Sue and Martin in Mallorca 2019

Sue and Martin in Mallorca 2019
On the Archduke's Path in Mallorca

Saturday 1 June 2013

Saturday 1 June 2013 - Newgale Sands to St David's

Having completed the South West Coast Path last year, Sue Emmett's ageing followers have this year tracked her to Pembroke, for a go at Wales. 

Today's walk was a complete contrast with last week's forlorn efforts around Fraserburgh. Perfect weather and footpaths have made for a wonderful day out in what must be 'World Class' scenery. Whatever words I now compose can't do justice to the quality of the landscape and its flora and fauna. 

After an interesting ride on an old school bus, especially commissioned by Sue E from the local transport museum to blend in with its passengers, thirteen of us set off from Newgale. Jacqui, Hilde and Anita immediately caused confusion by embarking in the wrong direction. Many years of "Keep the sea on your right" had perhaps ingrained to the extent that they were unable to adapt to the Welsh convention whereby the sea is on the left.

Eventually they realised their error and by the time elevenses was taken they had joined the rest of us - Sue, David, Sue, David, Betty, Liz, Rachel, Andrew, Gaynor and me. This was the last time we convened as a group today!

Sue and I soon fell behind. Flower photos were to blame. Sue continues to experiment with her new Canon G15 camera, and it takes time. 

The Gorse, as can be seen in today's image, is in fine fettle just now, with it's vivid yellow flowers. There are also large swathes of Thrift, Spring Squill, Sea Campion, Scabious and more. We watched Linnets and Stonechats forage in the gorse, and a Peregrine soared overhead for a while. 

Tea and cake outside a café overlooking the inlet at Solva was followed for Sue and me by lunch on a bench just above the village. People were jumping in off the quay. A family passed, carrying a kayak up the hill. "Extreme Kayaking" muttered dad.

We then caught up with some of the others and ambled along with them on the gorse bedded cliffs above the shimmering sea for the rest of the day. 

Before heading into St David's, some of us went down to the well and the chapel at St Non's. The well is said to have sprung up during a thunderstorm when St David was born around 500 AD. Its waters are alleged to cure infirmities. Anita tried to go for a swim, but it wasn't deep enough. The chapel is very small, with an exquisite stained glass window. 

Last night Sue, Andrew and I enjoyed nosh at the Farmers Arms before adjourning to meet the others at their de luxe residence a couple of miles away near the Youth Hostel. Tonight it's Bishops - just down the road from our B&B, Y Gorlan.

Just 19 km in 6.5 hours today. All very leisurely. Fabulous coastal scenery. 

4 comments:

welshpaddler said...

Croeso i Gymru! This is second attempt at posting a comment., Blogger having problems.

You travelled over part of our favourite stretches (our wills have asked for our ashes to be scattered in the vicinity - not on a windy day!)

We also rest a while at the Farmers Arms.

Phreerunner said...

Thanks for your comment, Paddler, and sorry to hear you're having problems with Blogger.
This really is a wonderful bit of coastline, and the food at The Bishop's is as good as at the Farmer's; not surprising really as they are owned by the same couple.

Sir Hugh said...

That is no exaggeration when you say world class. I recently set my screensaver to go through my Welsh boundary walk pics and I am being continually overwhelmed even though I know the pics so well. I envy anybody who has the pleasure of seeing all this for the first time.

It's 3:15 pm and I'm all packed and ready to go for my 7:00 am train tomorrow.

Phreerunner said...

Quite right Conrad, and we do hope that your trip goes well.