With Christmas over – a lot of local walks with my grand dog daughter, Holly, on a visit from Chester – we were hosting Andy and my wife’s sister for the new Year. Bound to be some walks involved.
They arrived at lunch time Saturday and Andy and I had a short walk to the National Botanic Garden of Wales where we had a coffee and returned home.
Sunday we took off to friends in Llansteffan and after lunch we had a short cold walk on the beach.
On Monday I had planned a 5 mile, flat walk with the promise of a cafe at the end for the four of us. We headed for Llanmadoc on the north coast of Gower. The weather was clear blue sky and not too cold and of course a lot of others had planned the same walk and the field car park was nearly full. The thaw gave rise to a slippery down hill parking place. The way out could be “interesting”, but that was for later.
The first half of the walk is along the beach, passing the Whiteford lighthouse now long disused and the only metal one left in the UK.
Whitford Lighthouse
Have they seen the signs?
We turned inland between the salt marsh and the woods all hoping for a coffee and cake. IT WAS SHUT!!!. No mention of this on their website or notices on the gates. In fact the other tea room and local pub were also closed, must be a very local holiday!
We now faced the problem of exiting the car park as did others. With team work and skillful driving no tractors were required.
Route
Thankfully we had an invitation to visit my elder son where a welcome buffet was waiting.
On Tuesday Andy and I set for a walk just north west of Carmarthen based on the village of Bronwydd and into the hills and lanes of the area. The first section was along the Afon Gwili where Andy and I have had good days canoeing.
Route
Afon Gwili
Andy learning about Rebecca Riots
I like this sign
We both dragged each other out again on Wednesday for a walk on Mynydd Myddai with another promise of a cafe at the end in the village of Myddfai. Promise fulfilled this time. Coffee and bara brith and a pat of butter!
Route
To The Physicians Well
Bleak
The trig on Mynydd Myddfai
We are here somewhere
More bleakness
On our return leg we watched two red kites circling each other and flying low over us,magnificent.
Andy looking at the mistletoe – no chance!
Less bleak
Typical Carmarthenshire farm
Colourful houses in Myddfai
Ye olde chemist!
Am I glad that Andy lives in Chester or we would be playing every day.
Blywdden newydd dda i pawb.
bobsoutdoors 