LLANSAINT TO CARMARTHEN

Continuing my rehabilitation following my knee operation today's walk was to be longer and include some rougher ground. The plan was to catch a bus to Llansaint and walk back to Carmarthen using the Wales Coastal Path.

Route (click)

We parked our cars in Morrisons and caught the 0923 bus to Llanelli which went via Llansaint - a free ride courtesy of our bus passes.

This route would all be new to me as I had never been to Llansaint before and had not walked on this side of the Tywi estuary either.

The village of Llansaint put me in my mind of a small Cornish fisherman's village with narrow streets and cwtched in around the church. The history board shows the village was famous for its cockle women despite it being on a hill and a fair way to the sea.

A potted history can be found on the link below.

Llansaint (Click)

We were on the look out for the Wales Coast Path logo, which on the whole were visible on the route but with a number of annoying omissions.

Our first stretch took us along a path leading to Pengay Farm which had an impressive bell in the courtyard gateway - mention of this in the wiki notes above.

Looking out to sea we had views of the Gower and Worm's Head and carried on along footpaths which lead into a hidden valley and then on to Ferryside  and its beach.

Ferryside (Click)

In days gone by one could catch a ferry to Llansteffan on the other side of the estuary where there are fine remains of a castle.

In Ferryside there is a wooden carving celebrating those who fished using a seine net.

Our walk continued along a quiet lane and footpath to join another lane near Cwmburry.  This lane was followed  to the ruined farm of Pentrecwm and into the woods where the map shows "Hydraulic Ram". This was either some experiment to do with sheep or more likely water, but we did not see it.

On we went through Towy Castle now a care home and no evidence of a castle.  There were some expensive cars in the car park and if belonging to the owners I cannot see my sons placing me here!

At the end of the footpaths we came across the most attractive style I have seen, probably because it leads into a garden, but it is the path.

We came across a place name and an adjacent warning sign which made me chuckle.

More footpaths, some quite muddy, led us to a green lane  and eventually to a minor road which led us to Croesyceilog and then back to our cars on the outskirts of Carmarthen.

Not a bad test for the knee as the distance was about 10 miles and the ground was quite rough in places with some ups and downs.  We are off to Brecon area on Thursday for further testing!

MEIDRIM

The knee op took place on the 17th July and seems to have gone well and walking up to now up to 2 miles and a 3 mile bike ride. The surgeon told me that he had found "age related" wear and tear and a mangled cartilage. All now tidied up and I should be fine.

The "Navigator" was back from a walking holiday in Chamonix and suggested a gentle half day walk near his homestead in  Meidrim

Here is the  route

I had forgotten the camera in my haste to start back walking, albeit just a half day.

There was only one stretch of off lane walking and that was a bash through some overgrown brambles etc.

Thankfully no after affects and hopefully a longer walk next week.

LLANSTEFFAN AREA

With a month of poor weather and cabin fever not far away, not to mention the dodgy knee I was keen just to get out the house.

I telephoned my mate Chris for a chat and he mentioned that he was going for a short walk this afternoon to look at the ruins of the Pilgrims Rest at Llandeilo Abercowyn. I pleaded to go with him and  he agreed!

Route http://www.ukhillwalking.com/logbook/e.php?d=20120629&u=129274

We parked the car near  Cwm Celyn farm and started to walk towards the farm.  The owner who was playing with his JCB said that his son had found a body that morning and the police were in attendance and may not let us through the land.  However we carried on through the farm and onto the footpath through the small copse and onto the Pilgrims Rest and the ruins of St Teilo Church.  The owner was very helpful and showed where the chapel was and gave some background to the Pilgrim's Rest.  The chapel was somewhat overgrown but the farmer hoped to take a strimmer to the growth soon.

The map shows the path going through the farm and then north along the Cowyn.  However there is now a short detour which leads east along the road and within a small distance a footpath sign puts you back on route.  I have to say this area is poorly sign posted especially as it now forms part of the Wales Coast Path, not to mention the ground was very muddy and full of holes made by cattle - but this is West Wales.

We turned right at the road at Pont Ddu and after about a half a mile at the T junction headed along the well signposted path into the woods.  Just past Gelli we turned south down the lanes back to the car just in time to miss the rain.

A 5.5 mile walk which gave me no knee problems and helped to blow away the cobwebs.

No pictures I am afraid.

St Helens Circular via Seaview

A holiday on the Isle of Wight for the week commencing 26th May saw me tentatively trying to walk without the knee protesting. I tried a one mile route along lanes and fields with no problem and with other short walks things were looking OK. On the Thursday I thought it was time for a longer walk and decided on a circular walk from our base in St Helens, cross country into Seaview and back along the coast.

The route can be seen here.

We followed a footpath north from the Field Lane caravan site, passing a well hidden trig point (49).  It is usual to find these on hill tops not hidden in a wood. In one of the fields was a collection of cattle including bison, highland cattle and some unknown white cattle.

This path led to a road where we turned left and continued on into Attrill's Lane with spring flowers still blooming.

It is a feature of the Isle of Wight to see all footpaths sign posted with most showing a route number and destination.  I wonder if anyone from Carmarthenshire County Council is reading this!

We turned off this path and headed past Park Farm and then onto Calthorpe Road where we stopped at the Duke of Westminster for a shandy.  Much to our surprise the landlord was from Llandybie a village not far from our home and we had a short chat in Welsh!

The path next to the pub was then taken which led past a wildlife park and onto the coast. The coast path led into the quiet town of Seaview where we bought some posh sandwiches and ate them on the promenade next to the yacht club.

An interesting fact here is that the sign posted public toilets are actually in the local hotel!

Now refreshed  and toileted we continued our walk along the coast walking on the sands of Seagrove Bay and Priory Bay, attractive beaches backed by woods.

We stopped at the latter  for a sun break and read before continuing on to the beach just east of St Helen's.  This did include a rock scramble as the tide was heading our way.

Once safely across we arrived at the area known as The Duver where yet another stop was had to consume ice cream.

We crossed the causeway which overlooks Bembridge Harbour and walked back into St Helen's across the village green where we had already seen a couple of cricket matches.  It was now getting ready for the jubilee celebrations with a marquee erected. Unfortunately we will miss one interesting event which was billed as a "jelly fight" taking place on the Saturday.

Some 6.5 miles later and the knee was doing well albeit it was not a strenuous hill walk but still good to be out without pain.

Stop to Procedures

Following a major knee ioncident prior to Easter 2012, my walking has come to end (hopefully just for now).  Off to see a (no doubt pricey) consultant on 8th June to see what can be done.  Thankfully I have found that cycling is pain free - see http://randombikerides.blogspot.co.uk/

Also hope that I can keep canoeing albeit not kneeling.

Welsh Coastal Path - Clean Up at Llansteffan

With a week to go before the official opening of the All Wales Coast Path various clean ups are taking place.

During the last mile of my previous walk my knee decided to call a halt to future walks!  Although a scan in October last had shown a tear in a ligament it had not caused any problems  until the Thursday before Easter when on the Bronwydd walk.  A long story short is that I am now on a waiting list for an Arthroscopy operation.  I really hope that will cure the problem.

Anyway with cabin fever making an appearance I thought a short stroll on the beach at Llansteffan would  be fine both for me and the beach.

Despite the rain pouring down a few hardy souls were given the kit and off we set to pick up litter.

 It was pleasing to see that although this is a popular beach there was not a huge amount of rubbish to collect.

Not sure why amongst my collection were two pair of underpants and a solo flip flop, but no doubt there is a story attached.  I also found one of those instant Bar B Q foil things and why do people just leave burnt out pieces of wood when they light fires.  LEAVE NO TRACE.

If you are walking in this area then a slight detour to visit the castle is worthwhile which has good views over the Tywi estuary towards Ferryside.

In the main seasons I can recommend the fish and chips sold at Florries located in the car park and the tea and cakes in the cafe just a few yards away.

Thankfully the knee behaved quite well with only one "ouch" when I stepped awkwardly on the bank.

Unfortunately these random notes may become even more random for a few months.

Circular walk north of Carmarthen

One of my favorite sayings is "Man Plans and God Laughs". Today I should have been on day 2 of a backpack with my brother- in- law walking in the Elan Valley area.  However the hot weather of recent times suddenly turned to snow and high winds and being of the wimpish (sensible) mode we cancelled.

My usual navigator who normally walks on a Thursday had decided not to and I was therefore left to my own devices and as the sun was out I had to go somewhere. There is an excellent book by Alan Richards in which he describes 10 Great Walks in Carmarthenshire and so far they have been spot on. One I had not done was his Bronwydd- Newchurch walk and so off I went.

I parked in the car park at Bronwydd Village Hall and if anyone is reading this who also enjoys kayaking/canoeing then the first photograph shows the HQ of Whitewater Consultancy a business started by the late Huw Evans who passed away far too young.

The river is the Afon Gwili and again if you paddle, this is an excellent grade two run with a grade three drop known locally as Bronwydd Falls - about the only rapid I have not swum!

The walk takes in the true left bank heading downstream and on to the main A464 where there is a plaque commemorating the now demolished pub, "The Bronwydd Arms "which gave the village its name and was also famous for pub game known as Tip It.

A short way down the main road the route takes a right turn and we head off into the countryside with lots of newborn lambs about.

Once back on the road fine views of Carmarthen can be seen.

It was on this road a car stopped and asked if I wanted a lift - my neighbour on his way to Carmarthen Golf Club.  I of course refused and carried on by foot.

The route then again leaves the road and follows a fine bridleway by a farm with a very posh sign.

  This path leads to Newchurch (Llannewydd).

Just inside the graveyard is an informative information panel which includes a story about the Rebecca Riots.

 The graveyard also has two war memorials with just a few names of those locals lost in the Great War, always sad.

A little further on another bridleway is walked which leads to a lovely path through woods, although some landowner has erected a sign which warns of terrors ahead.  I did come across two large trees which had fallen across the path, but nothing else one would not expect on a country walk.

This path leads to the main A484 and the property which was once a pub called the Rock and Fountain. before it became a private residence it was here paddlers gained access to the Afon Gwili, but no longer.

Our route however turned right before the road was reached and struck steeply uphill through the woods and then across the golf course onto the road.

 A little further downhill a "No Through Road " is taken and once again a lovely track passing a farm I was told could be yours for £2million and also fine views takes you all the way to Cwmdwyfran Farm and back again to the A464.

Just past the small housing estate the route crosses the road and across the fields down to the Afon Gwili.

The route follows the river downstream back to the car park.  There is another information panel here which describes how the local home guard manned a pill box opposite the Rock and Fountain in case the enemy called!

Mr Richards is in the middle of publishing volume 2 of his walks and I look forward to walking them.