The Watershed
Field Journal Explore Inspiration
A Bikepacking Pilgrimage to the River Monnow’s Source
By Rupert Barry // Photography & Drone by Jim Cossey // Cinematography by Tudor Gilham
Rupert Barry follows the River Monnow’s watershed divide on a bikepacking journey to explore the boundaries of home and deepen his connection to place.
At some stage in the joy of off-road cycling, the routes from your back door begin to feel familiar, well-worn, known. But the spirit of curiosity always opens up new terrain. In The Watershed, Rupert Barry embarks on a bikepacking pilgrimage to follow his local river – the River Monnow – towards its source, tracing the invisible boundary where rainfall drains into its course.
Starting in his neighbourhood, he follows an off-road route guided by the river’s watershed divide, the imaginary borderline where rainfall drains into the river. Split across the Welsh-English border the route moves through mountainous upland and rural lowlands carved out by the river’s course.
By travelling slowly and deliberately, Rupert begins to see the valley he calls home through new eyes. He reads the signs in the land, listens to the rhythm of body and soil, and recognises the patterns of the water system that sustains life here. The journey is not about distance, but about depth—deepening an understanding of place, of belonging, and of how geography can shape the way we see ourselves.
In a world obsessed with far-off adventures, The Watershed is a timely reminder that some of the most meaningful journeys begin at home.
Words & Production by Rupert Barry // @rupertbarry
Cinematography by Tudor Gilham
Photography & Drone by Jim Cossey // @jim_cossey_photo
Supported by Rab // komoot // ORTLIEB
The route is available on komoot