Exploring Wales – 4

The Welsh are proud Celts and there is much to be proud of.

Off the ferry I headed inland to find one of the oldest trees in the UK and amongst the oldest trees in the world.

I have become fascinated with Yew Trees. These amazing trees live thousands of years, and left alone may even be immortal.

In St Cynog’s church yard in Deffynnog are ancient Yew trees 3000+ years old.

I was in awe standing in the shelter of these ancient living organisms.

After enjoying the company of this old tree it was time to head into the highlands.

Beautiful winding roads through the highlands. And a stop at the Devils Bridge waterfall.

The misty drizzle had set in by the time I reached the Red Lion Hotel in  Pontrhyfendigaid.

With fine weather forecast it was a chance camp near the coast at Aberystwyth.

Along the coast road, the view was breathtaking. Especially watching the Red Kites hunting over the fields.

And then to put the icing on the Welsh cake, I found the little village of Tresaith with its little beach and waterfall.

It’s not easy to find, the roads to the beach are steep and there is little parking but worth an effort.

There was even a bar where I could buy a cold Welsh Lager!

It was beautiful to visit Wales. Beautiful countryside and friendly people.

Exploring Wales – 3

The ferry to Rosslare, Ireland, leaves from Pembroke. The crossing to Ireland was misty wet.

But the return trip was clear skies and a good opportunity to admire the beauty of Pembroke Harbour, its rugged cliffs, coves, and lighthouses.

But what I found really exciting was a flock or Manx Shearwaters in the outer harbour.

The fine weather was an invitation for another little stop in Wales.

Exploring Southern Wales -2,

A short drive inland from the coast the mountains of Southern Wales hold both waterfalls and rainforest.

The Waterfall Country Walk provides a great way to see and experience the beautiful Atlantic Rain Forest.

The waterfalls are beautiful.

Beautiful green rainforest, and

Beautiful birds like this grey wagtail that was catching insects over the river.

Gower definitely is an area of natural beauty.

Exploring Southern Wales -1

I’ve had two stops in Southern Wales. Each stop punctuated from a trip to Ireland.

The Gower Peninsula is Southern Wales is recognised as an Area of Natural Beauty and that it certainly is!

The seaside town of Mumbles is a fine example of the beautiful Welsh Coastal Village.

The coast line consists of rugged headlands interspersed with sandy beaches.

There is a beautiful cliff top walk from Bracelet Bay in Mumbles to the expansive each at Langland Bay.

The walk has a mixture of …

Clifftop views

Beautiful wild flowers

Langland Beach is broad and expansive with lovely beachside cafes.

The beautiful place for a swim and a coffee with a view.

The walk is around 2.5km each way.

The beach at Bracelet Bay is smaller but still inviting

But lovely swimming beside the lighthouse.

And the clifftop bar overlooking the lighthouse is a perfect day to end a hot summer day