Day 19 Stepaside to Evesham 165mls Total = 930mls

The rain did not stop all night and into the morning, so we decided to head for home. If it had cleared we were going to stay another night in Brecon, but it didn't!
Stopped for lunch in Hay on Wye, which was market day. Channel 4 were there filming one of their quirky programme links so the place was really buzzing (despite the rain).
We really liked Pembrokeshire, but I think many of the welsh coastal areas are dominated by huge static caravan parks. We have still got the Gower to do - so we will be back!

Day 18 - Freshwater East to Stepaside 68mls

Not quite the day of sunshine and heat we were promised but it was dry so we decided to explore the Stackpole estate. This is a huge area of National Trust property that encompasses wooded areas, lakes and coastal land. We walked to Barafundle beach, which is supposed to be one of the best in Britain. Having seen the beaches of Scotland, I would dispute that, but it is nice and only accessible on foot.
Also had a view of Broadhaven beach before heading back to the van for a well earned bacon and egg sarnie. Saw lots of dogs on the walk and Taz only attacked one collie so that was not too bad!
As we set off for Tenby the rain started. By the time we got there it was really raining, but not to be put off we donned the waterproofs and headed into the walled town. Would have liked to see it in dry weather as it looks an interesting place with its narrow streets and pastel painted cottages by the harbour. Did not make it to the headland castle as my umberella turned inside out five times as we attempted the walk.
A quick coffee before deciding to look for out next stop.

Barafundle Bay

Broadhaven Beach (in distance)

After finding our chosen site in Saundersfoot full, we pull into Pleasant Valley, Stepaside for what is to be our last night on Welsh soil.

Day 17 - Dale to Freshwater East 51mls

Saw a bridleway that looked as if it went from Dale to Milford Haven so set off this morning at low tide to explore. Had to be low tide as there was a causeway to cross. Ultimately, we found ourselves on the coastal footpath which came to Monks Haven, St Ishmaels. A hidden church which led to a secret walled garden of the manor house but long overgrown.

 As we were at sea level there was only one way to go and that was up! On reaching the top of the lane, I wheezed how fantastic it would be to find a cafe. Lo and behold round the corner was the local garden centre complete with cafe! After a toasted tea cake and cappuchino we rode back to the van and progressed to Milford Haven for supplies.
Through Pembroke to Angle for a walk on the coastal path then on to our site at Freshwater East. Some of the lanes we wanted to take were closed as there is a big MOD site here and some sort of operation was going on which meant civilians were not welcome!

Freshwater East Sunset

Day 15, New Quay to Abereiddy 69mls. Day16, Abereiddy to Dale 31mls.

Day 15 - Damp, cloudy and very windy. Headed into Cardigan with the purpose of riding the Teifi Trail, which turned out to be not worth it as it was only 2 mile long. So we walked round the Teifi Wildlife Reserve, which was also not worth it. Hardly any wildlife to view! Had sunday lunch at the Salutation Inn, Nevern, which was worth it. Through Fishguard, which appears to have been built on the face of the cliffs, nothing like I imagined as a ferry port. Ventured down a narrow lane and ended up at Porthgain, a small inlet, from which the granite was shipped until 1932. The remains of the storage bins and crushing plant, is still visible. From here to our CCC site for the night at Abereiddy.

The old granite storage bins

Day 16 - We had decided to wend our way home today, but the weather has took a turn for the better this morning, blue sky and quite warm, so we are going to carry on. First visit of the day was Whitesands Bay, but having spied the car park fee of £ 7 for a motorhome, we made a hasty exit. Next down to Porthclais, a narrow gash in the cliffs where a sheltered little harbour reaches inland to old lime kilns. Here we strolled along the spectacular cliff path,  the National Trust Pembrokeshire coast. Stopped at St Davids to peep at the cathedral and top up on supplies.

Stopped at Newgale beach, 2 mls of sandy bay that is a haven for kite surfing. After a brew we carried on along the coast road to Little Haven. At one little junction Paula said that the road ahead was only suitable for vehicles up to 16ft. Thinking it must be a mistake we carried on. Oh woe is me!!!!  We approached down a steep hill to a more than tight hairpin bordered by a stone walls. We did get round -  but not without a few scrapes on the sill. Lesson learnt, Paula's reading is fine.

Warm enough for a swim

Finished up at a CL in Dale with fine views towards Milford Haven,looking forward to a fillet steak and red wine.
The site does not allow dogs, so Taz has to be incognito and keep quiet for the night.

Day 14- New Quay

The sun is shining, Yipee!
After a bacon & egg sarnie, we went into New Quay for a stroll round the town. Well, thats after we had found a parking space that was within the budget. £4.60 for a couple of hours was the best, £6 the worst. Anyway, the resort is very nice, in a Newquay, Cornwall kind of way, only smaller.

 Went along the coastal path with the Taz, had a crab sandwich, bought some fresh fish, cornish pasties and then wandered off to a little cove along the coast called Llangrannog. Free parking this time.

Back to the site for a well earned glass of vino.

Day 13 - Clarach Bay to New Quay 30mls

Some sun about this morning, so as we camped at a site at Clarach Bay just north of Aberystwyth, which is near the town golf club, we decided to take advantage of the £10 greenfee for play before 11am. Should have known it was too good to be true. Without a buggie or electric trolley it was an assault course! Long, very hilly, terrible bunkers but terrific views over the town and coastal countryside. We did not take the camera so no pics to show, but we were just glad to get it over with and still be breathing!
Have decided that as the temperature seems to be dropping we will probably be heading home over the next few days. Staying for 2 nights at New Quay to recover from todays exertions!

Day 12 - Arthog to Clarach Bay 49mls

Determined not to let the weather beat us (heavy showers), we parked up at Morfa Mawddach station to bike to Dolgellau, 7 miles. Sat in the Starlett while the rain pounded down then at the first sign of a reprieve set off. And stayed dry for the whole ride!!
Arrived in Dolgellau very muddy (Ross does not believe in mudguards, they are for wimps apparently). Staggered into the nearest cafe, apologising for our state and had a fantastic lemon sponge and much needed coffee (he had a bowl of chips). Got back to Taz and then walked what remained of the way, to Barmouth, with the mutt. And no, we didn't go to THAT cafe!

Day 11- Harlech to Arthog 34mls

Some days we have a plan, some days we dont. This morning we had no plan other than to set off towards Barmouth until we met a fellow camper at the shower block who told us of a walk to Raedyr Waterfall. Sounded quite nice so we followed the signs up a narrow road, when a rock lurking in the grass banked roadside tried to take off our motorhome step. Had an inspection when we reached the car park and it looks terminal! Still, could have been worse!

Anyway, the walk round the waterlogged river was quite pleasant and it stayed dry. Continued through Barmouth where we decided not to stop except for supplies. It looked an unexceptional holiday town apart from the interesting cafe!!

Found a nice site overlooking the Mawddach estuary, where the visability comes and goes with the low cloud and rain. There is the Mawddach way on the edge of the site which is a 9 mile cycle route along the estuary from Dolgellau to Barmouth which we want to do - if only it will stop raining!

View of the Mawddach Way from campsite

Day 9 and 10 Tudweiliog to Criccieth 27mls, and Criccieth to Harlech 25mls.

Day 9

Horrible stormy night and even worse morning, so set off round the end of the Lleyn peninsular via Aberdaron for breakfast.

 Nearly got blown off our feet looking at the harbour, once the rain had lessened to heavy drizzle.
Carried on to Abersoch, followed by a supermarket in Pwllheli for supplies. Rain had stopped by this time, so after we had pitched up at Criccieth, a walk was on the cards, so after 2 mile down a gated lane we came upon a spooky church in the middle of nowhere, where all the names on the headstones were Jones or Williams. Got out of there fast, as darkness approached.

Spooky!

Day 10
What to do in north Wales in the rain and gales? I know, go on the narrow gauge railway from Porthmadog to Blaenau Festiniog slate mines.

 Actually very interesting, and incredible how anybody could work down these mines, 12 hrs a day, for most of their lives. We went down the deep mine, 4 layers out of 12 which stretch 23 mile into the mountain, and we felt like it was  middle earth, and very cold.

Going Down

Let me out of here

Well it was a wet day

This is Blanche

Low and behold the sun was shining when we came back up, so it was back on the Choo Choo to Porthmadog to buy some fresh Sea Bass, for tonight at the CC site, under the ley of Harlech Castle.

Lifes a beach (treath)

Day 8, Caernafon to Tudweiliog 30mls

Another fine morning, up nice and early (well, 8ish). Watered dog and selves, and set off on foot to the town, about ten minutes walk away. Caernafon Castle is another of Edward First's ring of castles around the north Wales coast, and this one is the finest.

Going down

 The investiture of Prince Charles as Prince of Wales was here, and this was our first visit of the day. We arrived as they opened the doors, so were first inside and it was free entry for today only, how lucky are we. After a tour round the ramparts and a few pics it was into town for a coffee.

With the day warming nicely, we set off for the Lleyn penninsula, along the north coast, trying to find a place we stopped at 30yrs ago, with no success, so ended up at a CL on a headland. A bracing walk along the cliffs followed and back for a large glass of red.

Day 6 Trearddur - Day 7 Trearddur to Caernarfon 43mls

Day 6 - As we have not had internet connection on Anglesey, we are having to write a couple together to catch up. Yesterday morning loomed wet and windy so went for a look round Holyhead. Took about 20 mins to decide to move on to Penrhos Coastal park, where we walked about 4 mile looking for the Toll house cafe, only to find on our return to the car park we had been looking at the, albeit very inadequate, map the wrong way round!

 So without the anticipated cream tea, we visited South Stacks lighthouse and RSPB site on Holyhead mountain. Made it back to the site as the heavens opened, and stayed open, all night.

Day 7 - Looks more promising weather wise so decided to go to Holyhead Golf Club for a game. It was Presidents day, and as we stood on the first tee the man himself came to say hello and offer us a beefburger and drink after the first 9 holes! The beefburger was the highlight of the day for me - lots of gorse, blind shots and slow greens. He got 28pts, I got considerably less! Yes, I know, sour grapes.

On to Caernarfon site, where they squeezed us in despite having torrential rain for the last 48hours and many unusable pitches.

Taz having a ball at Caernafon CC site

Day 5 Moelfre to Trearddur, Anglesey 37mls

Moelfre site - great view

Warm sunny day. Walked a good portion of the coastal path ending in the village cafe - another bacon and egg bap and scone! Continued round the coast but had to turn back from a minor road as it did not look as if it had any passing places.

Nice place, shame about the roads

 Ended up at a nice site on the north west of the island where we will spend two nights. Very expensive though, £23 per night, but they do have a bath! Bliss! Also they sell homemade fish and chips tomorrow night. No internet connection again though.