This is my second play through of the vanilla game.
This quest is rated at level 6. I could only reach level five having done and found everything in White Orchard.
My silver sword is rated at level 3 as no better sword is available in Velen.
Having to fight one enemy after another without having the suitable oil for my sword did not help matters.
Basic swallow and thunderbolt did not last and had little effect.
Not being able to always save at critical times during a prolonged battle meant starting afresh after dying.
Even though enemy levels were upscaled in New Game + I found this quest easier than now with hardly any
meaningful items in my inventory. What a relief when, after two hours, I finally saw the light of day.