It’s a cloudy morning, but I enjoy the predawn walk through Cardiff, exploring the the waterways and wharfs.
The waterfront is deserted, so I wander at my leisure, before an early morning coffee and croissant. I resist the mince pies, with difficulty.
The Cardiff Bay Barrage is exposed to the biting wind, but makes for an interesting walk round the water.
A short climb out of the bay, and I reach attractive Penarth, with its’ art deco pier, and Victorian buildings. It feels like stepping back in time, apart from the swimming santas gathering on the promenade.
The rain appears as I reach Lavernock Point, so I take refuge to put on my waterproofs. A robin joins me for sanctuary. Whether at home in the garden, or walking the coastline, I always find a friendly robin to raise a smile. Does everyone talk to them? It’s good to sit down for a chat and a short break. After four long days, my legs are fine, but I start to tire a little earlier each day.
I pass the flooded causeway to Sully Island, with a lone fisherman, stranded on the far shore. An electronic board sets out the safe times to cross.
The rest of the afternoon is damp and grey, as I follow the main road round the industrial areas, to Barry Island. It’s not beach weather; the bleak, empty fairground wheel reminding me of the Coney Island scene from The Warriors.
I dip into The Ship pub, to dry off, and grab a hot meal. Not one of my better choices, but the pub in my CAMRA guide is too far away, at the end of a tiring day, in grim weather. They have apple crumble, my favourite. Unfortunately, it arrives with no more than two spoonfuls of crumble in a sea of custard. I point this out to the manageress, who kindly orders me a second plate. I feel a little hog like, sitting with two bowls of dessert in front of me, but it vanishes quickly.
It’s another mile out of town, in the dark, to the airport Travelodge, which is my best accommodation so far this week.
Walk distance: 18 miles.
Total distance: 1,186 miles.
Fair play Tony you’re clocking up some miles! If you like historic country pubs then it may be worth a detour when you get near to Monknash along the Glamorgan Heritage Coast, to a little pub in the countryside The Plough and Harrow, (www.ploughandharrowmonknash.co.uk) for some liquid refreshment. All the best Rich
Thanks for the recommendation Rich, as it looks like my sort of pub. Unfortunately, I finished at Marcross on my final day, which means I will be restarting in January close to Monknash. Probably a little early in the day for a beer! 🙂