Buzzard

The location is Tintern Abbey; the buzzard is one of many we saw over the holiday. This particular one had a large chunk missing from one wing.

We'd not originally planned to come here today as it was, unsurprisingly, raining. We had gone to visit Clearwell Caves, an old Iron mine. However, we arrived only a little while after four coachloads of school students (all with matching bright rucksacks - which must be a godsend to those trying to herd them), so we went for a muddy walk, had a coffee, cake, and decided to try elsewhere.

By the time we reached Tintern on the Welsh side of the border (which we crossed frequently) the weather was merely grey. The abbey has the same 'feel' to it as Fountains Abbey in Yorkshire (also Cistercian, and 12th century in origin).

After lunch at Tintern we headed up towards Monmouth and visited The Kymin - a curious site built by the 'gentlemen' of the area to have picnics in.

We had a decent walk from here - in the sun (!) - and then headed into Monmouth to pick up some supplies.