White paws are circling the tent, but they vanish in a tinkling scarper when I move to open the flap; sunlight streams in.
The Wavecrest cafe at West Angle Bay does not open until 11, but they kindly fill my water bottle and rustle up a coffee. Cupping the hot drink, I read the local information board. The headland where I planned to wild camp is an ancient burial ground, recently discovered when graves appeared in the eroding cliff face. Glad I chose the pub garden then.
I can always rely on a robin to make me smile and have an early morning chat. They are great listeners.
The Milford Haven decommissioned oil refinery dominates the landscape.
I did not have huge expectations for today but I’m really enjoying it. There are more hikers to chat to now that winter is receding. The sun is shining, and the walk is full of small discoveries. At Bullwell Bay, nestled between the jetties and pipelines, there is a pretty wood with storm-damaged trees strewn across the path, a ruined house, and a cave marked on the map. Who can resist a secret cove with a mysterious cave? Time to explore.
The shallow cave entrance does not look inspiring, so I just sit on the rocks for a little while, watching the tankers.
I finish skirting the perimeter fence of the huge refinery and head inland, over fields and rolling hills, tracking Pembroke River
It’s grey and gloomy when I reach Pembroke. There are futuristic dangers lurking in the ancient buildings.
I’ve fallen in love with Pembroke Castle, birthplace of Henry VII. What a magnificent view across the river.
I’m staying at the Travelodge, so enjoy a relaxing shower. It’s been a lovely day. Not bad for a walk round an oil refinery!
Walk distance: 17 miles.
Total distance: 1,515 miles.
Hi Tony. I’m going to be walking the coast path from Newgale to Swansea starting in 3 weeks time. How muddy is the path down there at this time of year? Any particular stretches worse than others? Thanks, and love the blog!
Hi Craig. It’s not too bad. I think I have only fallen over twice, although my hiking poles have saved me many times. The classic sideways slip trying to walk across a slope, feet going downhill, with a slow motion fall up the slope into the mud! The worst section was probably St Clears to Laugharne, just muddy fields. Enjoy the wonderful coastline.
Thanks Tony. I’ll wear the big hiking boots for that section then. Hopefully it will be a bit dryer by start of April.
Cheers,
Craig
Lovely photo of your morning view, and the friendly robin. You’re making great progress!
Thanks Ruth. I am relaxing at home now for a couple of weeks, catching up on the gardening, but may nip over to Essex tomorrow for a day as the weather looks great.