at various sites on my way back through Herefordshire. It's a truly amazing site, breathtaking in it's scale, and situated in one of the quietest and most interesting stretches of countryside around. Great video - thoroughly enjoyed this.
Alright there, the Skirrid and Abbey Dore - a good day out I'd say. Yes, it's a real treasure that survived. Many thanks - I'm glad you enjoyed this one. All the best. Mark
Enjoyed that Mark thanks. Dore Abbey is a beautiful place. Good to see the countryside as I'm currently laid up after a hand operation. Stay safd brother.
Hi there Derek, glad you liked this outing mate. Yeah, wonderful Golden valley and all good fun. The abbey is a gem. I hope you get well soon. All the best. Mark
Lovely walk Mark. Dore Abbey is a wonderful place to visit. There are some fabulously different churches there in Hereford. I'm currently burning an Apple Orchard candle in the evenings, which of course reminds me of Herefordshire. Seeing Garway Hill reminded me, of yet another novel by my favourite author, Phil Rickman, who sadly died last month. The Fabric of Sin is set around Garway (& the church). The Knights Templar and the SAS are woven into the story. Happy walking! 😊
It sure was Anita. Yeah, Abbey Dore is a real treasure. I agree there are some great places in the shire. The candle sounds great - just the job for memory and winter. I looked up the book - very intriguing. I'm not sure if you know but my dad was SAS. They're a bunch for sure. Well, always good to gear from you. Have a great rest of the week. Mark
Hello Mark mate. 4 times I've tried to comment. It keeps dissappearing. If this stays up I'll add to it... That was so good to watch. Nice the farmer put the bench there. Beautiful views to the mountains. Dore Abbey, oh man! What a place, I've never even heard of it. You share some gems mate. You inspire many to go out and explore. The blokes on the bikes seemed a little heavy, easily done when there's a few of the them. Run to police😃 Nicely handled. You saw beautifully deers and stags. Amazing. You walk and talk so well, miles and miles better than me. One day I might bump into you on a mountain. I plan to walk lots next year. Thank you for what you share, always very inspiring mate. All the best Mark. Jamie👋
Alright there Jamie. Hey, worked and stuck this time. Thanks for the encouraging comment. Such good videos so few views after 13 years on YT. Well, I enjoy the walks and sharing what I feel and see. I'm glad you resonated with it - for sure the abbey is a gem. Re-the guys on bikes - they gave it a go. All the best with your walks for 2025. Take care and be well out there. Mark
@@WyeExplorer I understand what you mean Mark. The trouble is now everything is fast paced and backwards. People want to see everything in a few seconds or minutes. The way you share is the right way. I would always prefer watching yours over mine, 100%. I have one tomorrow and I'm not happy at all with it. The wind was crazy, I failed the camp, long story. My videos are fast food McDonald's etc, yours are steak. Thanks for always sharing the gems and telling a story Mark, you take us on your journey👍
Hi Mark, nice one, not been to that area for many many years. I have actually been inside the pontrilas training camp, was taken in with a friend who's dad was in the service, i was 14/15 yrs old. Had a go on an assault course,i remember mock and old empty buildings and old buses and cars used for training, and a train and old plane. My friends dad showed us where they strung up animal carcases for some reason. I've also done some work in Ewas Harold back in the day, nice pub and that river did indeed have brown trout. But you know I've never actually been in the Abbey. Not a fan of religion, but remarkable all the same. And a nice bit of luck to see some fallow deer with stags. I think rutting is over now, well it is for me these days 😊. Thanks for sharing. I shall say have a good Christmas, although it is a bitter sweet time. Emposed upon us. ATB mark take care.😊👍
Hi there Steve, good to hear from you. Hey, good to hear of your adventures inside too. It sounds very familiar to when Dad used to take us in there. Interesting eh? And the work? A good job no doubt. Yeah, the pub is nice - I chose 'The Dog Inn.' Re-the abbey I'm not religious but I can appreciate the beauty. You'd enjoy a visit. As for the deer - yeah that was cool. A pleasure to share bro. Ah, Christmas - yeah you know as well as I do. Take care out there. Mark
Nice one, I expect that rider was a new Lance Jack showing off to his Squaddie mates LOL. Lovely area around there. I have trained there but not at Pontrilas.
You might be right Dave - the helmets obscured all. It is super nice here. Interesting to hear of your training - possibly Credenhill back in the day. All the best. Mark
A good walk that Mark and a good vibe too (apart from the bike patrol 🤭) But wow Dore Abbey ! how is it it’s still there? Mind Tewkesbury Abbey still stands so a few did survive 🙏🏼(luck of the. Draw sounds about right (plus gold and the right thing said to the right person !) Hope you enjoyed that brew and that peaceful walk back mate 👌🏻 Very best wishes Simon 🤠👍
Alright there Simon, yeah all good vibes on this one. A little disturbance but hey we can handle that. You're right Tewksbury does still stand - a few survived. Yep, brew was good at the best table. Many thanks - have a god one. Mark
Another must vist for me Mark,it's bad when paths are blocked, surely not legal,but I guess so many excuses can be used,like the way you skipped though the farmyard, as you said no harm done,but people can be really funny about that sometimes, I bet you have been challenged, I'm sure over the years I have come across it.I reckon they must of been Regiment guys on the EV bikes.like you said,not doing any harm,.Great vlog again Mark, take care buddy.
Morning Mark, yeah totally obscured but hey we make our own paths eh? I was respectful. Indeed, like you I've been moved on before now. They might have been regiment - you know filling in time having fun. But I got my point across. Many thanks, Mark - glad you liked this one. All the best for the day. Mark
Any time i try to take a short cut through a farm , theres always dogs 🐕 😅, an usually not friendly ones , cracking video and walk as always mate 👍 atb
I don't think I've been inside Dore Abbey, though I've walked and cycled past - it must not have been open ! It's quite a surprise inside, as you say. Glad you could show us. You had a rare sunny day also. Those blokes on bikes should either formally show you some id, or mind their own business, in my view Mark. I know people have been challenged (by police) when filming _through_ the main front gates of Pontrilas, which is a bit of a provocative thing to do if you ask me, but you were not doing that. Having said that, I was surprised to see a fairly modern train parked in there - there must still be rail lines inside, and the train must be for training purposes I suppose... The radio aerials they have there these days are quite something, that gives you a clue about the current importance of that base I would say, so they are probably a bit jumpy :o) Cheers, Dave
I recommend a visit, Dave. It's amazing tucked away there. Yeah, not bothered by those guys - I did wonder on the road if I'd see the cops. I get the videos out front you mean and agree. Re-the train I spoke about the training later but didn't include it in the edit. No doubt they're assaulted. As for the aerials - yeah lots of communication. They're spending a bomb on Credenhill right now. Thanks, Dave - good to hear from you. All the best. Mark
Nice area there Mark, thanks for the wander. Annoying when paths are blocked. The abbey is amazing - such an impressive place in the middle of the countryside there. How did the train get there without any tracks? Cheers, Warren :)
It is Warren - gorgeous around there. When paths are blocked we make new ones - ha ha! For sure it's an awesome abbey tucked away there. Re-the train - it was probably moved in by way of a few trucks - a training facility no doubt but I wasn't speaking about that at the time. Thanks mate. All the best. Mark
Interesting walk Mark , yes utter bollocks you can film for sure. I reckon that train is used for training , hostage stuff I reckon. We did some training with a police tactical unit years ago, I say training we were the hostages and the police blew the windows out and rescued us 😂 a fun day indeed 👍 atb Dave 👍
Alright there Dave, yeah a fair bit in it. For sure bollocks and I told em. Yeah, I went through the setup later but I had no space in the edit. Sounds like you had a rad time there mate. Many thanks. Mark
Morning Mark, that was an eventful walk, path closed so used your map and passed through the farm i would have risked it, always thoughtful going into really old building like Dore Abbey which was still in good condition, was you out near the SAS secret base to keep security on there toes mate but hay you wasnt doing anything wrong and the icing on the cake was the old line and deers great day out cheers nigel
Yeah, Nige a few twists and turns. Re-the abbey you can't help but be a bit hushed in such places - so spectacular in design. Ha, I never imagined I'd see anyone that side of the base but there they were out of nowhere. Yes, them deer were fantastic. Thanks Nige. All the best out there. Mark
Lovely landscape Mark, and a lovely day. I wonder why that right of way was blocked? If they get blocked for long enough without use I was told they cease to be rights of way but not sure if that’s true. What a beautiful abbey. Very impressive!
Yeah, has been for many years Andy. Dad used to run a lot of the training there. He'd take us inside - there were parachutes as bashas and jet planes etc. Blessed I'd say. Thanks my old friend. All the best over there. Mark
Amazing old church in good condition. What a find. I wonder if those annoying guys on bikes were just trouble=makers.Who wants confrontation on a hike. I had some during a livestream just a few weeks . A guy pulled up in his Porsche and tried to tell us we were walking through his 'garden'.We were actually a walking down a tarred avenue that cars and forestry vehicles would be passing along. This is Scotland with its 'Right to Roam' legislation within sensible reason of course! He objected to me 'filming' there too! I pointed out I had been liivestreaming all the hike. I didn't film him but got some of his comments recorded. Spoilsa day out to some extent . Be nice to meet him again when 20 of us march past! Take care of the ankle Mark.
It's an incredible window into the ages Terry. You'd like the feel of this one. Those guys could have been regiment filling in time - they were just being authority. Re-the Porsche guy he sounds like a d..k head. Although with the material wealth even envious of you guys. Ha, yeah he wouldn't be a match for all of you. Well, thanks Terry - see you out there. Mark
Another cracking walk what a fabulous Abbey amazing cheers Andy
Hi Andy, I enjoyed this rural ramble - the abbey is a gem. All the best. Mark
That’s a very cool spot for the farmer to put the bench… what a view. Looks like a walkers paradise in the glorious sunshine. I must say, I love the trails that have access through old farm buildings. I like photographing the buildings. That chip shop is fab, tiny but a beautiful building 👌 I’m glad you managed to see the abbey from inside. Great condition for 1147 wow. Is that a working army base? Lucky to see such a big group of deer, not often do we get to see them in such large groups.
Hey, yeah Shameer a great surprise to have a bench there - loved the view. Re-the old farms I am a lover of them too. They have such a feel. As for chips I've enjoyed those out of there and can recommend them. Yes, the abbey is still strong - it is amazing. You'd enjoy it. The base? Yeah, still operational. As mentioned it's the base where the regiment (SAS) do a lot of their counter-terrorism training. Our dad used to take us in there. Always good to see the deer. Take care out there. Mark
nice video love the look of that abbey i must visit there
Hey Mark, must visit dore abbey, so much history there! Going to look for your munitions video now from rotherwas 🙂 hope you are keeping well
Hi Abigail - you won't be disappointed by a visit. It is amazing and in a beautiful spot. Yes, the Rotherwas video is interesting. It also records how it was before recent developments. All the best my friend. Mark
Interesting and beautiful landscapes you walk through. Nice littel river. Have a great day. Søren 😊
Hi Soren - not far from home. I love it here. Yes, a small little river but it takes a pretty course. All the best. Mark
@WyeExplorer so wonderful to have so beautiful nature where you live. Im Lucky too,live by the longest fjord in Denmark. There is a lot of farmland but also a lot of beautiful nature
wonderful video.Thank you for sharing.
Hi there - a real pleasure to share - glad you liked it. All the best. Mark
Another stunning walk, Mark! The views and colours with the early winter sun were just beautiful. No block off path can stop you from getting to where you want to be, haha. The Abbey was a grand sight indeed... hopefully, it'll survive for many, many more years yet. That Cockerell really had feathers to show off, he was a beauty! What a treat to see the herd of deer - those antlers were amazing. A fantastic video, as always. Take care, Jenny 😊
Thanks Jenny, I had a really good mooch about colours and blocked odd paths - we make our own. Ha ha! For sure the abbey is a gem - I can see it their for another 8-900 years. As for the cockerel and deer, they were a treat - close together too. All the best out there. Mark
Nice one Mark. Yove now boosted the visitor appeal of Hereford 😂👍
Many thanks, Harry. A food time had - gad to hitch back later. Yeah, a bit of promotion. Cheers, Mark
That was spectacular. Love the old buildings over yonder. Beautiful hazy view and the Dore Abbey was pretty amazing. Be careful hopping gates over there .
Oh and the deer and rooster were beauties
Alright there, Mike-thanks. Yeah, Dore Abbey is a 900-year wonder. I will be careful. Mark
I was happy to see them Mike.
What a bench with a view Mark, beautiful. To my shame I have never been to Abbey Dore either & need to put that right
Hi there Maria, good to hear from you. Yeah, thanks to the farmer - cracking view. Hey, you have to visit the abbey - it's a gem. You'd love it. All the best old friend. Mark
amazing tour
thank you
Yeah, it's pretty good out there. All the best. Mark
Interesting walk again Mark, as per usual. We loved the old abbey and could almost smell the muskiness. Good on you standing your ground outside that boundary 😀
Hi Larry, glad you found some interest in this one. Yeah, the abbey is a gem - love that musky smell. Re-the lads at the boundary I wasn't accepting that. Thanks mate. All the best for the week ahead. Mark
Such a beautiful work my friend, place looks so atmospheric! 🥾
Hey, brother - thanks. It was green and misty out - loved the abbey. Take care. Mark
Amazing share
Hi there Dave. Many thanks. Mark
@ Mark enjoy your day
@@DaveCollierCamping I will Dave - grey but dry here. Take care.
Great hiking tour and very informative ! Beautiful landscape specially that river. Thanks for sharing, enjoyed the full watch 👍
Ho there Gabe, many thanks. A pleasure to share the abbey, area, and river. All the best. Mark
A lovely film Mark. Thanks.
Hi there Pauline, good to hear from you. I'm glad you enjoyed this one - you'd love the abbey. All the best. Mark
I enjoyed that, Mark. Names I know but have not explored. I see a Pontrilas Timber lorry almost every time I travel along the motorway. Good to see how you were able to redirect your own way from the obstruction on to the road, early on. I'll have to rewatch your Trothy hike again, it's been a few years.
I believe we're supposed to have a few days of dry weather now. I hope you'll keep getting out there. All the best.
Hey, there Olly - good to hear from you and glad you enjoyed this one. Hey, that's unusual you seeing the lorries and you're a wood worker. Ha, yeah always making up our own paths eh? No bother - all part of the fun. Yeah, the Trothy vid is there - in your own time Olly. Nice weather? Ah, good - I am out there trying to get my leg fitter. I trust you're well. All the best old mate. Mark
Looks like an interesting mix of history and beautiful scenery! Nice film for sure.. you have some great footage in this video 😊👍
Hey, friend - yes a real historical gem ricked away on the border with Wales and England. Many thanks. All the best out there. Mark
Beautiful destination. The Dore abbey is amazingly beautiful and enjoyed your awesome tour and tagging along! ATB!
Hi there Becca. Yes, it's a real treasure tucked away there. I'm glad you liked the tour. Have a great week ahead. Mark
What a gem Mark that Dore Abbey is, the architecture and stonemasonry 👌🏻 I always take note of the positioning of altars and fonts. You might notice they built fonts in sometimes odd positions in places of worship. You usually find they are sometimes on leys, or just general energies atop of water. A dowser once showed me to dowse over a font, the rods crossed over very strongly. Mind you, the Christian church liked to build and give a nod of respect and acknowledgement to our original pagan sites as to build upon it's energy. Fantastic autumnal light in this film mate.
Hey, there, Andy. Yeah, it's a treasure tucked away in deepest Herefordshire. Interesting about the fonts-I shall have to take note and observe next time. Oh, yes, our former druid and pagan sites have been infiltrated alright. I just went to see the fifth oldest Yew in the country yesterday just over the border (5,000 years old, they say), and I mentioned that pre-Christian, they were gathering points. Thanks, my friend - yeah loved the light. Take care out there. Mark
Nice one Mark, a lovely time of year to show off that stunning scenery. I worked not far from The Base during the 8os mate. I was involved in communications then and the Base had a wonderful array of HF Antenna equipment in those days, which was used for long distance comms. Looking at the pic you showed, things have moved on considerably in that field. I can just imagine that little Brook being full of Trout back in the day. I have only ever caught Grayling once ( known as the Lady of the Lake ) and that was in County Fermanagh in Northern Ireland, they are a Beautiful little Fish and I believe good eating, though I have not tried one, I put the Girl back to swim another day. Enjoyed that Mark 👍👍
Hey, thanks steve. Yeah, nice and cool out with some colours. Interesting to hear of your work there in the 80's. They still have long-range coms there - well known for its communication gear. For sure lots of change. I'm sure Grayling is alright prepped right - nor sure if its bony. Good to hear of your fishing exploits. Glad you enjoyed this one - I had a time of it. All the best up there bro. Mark
@@WyeExplorer 👌👌
Thanks for taking us along Mark. That Abbey was something else; interesting facts on the base. Splendid country as always. ATB Mark.
A pleasure as always Mark. Yeah, it truly is a wonder inside. 11th C and still here. Yeah, Dad used to take us inside when we were young. They do a lot of anti-terror training there. re-the country it's right on the border - close to the Black Mountains. It is super nice. All the best. Mark
Very enjoyable video Mark. The abbey is amazing! Thanks for sharing such a lovely walk
Hi there Cynthia. I'm so pleased you liked this outing. Yes, the abbey is a gem. I'm amazed it's still standing as other abbeys are ruins. A pleasure as always. Take care over there. Mark
Awesome views indeed. Another classic walk with you through some lovely countryside, villages and meeting people. The military sites and history is always interesting.
Hi Max, glad you liked the area and the military site. All the best out there. Mark
very nice video...good stuff mate!
Alright there Flash. Thanks old mate. All the best. Mark
@@WyeExplorer Thanks mark ,im down your neck of the woods on a wednesday night at the hinton boxing club doing muay thai..they are doing there best to get me into shape..its a hard job aswell..happy christmas mate!
Nice hike, the landscape is beautiful. Interesting facts about Secret Base. I like the church with its rich medieval past and its historical, architectural, and spiritual significance.
Thanks. It is green and pleasant here. Re-the base we used to go in there as children as my dad was long-serving SAS. As for the abbey it's been standing a long time and is a real pleasure.
Really really interesting Mark bro !! The Abbey is truly awesome !! Henry King of the Fatmen missed this one then.. and thank a higher power ! ..an amazing edifice ! ..ha ha ..my house smells 'musky' ! lol
You always meet such amazing people mate ! ..superb !!
Alright, there Andy, It sure is a treasure mate - ha yeah he missed it somehow - a mystery that. It is incredible - looks small outside but like a tardis inside and smells just like yours bro. Ha ha! Hey, always up for the people. Take care old mate. Mark
Loved the view from the bench, stunning in fact!
Amazing Abbey you've shared with us, can indeed imagine those monks up and down the corridors!
Shame you got challenged, some people just like to cause trouble, you were so in the right there Mark!
A lovely watch as always, cheers, Simon👍
Yeah, it was a good view, Simon. It's only 366 meters, but that hill looks impressive from certain angles. Those corridors definitely evoke visions of monk life. Re-the challenge I wasn't having any of it. Many thanks old mate. Take care out there. Mark
Nice walk and video. Nice with the secret SAS base, that no one knows about 🙂 Wishing you all the best.
Many thanks old mate. Ha, not so secret with people like me around. Take care. Mark
Nice video Mark.. You are making some of your best films recently I would say... I thought this had a nice spirit of Adventure to it as well. You can tell you love Wales ..
Hey, thanks, Dave. I appreciate the kind words there. The funny thing is I get fewer views - it must be because I don't pay for them. I hope you're well old friend. All the best out there. Mark
@WyeExplorer Thanks for the reply Mark .. Sorry about the fewer views.. I wish I knew the reason for it..
@@davidkeel Get, always enjoy chatting with your good self Dave. No worries - I'm not going to panic.
Great stuff Mark. Thanks for the memories and thanks for the shout out. I remember loving Abbey Dore, an amazing place. I also have a memory of loads of mistletoe in the trees on Ewyas Harold Common, so it was good to spy some in the background as you crossed it. How infuriating re the blocked footpath. Report it to the relevant PROW Officer. I'm always doing it! And the nerve of the bikers too. I wonder if they were up to something illicit and you made them jumpy? Anyway, all the best mate and Merry Christmas.
Thanks, Chris. A pleasure to shout you out and to hear of your memories. Yeah, it's a pleasant area with blocked paths too. Ah, just make my own route. Re-the bikers they were on the base - may have been security or even regiment guys filling in time. Take care out there. Mark
Another good 'un Mark. Back in 2000 I remember doing a circular walk between Dore Abbey and Eywas Harold, but I think that's the only walk I've ever done in that area. I can vaguely remember the Common. Annoying when footpaths are blocked eh, but I'm sure you didn't upset anyone by cutting the farmyard. Glad you weren't put off by those dirt bikers. When you're in a public space you are in your rights to film whatever you wish. The Abbey was sure impressive, glad you got inside. Well as always I enjoyed that Mark. All the best down there 👍
Hey, Patrick - thanks. Yeah, I enjoyed this one - a rural ramble as you well know around there or at least c an remember slightly. Re-the footpath made my own eh? I enjoyed that as I did coming across the bikers. A bit of a vibe. And yeah, no harm being done by me. As for the abbey that is awesome - it really is. Your type of place of Patrick. Well, many thanks my friend. Have a great day. Mark
an sas base to start I did not expect that. Looks like a beautiful day for a walk. Lovely view from the bench :) Love these kind of walks, its exciting you never know what you will find :) i dont blame you for cutting through the farm, good find to get back on the path. Nice to meet with nick :) church looks beautiful x
Hi Kate, yeah the regiment is nearby (SAS). My dad was RSM 22 SAS when he left. He used to take us in there. For sure loved this walk shortcuts, friendly folk and all. It's green and pleasant outback there. And what with the abbey it has some hidden gems. All the best out there. Mark
Morning Mark, lovely walk enjoyed watching with my morning cuppa tea. Hope you survived the floods atb Martin
Hi Martin, many thanks - yeah it was a good one. I'm out of the flood zone thankfully. All the best. Mark
@WyeExplorer glad to hear, and see more interesting places for me to explore. Martin
Hi Mark. A cracking walk! Shame about the blocked path but you managed the detour well! The abbey is absolutely stunning isn't it. Thanks for sharing and keep 'em coming please.
Hey, there Tim. Yeah, I enjoyed this one blocked path and all. The abbey is great for photos - you'd enjoy it. Thanks my friend. All the best. Mark
what a great abbey , had me cup of tea ready whilst watching .there a big ammo dump in Llanberis ,i think for ww2 .that tree in your last video is really cool.
Hey there Warren, good to hear from you. Thanks for tuning in - yeah it was a good walk. I'm sure many remote spots saw ammunition dumps in the war - makes sense. Re-the tree that was special. Thanks mate. All the best. Mark
I visited Dore Abbey a few weeks ago, having first scaled Skirrid Fawr in the morning, then called in at various sites on my way back through Herefordshire.
It's a truly amazing site, breathtaking in it's scale, and situated in one of the quietest and most interesting stretches of countryside around. Great video - thoroughly enjoyed this.
Alright there, the Skirrid and Abbey Dore - a good day out I'd say. Yes, it's a real treasure that survived. Many thanks - I'm glad you enjoyed this one. All the best. Mark
Enjoyed that Mark thanks. Dore Abbey is a beautiful place. Good to see the countryside as I'm currently laid up after a hand operation. Stay safd brother.
Hi there Derek, glad you liked this outing mate. Yeah, wonderful Golden valley and all good fun. The abbey is a gem. I hope you get well soon. All the best. Mark
Lovely walk Mark. Dore Abbey is a wonderful place to visit. There are some fabulously different churches there in Hereford. I'm currently burning an Apple Orchard candle in the evenings, which of course reminds me of Herefordshire. Seeing Garway Hill reminded me, of yet another novel by my favourite author, Phil Rickman, who sadly died last month. The Fabric of Sin is set around Garway (& the church). The Knights Templar and the SAS are woven into the story. Happy walking! 😊
It sure was Anita. Yeah, Abbey Dore is a real treasure. I agree there are some great places in the shire. The candle sounds great - just the job for memory and winter. I looked up the book - very intriguing. I'm not sure if you know but my dad was SAS. They're a bunch for sure. Well, always good to gear from you. Have a great rest of the week. Mark
Hello Mark mate.
4 times I've tried to comment.
It keeps dissappearing.
If this stays up I'll add to it...
That was so good to watch.
Nice the farmer put the bench there. Beautiful views to the mountains.
Dore Abbey, oh man! What a place, I've never even heard of it.
You share some gems mate.
You inspire many to go out and explore.
The blokes on the bikes seemed a little heavy, easily done when there's a few of the them.
Run to police😃
Nicely handled.
You saw beautifully deers and stags. Amazing.
You walk and talk so well, miles and miles better than me.
One day I might bump into you on a mountain.
I plan to walk lots next year.
Thank you for what you share, always very inspiring mate.
All the best Mark. Jamie👋
Alright there Jamie. Hey, worked and stuck this time. Thanks for the encouraging comment. Such good videos so few views after 13 years on YT. Well, I enjoy the walks and sharing what I feel and see. I'm glad you resonated with it - for sure the abbey is a gem. Re-the guys on bikes - they gave it a go. All the best with your walks for 2025. Take care and be well out there. Mark
@@WyeExplorer
I understand what you mean Mark.
The trouble is now everything is fast paced and backwards.
People want to see everything in a few seconds or minutes.
The way you share is the right way.
I would always prefer watching yours over mine, 100%.
I have one tomorrow and I'm not happy at all with it.
The wind was crazy, I failed the camp, long story.
My videos are fast food McDonald's etc, yours are steak.
Thanks for always sharing the gems and telling a story Mark, you take us on your journey👍
nice route with plenty of views and history Mark. id say they were regiment lads on the bikes for sure 👍
Yeah, it was a good mooch Tony views, history and all. They could have been regiment guys filling in time. Thanks mate. Mark
Hi Mark, nice one, not been to that area for many many years. I have actually been inside the pontrilas training camp, was taken in with a friend who's dad was in the service, i was 14/15 yrs old. Had a go on an assault course,i remember mock and old empty buildings and old buses and cars used for training, and a train and old plane. My friends dad showed us where they strung up animal carcases for some reason. I've also done some work in Ewas Harold back in the day, nice pub and that river did indeed have brown trout. But you know I've never actually been in the Abbey. Not a fan of religion, but remarkable all the same. And a nice bit of luck to see some fallow deer with stags. I think rutting is over now, well it is for me these days 😊. Thanks for sharing. I shall say have a good Christmas, although it is a bitter sweet time. Emposed upon us. ATB mark take care.😊👍
Hi there Steve, good to hear from you. Hey, good to hear of your adventures inside too. It sounds very familiar to when Dad used to take us in there. Interesting eh? And the work? A good job no doubt. Yeah, the pub is nice - I chose 'The Dog Inn.' Re-the abbey I'm not religious but I can appreciate the beauty. You'd enjoy a visit. As for the deer - yeah that was cool. A pleasure to share bro. Ah, Christmas - yeah you know as well as I do. Take care out there. Mark
Nice one, I expect that rider was a new Lance Jack showing off to his Squaddie mates LOL. Lovely area around there. I have trained there but not at Pontrilas.
You might be right Dave - the helmets obscured all. It is super nice here. Interesting to hear of your training - possibly Credenhill back in the day. All the best. Mark
@@WyeExplorer Credenhill and Moreton on Lugg were the places.
@@DesmondsDonders Yes, Crednhill former RAF and Moreton was of course supply. Interesting that Dave.
A good walk that Mark and a good vibe too (apart from the bike patrol 🤭)
But wow Dore Abbey ! how is it it’s still there? Mind Tewkesbury Abbey still stands so a few did survive 🙏🏼(luck of the. Draw sounds about right (plus gold and the right thing said to the right person !)
Hope you enjoyed that brew and that peaceful walk back mate 👌🏻
Very best wishes
Simon 🤠👍
Alright there Simon, yeah all good vibes on this one. A little disturbance but hey we can handle that. You're right Tewksbury does still stand - a few survived. Yep, brew was good at the best table. Many thanks - have a god one. Mark
Nice video Mark...good to see you were not detered by those bikers..i have had a few run ins with folk like that myself..cheers mate.
Cheers there Steve. Nah, they can't shoot me. Yeah, they're not exclusive to here. I'm sure you're the same. All the best. Mark
Another must vist for me Mark,it's bad when paths are blocked, surely not legal,but I guess so many excuses can be used,like the way you skipped though the farmyard, as you said no harm done,but people can be really funny about that sometimes, I bet you have been challenged, I'm sure over the years I have come across it.I reckon they must of been Regiment guys on the EV bikes.like you said,not doing any harm,.Great vlog again Mark, take care buddy.
Morning Mark, yeah totally obscured but hey we make our own paths eh? I was respectful. Indeed, like you I've been moved on before now. They might have been regiment - you know filling in time having fun. But I got my point across. Many thanks, Mark - glad you liked this one. All the best for the day. Mark
Any time i try to take a short cut through a farm , theres always dogs 🐕 😅, an usually not friendly ones , cracking video and walk as always mate 👍 atb
Alright there Gaz, hey I was fortunate I reckon. I come across the dogs too. Many thanks old mate. Mark
I don't think I've been inside Dore Abbey, though I've walked and cycled past - it must not have been open ! It's quite a surprise inside, as you say. Glad you could show us. You had a rare sunny day also.
Those blokes on bikes should either formally show you some id, or mind their own business, in my view Mark. I know people have been challenged (by police) when filming _through_ the main front gates of Pontrilas, which is a bit of a provocative thing to do if you ask me, but you were not doing that. Having said that, I was surprised to see a fairly modern train parked in there - there must still be rail lines inside, and the train must be for training purposes I suppose... The radio aerials they have there these days are quite something, that gives you a clue about the current importance of that base I would say, so they are probably a bit jumpy :o) Cheers, Dave
I recommend a visit, Dave. It's amazing tucked away there. Yeah, not bothered by those guys - I did wonder on the road if I'd see the cops. I get the videos out front you mean and agree. Re-the train I spoke about the training later but didn't include it in the edit. No doubt they're assaulted. As for the aerials - yeah lots of communication. They're spending a bomb on Credenhill right now. Thanks, Dave - good to hear from you. All the best. Mark
Nice area there Mark, thanks for the wander. Annoying when paths are blocked. The abbey is amazing - such an impressive place in the middle of the countryside there. How did the train get there without any tracks? Cheers, Warren :)
It is Warren - gorgeous around there. When paths are blocked we make new ones - ha ha! For sure it's an awesome abbey tucked away there. Re-the train - it was probably moved in by way of a few trucks - a training facility no doubt but I wasn't speaking about that at the time. Thanks mate. All the best. Mark
Interesting walk Mark , yes utter bollocks you can film for sure. I reckon that train is used for training , hostage stuff I reckon. We did some training with a police tactical unit years ago, I say training we were the hostages and the police blew the windows out and rescued us 😂 a fun day indeed 👍 atb Dave 👍
Alright there Dave, yeah a fair bit in it. For sure bollocks and I told em. Yeah, I went through the setup later but I had no space in the edit. Sounds like you had a rad time there mate. Many thanks. Mark
Morning Mark, that was an eventful walk, path closed so used your map and passed through the farm i would have risked it, always thoughtful going into really old building like Dore Abbey which was still in good condition, was you out near the SAS secret base to keep security on there toes mate but hay you wasnt doing anything wrong and the icing on the cake was the old line and deers great day out cheers nigel
Yeah, Nige a few twists and turns. Re-the abbey you can't help but be a bit hushed in such places - so spectacular in design. Ha, I never imagined I'd see anyone that side of the base but there they were out of nowhere. Yes, them deer were fantastic. Thanks Nige. All the best out there. Mark
@@WyeExplorer dont know how your festive period looks but hopefully its a good one
@@nigelharness9032 Not good Nige - never is this time of year. I just get through it as peacefully as I can. Thanks mate.
Lovely landscape Mark, and a lovely day. I wonder why that right of way was blocked? If they get blocked for long enough without use I was told they cease to be rights of way but not sure if that’s true. What a beautiful abbey. Very impressive!
Hi Sue - yeah lovely green and rolling out there. Not sure about the path but hey I made my own. Ha ha! Re-the abbey it is glorious. Many thanks. Mark
Amazing that the WW1 military base is used by the Regiment ! ..awesome !!
Yeah, has been for many years Andy. Dad used to run a lot of the training there. He'd take us inside - there were parachutes as bashas and jet planes etc. Blessed I'd say. Thanks my old friend. All the best over there. Mark
@@WyeExplorer That's superb Mark bro ! ..wonderful ! ..your Dad was amazing !! ..awesome !!
@@JimTimber Ah, he was a goodun Andy - ordinary bloke down the bookies. You would have got on.
Amazing old church in good condition. What a find. I wonder if those annoying guys on bikes were just trouble=makers.Who wants confrontation on a hike. I had some during a livestream just a few weeks . A guy pulled up in his Porsche and tried to tell us we were walking through his 'garden'.We were actually a walking down a tarred avenue that cars and forestry vehicles would be passing along. This is Scotland with its 'Right to Roam' legislation within sensible reason of course! He objected to me 'filming' there too! I pointed out I had been liivestreaming all the hike. I didn't film him but got some of his comments recorded. Spoilsa day out to some extent . Be nice to meet him again when 20 of us march past! Take care of the ankle Mark.
It's an incredible window into the ages Terry. You'd like the feel of this one. Those guys could have been regiment filling in time - they were just being authority. Re-the Porsche guy he sounds like a d..k head. Although with the material wealth even envious of you guys. Ha, yeah he wouldn't be a match for all of you. Well, thanks Terry - see you out there. Mark
@ cheers Mark.
@@TerryMcGearyScotland Pleasure Terry.
Two stags, ( antlers) You are lucky that they didn't get you to delete the film.
Yeah, I mentioned the stag Chris. Re-the film - you mean nearby the base? Yeah, I was outside the boundary. Thanks. mark