PRE-RAMBLE     – Last time out, when  heading for Dumfries,I’d terminated at Clarencefield about ten miles short. My programme this time was to make up the shortfall and then continue vaguely westwards towards Kirkcudbright and have a brief respite whilst investigating paternal ancestral connections.

I was also experimenting with sustainable transport links – abandoning the car and resorting to public transport. I had prebooked accommodation in Dumfries and Kirkcudbright, but not allowed for the disruption caused by almost continuous” rain which resulted a ten mile gap in the itinerary between (nearly) and Bridge of Dee.

POST-RAMBLE

Returning home above…,,,Surprise Sunrise at Carlisle Station above- the train was 20 mins late due to driver taken ill – but I made all my connections and ended up a few minutes early at Kiddy, reunited with Nanny and dance and travel weary, flu ridden Annie, Rosie and Lauren
Verdict. The sustainable travel method is ok!

NOTES ON THE MAP

Notes on the map? What map?

-Although I walked well over 30 miles and thoroughly examined Dumfries and Kirkcudbright this trip, I have not brought the route map up to date, because I did not complete my scheduled program.

-I started by joining up my previous terminus at Clarencefield with Dumfries and intended to  complete the walk via Castle Douglas, as far as Kirkcudbright but the wet weather interfered such that there is a gap in my colouring in between Bridge of Dee and Beeswing.

-I therefore cannot claim to have walked as far as Kirkcudbright until I’ve filled in the missing link – next time out ……… nevertheless I stayed in Kirkcudbright a couple of nights to investigate Clan McIntyre’s allegiance with the area particularly Sea Captains John and Alexander, and twin uncles Colin and Malcolm’s association with The Kirkcudbright Academy

-read on!

 

Dear Rosie,Lauren,Stan,Jake, Rowan and Maisie,

Travel day Wednesday. Target Dumfries.

With Nanny on duty babysitting Rosie and Lauren, coupled with dance chaperoning last week, I sadly missed their performances and on Wednesday left Kidderminster Railway Station heading north, changing at Smethwick, Galton Bridge, again at Wolverhampton, then Carlisle, terminating at Dumfries where I checked in at Glenlossie Guest House for two nights. Four and a half hours door to door. Not bad struggling between platforms with a full back and front pack.

This is the way it’s going to be now. Sustainable! Trains, buses and Shank’s Pony.

Sorry ZUD! Sorry Nobby!

 

Next day, on the Thursday, I got to know the buses to and from Clarencefield where I’d fetched up last time out. The main difference this time was that I was soaked- the forecast rain swooped in earlier than anticipated after I’d left the Farmer’s Inn (lunch) in good time but the bus made bad time picking me up after losing a wiper. I didn’t know that until after standing 40 minutes shelterless a very apologetic driver explained. If I’d known I’d have stayed in the hostelry below, longer!

Glenlossie Guest House above my home for two or three nights, truly accommodating – for all!

above – with the banks of the River Nith in Dumfries meandering all over the place, it was easy to become disorientated- and Craig who provided me with a personal taxi service to the railway station after I mistakenly turned up at the Bus Station. Accolades also for Mark and Laura of Stagecoach West Scotland who got me back on track.

As a general comment on the people I met on this recent tour, I was quite taken aback by their hospitality and helpfulness. I suppose a loaded up walker slightly out of season is going to attract attention. I’m learning to carry all my equipment and would probably appear overloaded and worthy of comment. I’m still shy of telling people what I’m doing but with two countries circumnavigated and four and a half thousand miles under my belt I can speak with credibility while being listened to with incredulity

 

Above views of Kirkcudbright – I will return to do more family detection around the fishing harbour and old buildings. So far we have evidence of sea faring captains  Johns and Alexander’s McIntyre. The two museums, several churches and the cemetery all provide fertile grounds for deeper research – and maybe a few skeletons…..

……apparently uncles Colin and Malcolm attended Kirkcudbright academy when evacuated to there during WW II – sadly no records are kept by the school. I visited the cemetery not long enough to get spooked and this time no headstone scraping – it seemed bigger than before – well it would be – that was 60 years ago!

i stayed at the Baytree House for my duration in Kirkcudbright – again the couple running the place were most accommodating. I will return and next time will not lose the keys. How I can say that with any degree of confidence is beyond me.

i suspect my technique for crossing barbed wire fences may have something to do with it……

…..,,   I carry several hi viz vests and during a particularly wet journey along a disused railway line I grew tired of the number of barbed wire fences the right to roam made me hurdle with full back pack and front pack. I roll the vest round the barbed wire covering the spikes and with a mixed western roll high jump technique complete with packs, execute a flight through the wires whilst my sticks hopefully hold the strands apart. If not I end up trussed like a turkey at Christmas trying the eastern cutoff to disentangle myself. You only need one stray barb to penetrate a trouser pocket and there’s yer key gone!

the option of not walking the rail track but in the gutter of the A75 or A711 is dubious – there are very few footpaths.

Above: Where I gave up on Sunday – a mile or so short of Beeswing on the road to Castle Douglas rain threatening and daylight fading – no buses seen all walk and energy levels dropping.

Tried sticking my thumb out and within ten minutes Neil in his long wheelbase white van had loaded me and my gear aboard – next stop – Glenlossie- again

 

 

An early morning start retracing my steps to Dumfries Station and back to Kidderminster via Carlisle, Wolverhampton, and Smethwick Dalton Bridge,

Nanny picks me up at Kidderminster  station and I fall asleep in the passenger seat back to the Mill

Early Monday morning start stood in front of Rockcliffe Church spire which had been my guiding beacon across the misty marshes of the River Eden the night before 
Introduction to other than Rosie, Lauren, Stan, Jake, Rowan and Maisie!

Since about November 2013 I’ve been knowingly walking round the Coast of Britain. It’s not the sort of thing you immediately crow about until you’ve got the first couple of thousand miles stashed away, and even then knowing looks give away the sender’s thoughts that this is only a passing phase. It’s only now that I’m embarking on my third country, Scotland, after completing England and Wales, that I have some credibility. But now my age, stamina and longevity are brought into question. Not to mention my mental health.

I’ll have it known that until now, and for as long as I  haven’t collapsed exhausted in a screaming heap, I’m doing ok – thank you.
Except the blogging bit! I record details of each walk by way o a letter to grandchildren Rosie, Lauren, Stan, Jake, Rowan and Maisie. This takes up disproportionate time and effort and my recent travel memory comes under severe scrutiny, and that’s only remembering passwords and systems to get into and outmanoeuvre WordPress, a constant nightmare on publicising my walking efforts.

I have therefore established my intention to walk round the coast of Britain and if I need a reason it could be that, especially now bits are falling off ( me too) and eroding, and countries are seeking independence, so I probably need to move more quickly.

Last July (2019) I completed the circumnavigation of Wales after finishing my version of The England Coast Path some two years earlier. I phrase it that way because last time I looked, The ECP wasn’t due to open until 2020, so it involved much research and guesswork and a lot of being lost. It’s all recorded in the previous 137 episodes and I have it on good authority that what it lacks in literary genius it makes up for as a cure for insomnia.

And so after almost four months rest, ostensibly to catch up on home repairs and maintenance last Sunday Nanny, ZUD and I returned to the fray and headed for the Scottish border; in particular Carlisle and Gretna where I reunited with Hadrian’s Wall Path and Solway Firth.  I’d previously passed through in October 2014 on my way to Berwick on Tweed linking the East and West coasts of England.The crimson worm strikes out again along the Cumbria Cosstal Way, starting from The River Esk in Carlisle heading north westish to cross the River Esk and the Solway Firth heading for the border at Gretna.

 

Below a footbridge over the railway at the River Esk gives a aerial view of the low lying countryside but after that no connection whatsoever with footpaths. From Hereon I had to take my chances with traffic. Somehow I fear this is going to be the general pattern. Worn footpaths generally don’t exist and if they did the heavy  frost soon disguised them. Mists had a habit of descending just before dusk and I was aware of the danger of getting completely lost

 

 

Gretna and the first and last house after and before crossing the border from England into Scotland. Many young couples made their way here to get married when the age of consent was 16 in Scotland but 18 in England

 

Annan was the home to The Devil’s Porridge Museum and 30,000 in comers during the wars when they manufactured Cordite for artillery shells. A highly dangerous place but quality volunteer accommodation and mixing bowls for the “porridge” of cordite

Crossroads at Cummertrees and Ruthwell – nearly time to stop as the mist descends

 

 

I always record the final position of each walk just in case I need help remembering where I fetched up – this time at Clarencefield some eleven miles short of Dumfries. Let’s hope the road is open when I return?

 

Final approach to Aberystwyth courtesy of Ian Buckingham. Happy landings.

Progress Map – by courtesy of Ordnance Survey – At last, the Crimson Worms meet up at Aberystwyth. I have finished my circumnavigation of Wales  to add to that of England, which leaves me nowhere to go but Scotland  – before independence?

Watch this space!

Dear Rosie, Lauren, Stan, Jake, Rowan and Maisie,

plus Ian, Sue, John, Sheila, Sarge, Rhiannon, Elizabeth, Donald, Sarah, Annie, Richard, Andy, Caroline and Marilyn, with apologies from Janet and co, on account of partial incapacity plus alternative family commitments….

….Thank you very much for turning up at Aberystwyth on Saturday and helping me cross the finish line of the Wales Coast Path. You have now walked some of the way round Wales and England and as such you qualify as cast of the Order of The Crimson Worm

You, more or less, walked, stumbled, slithered and slipped, the final five miles from Morfa Bychan to Aberystwyth and crossed the line with me. Some of that Path was quite daunting. Well done!

Here are the  best pictures of our walk and the celebrations afterwards.

In the beginning. Gathering Grandchildren at Morfa Bychan rendezvous prior to our mid morning stroll. Ignoring the grown ups – we have , left to right- Lauren, Rowan, Rosie behind Maisie, and Jake behind Stan.

 

 

 

The cliffs are quite high  so it’s mainly down hill to Aberystwyth …..,

Richard’s view of things, more courageous than most😅 considering he doesn’t like heights

……Andy led the way down to sea level, where there are rock pools, stony beach and artistic stacks of stones

 

 

 

….

 

 

past the marina  and RNLI fund raiser on the opposite promenade

and then more refreshments; which duly turned into pile on Richard relieved to be back on terra firma.

 

 

 

…Frequent rests and a steady strolling pace still put new joints to the test and they weren’t found wanting. A wonderful effort from Big Sister Sue and Big Brother John.

It was soon time to head towards the finish line at the Pier

 

 

 

 

 

One last time; Dear Rosie, Rowan, Maisie,Stan, Jake Lauren and Bobl – let’s finish this together. Thank  you!

Best of the rest 👌please submit your photos for inclusion here

– like family friends Andy/Sarge and Elizabeth; please forward similar for Rhiannon our Welsh Translator.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A glorious, peaceful sunset brought a fabulous day’s walking to a close. We adjourned to the pier indoors and celebrated…

 

 

Suggestions please!

 

 

 

cliff railway photos…..above….. relaxing on the Sunday after

And finally in the aftermath on Saturday and Sunday survivors of the walk celebrated in Baravin and took off for the Cliff railway at one end of the prom and back to the other end of the prom for a personalised guided tour by Tim, of the RNLI  Boathouse where Christopher and Rosemarie presided over exchange of wealth for RNLI trinkets. My souvenirs cabinet is now complete for England and Wales…… although I do rather covet those yellow RNLI boots…..  size ten …

 

 

 

RNLI Tim gave us a wonderful impromptu lecture on every last detail of his rescue craft. For me it was a personal culmination of visiting most,if not all, the RNLI stations around the English and Welsh coasts and managed only ever to use their rescue facilities once, when I ran out of drinking water.

 

Random picture overflow…

Head and foot massage; foreshore rescue team of Rowan and Maisie; in turn Maisie rescued from the waves by lifeguard Andy

 

 

Richard meets Cassie – I foresee a new pet coming along? – promenade and sunset.

 

 

Above; Apres -walk various sedentary occupations on the Cliff Railway and Pier slot machines.

 

Ganging up grandchildren mischief

 

 

Even more pictures can be added anytime.

I apologise to everyone for not making a more gracious speech of thanks at the end of this second chapter of my walk round Britain. I really was quite speechless and overwhelmed by what was taking place. I can’t quite believe myself what I have done.

It is rather special.

Thank you everyone for your interest and sampling the flavour of my coastal walk. In particular special thanks and adulation must go to Marilyn for her excellent organisation. Without her detailed menu knowledge the meal at Baravin would have been a bun fight. The organisational success of the Finale days on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday were entirely due to Marilyn, my wonderful wife, and so I must now repay the debt by catching up on all the outstanding work and maintenance back home at The Mill.. No more walking for a while while I repay the debt with interest.

 

l must say that other than the above mentioned lack of home maintenance there have been no repercussions caused by my elongated walking.

I am hugely pleased that my body survived the tests and rigours I threw at it, in extremes of weathers and walking conditions. I recall a non-walk related self inflicted twisted knee sidelining me for three months, which excellent NHS physiotherapy resolved, but otherwise I can only think of one corn that gave me grief in all of this.

The only other grief was from Bruvver John who pointed out that my tummy would cross the finish line before me. Maybe he was right, but it did inspire me to lose a few pounds and as I gaze at my reduced navel, I think the finish was a dead heat.

Diolch yn fawr

Iechyd da.

 

Serendipity and it’s rewords

I’m not too sure about that last apostrophe, nor the spelling and/nor the pronunciation. The more you study it the more one realises what a strange set of irregular rules we have governing our use of language. Anyway my final footnote is not to Flossie on about pedantic trivia, but to distribute rewards to those thoroughly deserving of them.

I long since realised that Marilyn has been an enormous influence on the resounding success of our joint escapade and as the walk rambled to ever nearer its completion I stepped up my search for a suitable momento and reward.

My tour has always been punctuated with convenient visits to junk shops, Bric a brac, brocante, fine art sales, curios, flea markets, car boots etc and resultant booty has been added to the ever growing museum of walking the coastline.

But,  although the perfect gift for Marilyn, continued to elude me and my growing odd sock fund, I had no doubt the correct specimen would eventually reveal itself probably aided and abetted by my ever lasting walking companion, Serendipity .

And it came to pass as we drove home after the finale in Aberystwyth, we called in at our own big smoke, Knighton just a few miles miles from home, parking under the clock tower , almost alongside Knighton Fine Art, run by near neighbours, Graham and Richard, one of the few local outlets that doesn’t serve coffee –  although, I suspect given a request, they probably would.

Check out http://www.knightonfineart.co.uk

 

 

Can you see where this is going? I knew even before stepping inside that Serendipity was already present and the right gift for Marilyn was within reach.

I’m not too sure Graham fully understood my quest or my sock fund, (secretly pondering we’ve got a right one ‘ere) but it only took  him two attempts to find a watercolour of Little Haven, Pembrokeshire by R V Pitchforth RA no less and within minutes I was able to have the purchase approved by, and in the possession of The Accountant, accompanied by Fine Art instructions of Provenance and which way round to hang it.

Now you may say you disbelievers that’s just coincidental that the place you started the tour de Pays  de Galles many years ago, Tref y Clawd (Knighton) housed a painting of one of the more outstanding and memorable scenes of The Walk from the sixties, awaiting you at the finish.

So, is it also a coincidence that amongst the painter’s portfolio is also a similar seascape of Porthmadog Wharf, which has immediate family connections?

Not even spooky. Just serendipity.

You’ve got to believe or it doesn’t work……

…….. you can do it!

Just one step at a time!

Dear Rosie, Lauren,Stan, Jake, Rowan and Maisie!

Unlike yesterday the weather was not so hot for this Friday Walk of seven miles from Llanrhystud to Morfa Bychan. In fact it managed to rain lightly two or three times and there was a pleasant cooling breeze.

ZUD, Marilyn , Elizabeth and Bobl gathered in llanrhystud at exactly the same parking lay-by as yesterday and with an extra effort began to get underway just before midday. I was a bit concerned about the rain clouds and that once we were moving along the Wales Coast Path there was no access till we reached the other end. Well maybe a bit at Tynbwlch, but my history of finding these poorly signposted tracks wasn’t good!

Note the dark clouds- but the rain never really happened.

The Path was a reasonably gentle slope mainly along the cliff edge and not much access to the beach and plenty of sheep

 

 

 

Above – Elizabeth’s view of the walk

And below some of her portraits

We ended up at Morfa Bychan in the middle of nowhere,really, all set for the main party tomorrow / but very little car parking. So tomorrow’s logistics are going to be interesting.

 

Marilyn had driven ZUD as far as she dared fortunately it coincided with our escape route

It took ages posing for this picture and lining up my witches hat…..

Dear Rosie, Lauren, Stan, Jake, Rowan and Maisie!

Last Thursday was the first of three carefully scheduled   days needed to complete my circumnavigation of Wales. Everything worked like clockwork except the heat, which was solar powered and record breaking.

I drove to Llanrhystud to catch the 08-33 bus to New Quay

 

First port of call, after dousing myself in sunscreen, was the New Quay Life Boat station . No one around to talk to so move on round the bay before the midday sun arrives and it gets too hot.

 

Soon moved off New Quay Bay to the shelter of the foliage overlooking Little Quay Bay, me dodging from shadow to shadow.

 

Passing through Aberaeron, Aberarth and Llanon which isn’t on the O/SMap!

 

Shade was now at a premium and my water bottles were heating up. Serendipity found me a caravan park gardener hosing down his bedding plants. He pointed out the drinking water tap and I was soon replenished and underway again. Even though the sunscreen had now melted on my forehead and was running into my eyes stinging them quite painfully. Navigating was always quite difficult. This was just rubbing it in!

My oasis below at Llanon

I too had heated up, having been out all day in the sun. It was now five o’clock and I needed a boost. Or a chill.

As the Wales Coast Path gradually merged with the shoreline, an executive decision was made for me also to merge with the seawater. Despite the heat the sea was still quite cool and although I otherwise changed, paddled, splashed and towelled down for about an hour I never had the courage to fully immerse myself.

l am long out of practice at beach changing and balance is a forgotten art so when my ablutions were eventually over  I began the rest of the walk  with sand and damp patches everywhere. So no more pictures!

in fact the final walk in to Llanrhystud was quite an adventure. I had to change maps and there was no overlap which is probably why Llanon got missed. Also the WCP comes inland and merged with the main road. Sadly in the confusion, I messed up and ended up on the main road too early and was immediately in conflict with peak hour traffic, which does not acknowledge pedestrians.

Nobby was still there when I reached the city limits of Llanrhystud. Someone appeared to be standing guard over my car as I approached. Ever cautious I swapped to the other footpath and as I drew level ran for the driver’s door and was in and away all in one swoop. The “guard” hadn’t moved, or indeed woken up! Perhaps I was mistaken?

i arrived home by eight in the evening only to get an alarm call from Nanny telling me that we had acquired a cow or bull in the garden munching it’s way through out raspberries.

After a bit of peekaboo around the barn the heifer  eventually decided it was more peaceful in the river and leapt the fence to get back with her mates.

The farmer made a belated appearance when the fun was all over.

 

Below – Progress map courtesy of Ordnance Survey shows almost imperceptibly eleven Miles travelled from Llangrannog to New Quay on Monday  8th July, leaving a gap of about twenty miles to complete the circumnavigation of The Wales Coast Path

And making the grand total miles walked 4,466 in 355 walking days

 

Dear Rosie, Lauren, Stan, Jake, Rowan and Maisie,

I’m sadly running down the clock and also trying to make my last few days finishing The Wales Coast Path take as long as possible. This trip, which contains some of the most Cliff hanging edges encountered without safety harnesses,  involved driving ugly ZUD to New Quay, parking up and catching the eponymous Cardi Bach bus to Llangrannog and walking 11 miles back to NQ and back home all in one fantastic sunny day with just enough breeze behind me to keep cool. Just as well – either the hills are getting steeper or I’m running on empty.

The story in pictures;

Below at New Quay – awaiting the bus to Llangrannog, watching the “Flying Fish” removed from the water and beating the bus up the hill; eventually the ubiquitous Richards Cardi Bach Bus day drops us off at Llangrannog where the steps to the Wales Coast Path hint of further steps to be taken

 

 

 

Leaving Llangrannog the aerial  way – zoom in on the notice to read how a giant’s toothache created the bays…

 

 

 

Above – after Lochtyn ,NT, the Path seems to be creeping ever nearer the cliff edge…..

 

 

 

 

The notice, which I ignored, says something about there being a safer path somewhere avoiding the cliff edge – zoom in to see how narrow it gets! I survived😅🙈

Above – Craig yr Adar, NT or oblivion?

 

 

 

Finishing this walk to New Quay, below right, at the Harbour ….. and looking ahead in the distance – that’ll be Aberystwyth twenty miles away, hiding in the heat haze on the horizon, left. See you soon.

 

Just a congratulatory word for the Wales Coast Path bus services, which provide transport facilities to remote parts of the Wales Coast Path. Without them and their very helpful drivers I would still be walking. The logistics and planning are made so much easier when they go to places other transport cannot reach!

Particulsrly

Progress Map by courtesy of Ordnance Survey. The southern crimson worm has turned up the heat and reached Llangrannog 25 miles south of Aberystwyth. Whereas his slippery northern pal remains holed up at Borth 6 miles north of Aberystwyth – use two fingers to enlarge the map!!

Dear Rosie, Lauren, Stan, Jake, Rowan and Maisie,

I’m running out of miles to walk and there is a realisation that another chapter in my walk around Britain’s Coastline is coming to an end as I approach Aberystwyth.

I’m beginning to think that the area I’m now walking is by far the most scenic and I want to photograph everything in sight which creates a selection problem further down the line.

The sequence is also questionable since enforced walking there and back creates double the opportunities and also twice the confusion in putting things in the right order. I think I can safely leave that to my dear reader – if the reader notices at all. Let random prevail…

 

 

Grand total miles  walked so far round England and Wales is 4,449 in 355 days but not all in one lump! In fact spread over several years.

If you think the total appears to be exaggerated- well it is- I include lost miles when I have gone out of my way unintentionally (unkind people call it lost) and I include duplicated miles where I have gone there and back on foot, plus any extra walking needed to actually access the Wales Coast Path (WCP)

Please  feel free to check my figures, you can borrow my marked up route maps and see you in about six years, unless you walk faster than I do.

Anyway, a rough guide would be that walking round England and Wales including Offa’s Dyke and Hadrians Wall is gonna end up being about four and a half thousand miles, give or take….

This latest several day walk starts at Moylgrove/Trewyddel where I lost and found my wallet last episode.

The next big town was Cardigan which I used as a bus hub as I walked the Coast via Cemaes Head and Poppit Sands.

 

Cardigan is well inland on the Afon Teifi with nowhere to Ford the river until the first bridge – Bridgend!

Above/ Bridgend Cardigan/the castle was being done up and not so photogenic. After that came Gwbert, Parcllyn, Aberporth,  Penbryn, Tresaith and Llangrannog

Penbryn  was picturesque beyond belief. I lingered longer here, maybe realising the WCP journey was coming to an end with heightened emotions; caused maybe by the superb natural surroundings; or could be the coffee, cake and ice cream at the Plwmp Tart?

Penbryn.,.

 

 

Domestic issues – below-  camping at Llety and inside my personal public transport – for a while I was the only bus passenger

Above and below Llangrannog where this walk started and ended

 

A very early start, caused by a fox raiding the bins at my campsite. He came and sniffed at my tent and screeched at 3am; I got up and cleared the mess because next the gulls would come to investigate followed by rats. My trusty multi purpose steel tipped sticks were by my side. Needless to say I didn’t get much sleep and started my walk much earlier than usual.

I was desperate for a hot beverage it being very early and nowhere open. The Gilbert family came to my rescue and gave me early morning sustenance and Essex nostalgia. They had been coming here for summer holidays for years as a greater family and occupied a wonderfully positioned letting just by the boat slipway. As family continued to arrive I made my excuses and headed off refreshed looking back and down on their idyll -above – bottom right

Next was filling in a shortfall heading for Tresiath and back , running on empty and no buses to suit my timetable. I hate there and backs except this one was well worth doing twice .Refer the Plwmp Tart!

I returned to Llangrannog tired overheated but exhilarated.

Time to go home!

Hang on?

But what’s all this about ?

 

An updated Progress Map??

it seems the northern crimson worm didn’t go home straight away on Thursday, but instead slipped out and slithered into Aberystwyth unnoticed

 

There’s crafty for you boyo!

Heres the story in pictures very low key but the southern worm still has to complete the course in the finale on July 27 walking into Aberystwyth from Llangrannog

 

The plan was to walk 6 miles from Borth into Aberystwyth and catch the train back

Leaving Borth beach and the IRB Station

 

 

Looking back at Borth – below

 

 

Aberystwyth laid out ahead of me as I crest the next hill — another mile to go

 

End of the cliffs at Aberystwyth Cliff Railway

Followed by a walk into Aber to find the railway station out of here.

Below – Leaving the train at Borth from Aberystwyth where Nobby was waiting to take me back home, but not before we had negotiated an enormous might time diversion in the heart of mid-Wales where they seemed to be resurfacing every road I needed to use.

I got home at midnight. Otherwise a very successful journey making a mess of my arithmetic but I believe I have now completed 4,455 miles in 354 walking days!

 

The northern crimson worm had deviously got to Aberystwyth first.

All that remains is to complete the circuit by walking thirty odd miles from Llangrannog to Aberystwyth and celebrate with the Finale- with fish and chips and lime and lemonade at Aber  Baravan -full details available from Marilyn- dress code walking gear.

 

N

My rescuers; Richards Buses disappearing with my wallet; Geoff and Marlene who found it; Lily and Sam who replenished my water supply; things go wrong when Bobl’s in a hurry and Nanny had been loaned to Rosie and Lauren. Not forgetting Linda and Tony At Trenewydd Holiday Farm my B and B for the night

Below- Cliff edge scenery from Newport Sands to Cwm  Trewyddel. Today’s walk was pretty strenuous with plenty of ascents and descents in the heat of the day; I was glad of the company of Geoff and Marlene. With all the chaos I still managed twelve miles bringing the total to 4,413 miles in 351 walking days.

 

 

 

Dear Rosie, Lauren, Stan, Jake, Rowan and Maisie,

Nanny took a risk and allowed me to play on the Wales Coast Path resuming at Newport Sands on my own whilst she looked after Rosie and Lauren.

With my independence, my plan was to arise st 5am and leave home with Nobby, driving to Moylgrove/Trewyddel and intercept the 9-24am Poppit Rocket Coast hopper bus alighting at Newport Sands and walk the coastal path back to Poppit Sands increasing my southern crimson worm tally by miles. Simple. What could go wrong? All in the right direction too!

It all started to unravel when I stopped for breakfast  refreshments along the way and miscalculated the time to get to  the bus at Moylgrove/Trewyddel. In the end, was relying on the car clock being 5 mins fast. I coasted into the M/T car park where the only two people around formed a small queue at a bus stop. An exchange of yells established it was the right place for the coastal bus, as I hurriedly  tried to get my gear together.

Suddenly the bus arrived

I mostly succeeded transferring my gear, except for my water bottle, my sticks, my hat, sunscreen and also left the luxury of tying my boots till on board the bus.

The gentleman boarding the bus, Geoff, watched as I made to join him and observed that I might want to close the passenger door on my car.

The bus driver generously waited till I’d got the door closed and locked and I landed in a heap on his platform with the belongings I’d had time to bring with me.

I managed to tie my boots as I chatted to new neighbours  Geoff and Marlene. It appeared they were journeying similarly to me except staying on the bus one stop longer. Shame cos they were familiar company in many ways to me and would have made good travelling companions but more importantly I could leave all the navigating to someone else.

Anyway we parted hurriedly as the driver informed me we had arrived at my stop. I was still blissfully unaware of the goods I was lacking and even more unaware that I was about to leave my wallet on the bus! About a mile into my walk I suddenly realised I was bereft of a wallet. I walked on having about 15 quids loose change on which I could survive and knowing Nobby had a full tank. But my resolve waivered, with no wallet my identity was out there at the mercy of who knows what!

So I retraced my steps searching all the way back to the bus stop .Nothing.

Except the familiar faces of Geoff and Marlene. I didn’t have to tell them my woes / the missing wallet and all the other missing equipment. They had worked out I was unfit to be out on my own and had found the wallet on the bus and decided to give chase hoping to catch me up to tell me. Which, because I’d turned back,they had soon overhauled me. They told me the wallet was in the safe custody of the bus driver.

i tried contacting the bus company Richards but to no avail. No signal.

We agreed the best course of action was to let the wallet journey round the countryside and rendezvous at the end of the day at the end of the line.

i was no longer at the end of my tether.

Thereafter we formed an orderly queue and proceeded on our journey round the coast together. Very pleasant company.

We formed a plan to contact the bus company after refreshments at the end and maybe intercept the bus somewhere along the route.

Meanwhile I took time out to visit the RNLI Lifeguards at Poppit Sands to replenish my water supply. Nothing was too much trouble for duty lifeguards Sam and Lily and I was soon supplied with enough water and sterilised bottle to complete my journey. I remain very impressed by the whole service offered by the RNLI. Did you know they make All their own lifeboats in Poole?

It took a while to catch up with Geoff and Marlene ( or as I renamed them serendipity personified) on account of some seriously steep ascents. Especially the last! But at the end Geoff insisted on feed and watering me, topped off with a gin and raspberry ice cream cone!

The garden centre cafe allowed me to use their phone to arrange s rendezvous with the bus carrying my wallet, I was not equal to their telephonic system and fortunately the waitress remained available to help place the call and give me essential information like where was I?

SP Geoff and Marlene  hadn’t finished as I was escorted through the cunning crafty back lanes to await the bus; I even had time to purchase souvenirs from the RNLI Shop.

i took Geoff’s advice to  not drive home but to stay around Cardigan and refresh for less hectic walking tomorrow

 

Trenewydd – I am thus writing the blog from the comfort of b and b near St  Dogmaels.  I am comfortably positioned ready to spring into action on the WCP on Tuesday and return home after much too much excitement

It was spooky that the only Bolton connections I had were also known to Geoff and Marlene…. namely the Chadwicks and the Lofthouses

 

 

Back to today’s Walk

 

Witches cauldron

 

 

Shady memories below of a steep, long and painful climb to the garden centre cafe where Geoff and Marlene resuscitated  me tea cakes latte and gin flavoured ice cream

 

RNLI Station at Poppit Sands

– more souvenirs particularly as they rescued me from potential dehydration

 

That’s all folks – I’m double visioning – or hallucinating?

My favourite picture! Hot enough for my first swim of the year- taking a short cut across The Afon  Nyfer at Newport Sands

 

 

 

Dear Rosie, Lauren, Stan, Jake, Rowan and Maisie,

It has been a busy walking time,  trying to finish my walk round Wales in time for The Finale . Nanny and Nobby accompanied me last week for  34 miles walking on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path from Abermawr to Newport’s Afon Nyfer on Wednesday to Friday. Not to be confused with the Newport in South Wales!

The route hugged the coastline mainly at cliff top level with very little opportunity to get to the shoreline.

Starting again at Aber Mawr, I aimed for Strumble Head and the first day’s walking ended  after 12 miles at Llanwdna with easy access to our b&b at Fishguard.

The second day totalled 14 miles walking via Goodwick and Fishguard to Dinas Island. It was getting mighty hot.

On the last day I completed the circuit of Dinas Island and pulled up short at Newport Sands after only 8 miles at the Golf House Clubhouse, totalling 34 miles this trip. I was overheating and over eating too much crab.

During this heatwave the overall mileage ticked over to 4,401 in 350 days making my daily average walk nearly 13  miles since November, 2013.

The gap on the Wales Coast Path Progress Map below, (Courtesy of Ordnance Survey) has now closed to 72 miles, from Newport (Pembrokeshire) to Borth

Below, Wednesday, at midday, I’ve returned to Abermawr, and start walking, although my app calls it Pencaer and  Castlemorris. Nobby and Nanny leave me to it and I set off for the next rendezvous

 

Soon heading for Strumble Head lighthouse – furthest below

 

 

No access to the light house

 

I lost my map and map case somewhere in this hay field…

Next day when I returned someone had hung them on the stile. Nice one! Thanks!!

. Next day heading for Fishguard

 

Suddenly the footpath became quite restrictive – walkers segregated from ferry traffic. Somewhere in there would be an RNLI Station which I couldn’t get at

The Harbour from Fishguard

 

A rendezvous with Nanny at the old harbour just in time for crab salad lunch at the quay cafe across the water- yes that’s the Wales Coast Path cutting a swathe through the greenery

 

Harbour defences!

 

 

The hottest days of the year so far…a group being taught coasteering. My walk is quite mundane in comparison

 

 

Must remember to look back ocassionally,  I’ve walked all that!

 

 

And looking ahead at what’s to come

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Running out of words to describe these pictures, and feeling sad that the tour is coming to an end

 

Approaching Newport Sands and Afon Nyfer wondering whether the tide was right for fording the River

But first an iced drink and another crab sandwich lunch at the Morawelon  bar and restaurant, we can watch the tide.

We did and it seems quite safe to wade across. Cross the Afon Nyfer and finish in the golf club car park

 

 

…..much too hot to go on – on reaching the Afon Nyfer at Newport Sands, with the tide at its lowest, a great opportunity to cool down by wading across the main channel, after crab sandwich lunch, at The Morawelon, on the south beach.  I finished my walking on the north beach where Nanny and Nobby were waiting in the Golf Club car park. My wet boots will soon dry out in this heat

 

 

More crossing the Afon Nyfer – others followed me across,.,

Hurry the tide’s coming in again!

Back soon to close the 72 mile gap….

 

Below. Going home via Aberystwyth – when we can get past harvesting equipment blocking the narrow lanes