Marloes Mere to Dale (circuit) – June 12th 2023
Off trail STEPS 8,137 3.79miles, On trail STEPS 6554 3.01 miles
TOTAL 14,697 steps 6.8 Miles
Another long drive out to the car park I had seen near the café on the inland cut yesterday. Timed my arrival too so the café at Runwayskiln would be open. There was a bit of palaver getting the coffee, as the owner who was serving was working in an area he didn’t usually. So there was difficulty getting the coffee and then working the till. I was given a very good complementary bakewell tart, which I enjoyed (eventually) sitting in a converted pig sty. I used the facilities and was abit shocked to see a large toad (which I nearly speared with my walking poles) which was lurking behind the cubicle door.
Anyway I set off in the misty conditions (as it had been yesterday). When the sun did break through it got rather humid so with the exception of blotting out the view the mist was quite helpful. I did the inland leg first following some rather strange way mark signs with frogs (or toads on!), then a stretch on a narrow lane, before a connecting lane and track to the abandoned Dale airfield. There was another bit where I was conscious of the horse flies near some cows and I had a conversation with a couple of cyclists (who are not permitted on the coast path itself!).
The misty conditions made the state of the airfield all the more forlorn. Just me, the sheep and the hard standing slowly crumbling! It was a bit eerie but easy walking! I realised as I was going that the coast path was a stones throw away (and had seen someone sitting on a bench which turned out to feature later!).
Eventually just above Dale, I cut on to the coast path and established a touching point to take up the trail on another day. I then began to walk back on the coast path – which was delightful easy walking (even if the views were somewhat obscured by the mist). I climbed up and down near the Hookses (a group of pink cottages) and shortly after the ascent found a wall to sit on for a coffee on the trail. I was very conscious not to sit on any more ants nests after yesterday. I admired the bees among the flowers!
I carried on on the coast path eventually coming out by the bench. This was conveniently empty and as it was lunch time I decided to stop there (and the view was surprisingly clear of mist). I found a spot by a low wall around some hard standing to relieve myself and settled to a very scenic lunch spot. A group of Australians arrived and decided to have their lunch on the low wall! I felt abit guilty. The final mile included a descent down to Marloes sands, and then back up again to the cut through to the café and touching point I had established yesterday. Then a repeat walk back to the car, via the toilets by the café (no toads this time!). At this point there was also evidence that the paths had been strimmed for easy access unlike the ones I had been walking on on Sunday.
I drove back via Milford Haven, to acquire something more comfortable to sit on. The holiday let has 2 very low and saggy sofas which I don’t seem to be able to get comfortable on! I bought a folding recliner (like the ones at Sandra and Peter’s caravan), which was a suitable bargain from Home Bargains. It will also fit in the car to go home at the end of this break and can live in the Rectory Summer House.
Neyland to Pembroke 13th June 2023
On the trail 16,538 STEPS 7.57 MILES
I decided to do a much less remote walk on this day and to carry on from Neyland due to the forecast heat. Today’s walk was mostly close to a bus route so I could duck out readily if it all got too hot. I started earlier and decided to walk and then get the bus back. I drove to Neyland and was ready to start at 9:15. I touched my rock touching point and set off! The initial section was up through Neyland streets, and then a wooded section alongside the marina, which led back up to the main road (A477). I would not normally be very enthusiastic about walking next to a main road, but this was a bit different. First the bridge over the marina and then the road continued to the Cleddau Bridge. I have driven across the bridge many times, and I had been looking forward to walking it and the views did not disappoint. The Samaritans notices at either end were a bit sobering.
The coast path worked its way down through Pembroke Haven (and a housing area) into Pembroke Dock. I found some toilets by Asda, and then started to walk around the old dockyard area. There were a sequence of painted benches and I had a coffee on the star wars one! It was getting hotter than I really liked but it was good to stop.
The trail climbed up to the Defensible Barracks through streets and a wooded path. The barracks looked rather austere and deteriorating! But the views across included a glimpse of the Preseli Hills (that my guide book had suggested were only visible on a good day).
More street walking followed, which was a bit up and down, before cutting down to a surprising rural section with paddocks and wild flower fields overlooking the Pembroke river, culminating in a very welcome woodland. By this stage I was close to where I wanted to finish, and also where I could get the bus back to the car. I paused for a long drink in the woodland before working out, I could probably get the next bus. I established a touching point as I left the trail, and had an ice cream at the garage by the bus stop. It was a very satisfying bus ride back to the car which took about 20 minutes!
The Adventures of Alison 