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“Travel can be one of the most rewarding forms of introspection.”
Lawrence Durrell
Pembrokeshire Coast, Wales
May 20 – 27, 2010
St.
Davids, Britain’s smallest “city”, is the base for
this tour in Pembrokeshire, Wales. Almost surrounded by the sea, St.
Davids is only 2 miles from a coast to the north, south and west. And
what a coast!
This is the only coastline in Britain designated a National
Park because of its spectacular scenery. Passing by rocky coves, sandy
beaches, and small harbors, our coastal path hugs the cliff tops and
provides wonderful views. We shall see many seabirds, and possibly a
few of the Atlantic Grey seals.
The
Pembrokeshire Coast speaks to many interests. For those interested in
flowers this coast path is outstanding. Multitudes of wildflowers are
in bloom in June. For bird lovers, we plan to visit Skomer Island, a
short boat trip away, and a nature reserve home to puffins, razorbills,
guillemots, and shearwaters. If your interests include history, there
will be a guided tour of St. Davids Cathedral — Wales' largest.
Along our walks we will see the ruins of small chapels, hut circles,
Iron Age forts and a Neolithic burial place.
Our hikes average 8 miles and are at a pace which allows for photography, contemplative viewing, time to ask the guide questions and maybe some Welshcakes along the way. At the end of the day, we can be assured of excellent comfort and delicious food at the Old Cross Hotel, our base in the heart of the village of St. Davids. Download the Day by Day Itinerary (pdf).
Our Itinerary
Thursday, May 20 - Arrive in St.
Davids, Wales, and check in at the Old Cross Hotel in the village center.
The tour officially begins with dinner in the hotel dining room at 7:00PM,
but meet me for drinks in the hotel bar at 6:30. After dinner, we will
have coffee in the hotel lounge and our guide will give the details of
our week’s program. Most evenings we will gather in the lounge
after dinner for coffee and review/preview.
Lodging: Old Cross Hotel
Friday, May 21 - Walk from the Old Cross to Caerfai Bay and
onto the Coastal Path. Our walk takes us past the shrine to St. Non (St. David’s
mother) then on to Porthclais harbor-William the Conqueror came into this harbor.
Along the way we will be seeing beautiful seabirds, porpoises (if the tide
is right), old copper mines and earthen forts. At St. Davids Lifeboat Station
we will turn away from the sea and toward St. Davids. About 8 miles today.
Saturday, May 22 - We will take the local bus to Newgale
then begin with a beach walk (if tide is out) or a steep climb and
descent onto coastal path where we pass chough and peregrine nest
sites and St. Elvis Farm! Our picnic lunch is at the perfect harbor
of Solva. A little shopping time before continuing onto the coastal
path—or, if you choose, take a bus back into St. Davids for
a restful afternoon. The afternoon walk follows a varied coastline
taking us by an Iron Age hill fort, limekilns, an old mill and maybe
a surprise tea stop! Via Caerfai Bay, we are back into St. Davids.
About 7.5 miles today. Dinner on your own.
Sunday, May 23- A day on Skomer Island, a British National
Nature Reserve managed by the local Wildlife Trust where half a million
seabirds breed annually. Among the inhabitants here are Manx shearwaters,
guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, gulls and puffins! Skomer, 2 square
miles in size, is a 20-minute boat trip from Martin’s Haven. We
will take a bus from St. Davids to Martin’s Haven. Bring binoculars.
3-5 miles today.
Monday, May 24- This is a relaxed day on your own to
explore St. Davids. We will have a cathedral tour in the morning (10:30).
Enjoy a day of leisure to investigate the shops, read a good book, or
take a walk. Lunch and dinner on your own.
Tuesday, May 25 - A local bus this morning to Porthgain
and a look around the artists’ galleries there before a walk through
the harbor and onto the coast. We will have wonderful views to the West
today as we follow the path by old quarries, (Blue Lagoon at Abereiddy),
badger sites, hill forts, and gull colonies, maybe even see some seals
bobbing in the water. Our path takes us back into St. Davids. Today 9.5
miles.
Wednesday, May 26 - A final day walking. The aim
will be Carn Llidi, a local “mountain” viewpoint (St.
Patrick’s view to Ireland), then on to a pre-historic burial
chamber, Iron Age field system and hut circles at nearby St. Davids
Head. Our walk back into St. Davids will be along the mile-long beach
of Whitesands Bay watching out for orchids and butterflies. Today
5-6 miles. Farewell dinner in hotel dining room.
Thursday, May 27- Breakfast and departure.
Please Note: The above schedule is subject to change due to weather or
other circumstances beyond our control.
© 2009 - 2010 KDavis Travels
Photographs © Karen Davis / Kristen Wittstock
