Pembs. Coast path -Newgale to Porthselau

One advantage of being retired is that I can wait for the right weather before packing the kit.  On  31st August and 1st September the forecast looked good and I could again pack the micro tarp, use my new Alpkit bivvy bag for the first time, not to mention a new titanium mug.  Boys toys!

My initial plan was to park somewhere in St. Davids and catch a bus to Porthgain and walk south back to St Davids.  Once again I was fortunate to park close to the cathedral, despite the place packed with tourists.

My walking plan changed when the first bus to come along was going south and so I decided on Newgale as the start point.

As I walked west I saw few others.  The views were clear and I realized it had been a very long time since I last walked here.

Near Pointz Castle, owned by the National Trust, I came across 4 ponies who were busily keeping the undergrowth down


On then to Solva, one of my favorite places.  We have had a number of family holidays here and last week brought our grandson for his first time.  I took the opportunity to refill one of my drink bottles here.

Once I reached Caerfai Bay I had the chance to stay at a camp site but with the good weather it seemed a wild camp would be preferable.  So I carried on with one eye looking for a suitable site. One was found not far from Chanters Seat a nice ledge just off the path and reasonably sheltered from any strong westerlies which may blow up.

I brewed up and had my evening meal and then erected my tarp etc. with views overlooking the bay and a little later of the sun setting.  As the light faded the tankers and cargo ships anchored off shore put on their lights.

I woke about 0630 watched the sunrise, had breakfast and was walking by 0730.  My camera had now decided to run out of batteries so no pictures of my bivvy etc.

I walked through Porh Clais and up onto the headland where I phoned home to report that I had not been eaten by monsters.

Picture by Philip Clarke

I rounded the headland with views of Ramsey Island and the infamous Bitches.  Years ago I had kayaked out here a few times to watch my youngest play amongst the huge standing waves and generally throw himself into the watery holes.

As I reached St Justinians I had the opportunity to catch the coastal bus, but I would have had to wait 40 minutes.

Picture by Philip Clarke

So I continued, eventually coming off the coast at Porthselau taking the path that led south easterly to the lane which led back to St Davids.

Picture byBernard Griffiths

Cracking two days.