We hadn't realised but the bus, whose final destination was Abergavenny, was taking us the pretty way through tidy hamlets bounded by early blossom with hints of faint but fresh green growth in the branches of a variety of trees. It was going to be a dry day albeit rather dull, perfect for a walk. We see glimpses of the canal now and then, we even see a canalside hostelry which we will surely use, it is our duty after all.