Special events mark Chepstow’s walking anniversary
5:30pm Friday 29th March 2013 in News
SPECIAL EVENTS: Walkers in Chepstow
THREE days of special events will mark Chepstow’s first anniversary of being a walkerfriendly town this month – and traders are hoping they will bring a much-needed boost.
Chepstow was the first town in Monmouthshire to be designated a Walkers are Welcome town, ahead of Monmouth and Abergavenny.
The celebration, from Friday, April 5, to Sunday, April 7, could see up to 200 walkers visit the area, stopping at Chepstow’s pubs, cafes and shops.
Events over the weekend include, on April 5, a walk from Chepstow town centre to the National Diving and Activity Centre; on April 6, an eight mile stroll along Offa’s Dyke Path from Tintern to Chepstow, and the Chepstow Town Trail walk; and on April 7, an 11-mile walk along St Tewdrics Trail.
On the evening of Saturday, April 6, the Singing Club of Chepstow will perform in Beaufort Square at 4.45pm, followed by a balloon launch at 5.30pm.
Later, from 6.15pm, there will be a buffet and screening of the film Arthur’s Dyke.
Ian Meyrick, landlord at the Coach and Horses on Welsh Street, said walkers often stop by because the pub is listed in walking and real ale guides.
“Events like this always mean a boost for trade,”
said Mr Meyrick, whose business has been designated Gwent town pub of the year by the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra).
“We target walkers with our menu, putting on things like Welsh cawl made with my grandmother’s recipe, so when they are here we are often the busiest pub in the town.
“This week Chepstow has been dead as dead can be,” he said.
“We’re hoping it’s the lull before the storm, with Easter weekend and this event too.”
Maxine Jones, who runs Kreations Gift Shop on St Mary Street, said the town has been quiet recently as people do not want to come out in cold weather.
“Anything is good that brings people into the town,”
she said. “We sell Welsh gifts like love spoons so we are a tourist shop.”
Sarah Beynon at the Beaufort Square Chip Shop is hoping a balloon launch to celebrate the weekend, at 5.30pm on Saturday, April 6, held in the square, will bring in customers.
“I would think it will provide a boost and we will have a special offer for walkers,” she said.
“We get an awful lot of walkers in here, but because of the horrible weather we have missed them.
“Easter last year was beautiful and we had our best two weeks since we opened. This year we have done all right but not brilliant.
“The more that goes on in this town, the better,” she said.
“Whether it is the carnival, Hoggin’ the Bridge or this event. Whoever organised this is a genius.”
Adventa, part of the county’s rural development plan programme, is able to offer small grants to accommodation providers to improve facilities for walkers.
All walks entitle participants to free parking, from the Tourist Information Centre. The buffet costs £6.95. To book a place, call the Beaufort Hotel, Beaufort Square, Chepstow on 01291 622497.
No bookings will be taken after April 3.
To book a place on one of the walks, call Chepstow Tourist Information Centre on 01291 623772. Visit www.walksinchepstow.co.uk for more information.
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