Whitesands (Pembs) Wander

The Navigator suggested that we head for the coast on Monday as the weather was looking fine and the destination would be Whitesands Bay.

I apologise for the delay as I could not fully remember the route and had to consult with the Navigator

Route

We set off south from the car park on the coast path with stunning views from the off. At St Justinians tourists were waiting to board the boats which would take them to or around Ramsey Island and with the ribs no doubt riding the infamous "Bitches".  This is a stretch of white water formed by the rocks jutting out from Ramsey and where quite some time ago I would kayak over to but leave my younger son to play in the huge waves which form there.

Less wild ambitions today with feet firm on terra firma. We headed inland through Treginnis Isaf where there is a city farm and then onto Treginnis Uchaf - no trace of the ganol, across Waun Rhosson thankfully dry underfoot and onto Treleddyn.

There were lots of flora to spot including, orchids, ragged robin, honeysuckle, thrift and campion and others I have forgotten.

At that farm we just made it to safety when a herd of cows came speeding through the yard eithher to milking or a change of field.  Just up from the farm we stopped by a lake to have lunch and watched six water buffalo watching us.

Following lunch we walked on towards Lleithyr to rejoin the coast.

A fine day, perhaps summer has at last arrived.

Llyn Y Fan Fawr and Fan Hir

I had just had a week in the flatlands of Norfolk and needed some "up" and The Navigator had just returned from a somewhat damp period near Machynlleth and needed some sun.  One of us was to strike lucky.

The usual Sunday conversation led to a trip which would take in Llyn Y Fan Fawr returning via the ridge on Fan Hir.

Route

The forecast led us to believe that there would be broken cloud, no rain and light winds. I have an idea for saving the country lots of cash and that is to shut the Met. Office and supply every household with a bunch of seaweed.

We set off  from the small church just up the road from Dan Yr Ogof and joined the Beacons Way and followed the Nant Tawe Fechan, where we had our morning coffee by a lovely waterfall. Our route then took us north underneath Fan Hir and on a small ridge leading us to Llyn Y Fan Fawr.  Lunch was consumed here.

Afon Tawe at the walk start

Waterfall on Tawe Fechan

From here on the weather deteriorated with the mist heading our way and which enveloped us as we climbed    
up towards Fan Hir on an engineered path, but passing on our right a recent landslide.

Here comes the mist

Landslide close to path

As we neared the top, three walkers, who we had been following most of the morning asked us about the route on Fan Hir as they were unsure about carrying on in the mist and now windy conditions.

We explained the path is clear on the ground and providing they stayed clear of the edge they should be fine. We kept together for a while but they sped on once it was clear the route had become obvious.

Our pace was slower and we still had the afternoon tea break to come. As we started to descend the mist began to clear and before long the wet weather gear was again in the rucksacks.

Breaks in the mist from Fan Hir

Mr & Mrs Navigator

Looking back to Fan Hir

The other party could now be seen heading for the road and we were relieved they had not walked over the cliff!

Could this be the Fan Hir Cantilever Stone?

Where's the mist?

The lucky one was me as the walked included some up, but Mr & Mrs Navigator did not have the bright weather hoped for - there is always next week.

Cenarth - Three Counties Challenge

The usual Sunday evening chat with The Navigator was a little worrying as he asked if I had  heard of the Three Peaks Challenge!  However the proposed walk on Monday was to be The Three County Challenge based on Cenarth.

Cenarth Falls

Huge Bracket Fungi

The weather had at last settled into a fine spell and there was no need for the water proofs, Chris even sported shorts.


Route

Cenarth lies on the Afon Teifi a lovely river well known for its salmon and sewin fishing, but is also a fine river for canoeing, my preference. We started by the Teifi  but our route took us to the tributary of the Afon Cych and our morning coffee break next to a ford.

Afon Cych

Nice property

We then continued via footpaths and lanes heading for Llechrhyd another village on the Teifi. We met some people who belonged to the Friends of Friendless Churches and were looking after a small church. This seemed a worthwhile charity as there are plenty of country churches in need of TCL.

We had lunch in Llechrhyd and set off for the northern side of the Teifi valley passing lots of spring flowers including one area of numerous orchids.

Llechrhyd Bridge

Glade

Our return to the car included a path running alongside the Teifi passing the falls at Cenarth.

Cenarth falls

What of the challenge? The Navigator informed me that we had in fact walked in Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion and of course I believe him.