Where else can you ride horse back around a Cathedral city?

Gypsy Vanner horses are renowned for their powerful strength and gentle willing nature. This has been recognised by the owners of Penlan Farm who have 200 breeding animals on their coastal farm. They also own and run St Davids Trekking and have opened up some of their 194 acres offering a unique opportunity to explore this exceptional landscape.

Experienced guides accompany small groups on treks of 1 -2 hours. Tours include the beautiful

St Davids Peninsula, a medieval castle, the Bishops Palace and St Davids Cathedral. Pembrokeshire wild flowers abound as does the wildlife such as buzzards and badgers.

Beginners and experienced riders of 11 years and older are all welcome. (Hopefully younger riders will be catered for in the near future)

Carew Castle, Tidal Mill and Celtic Cross

Carew Castle (http://www.carewcastle.com/) started life as a Norman fortification and ended up as an Elizabethan country house. It overlooks a 23 acre mill pond spanned by a medieval bridge and a restored tidal mill. An 11th C Celtic cross stands on the site. There is a picnic spot opposite and the family friendly Carew Inn just over the road.

A ticket to the castle (less than £4) includes entry to the tidal mill. Laminated information sheets can be borrowed and will guide you around each impressive building. Additional information boards are located around the castle. Children are very well catered for with quiz sheets to complete on route.

The walk from the castle to the mill across the medieval bridge and back to the car park is about a mile - making this an easy and very pleasant morning or afternoons entertainment.

A Day Out to Ramsey Island Pembrokeshire (July 2009)

Angelo and Cathy

A Day Out to Skomer Island Pembrokeshire (July 2009)

Angelo and Cathy

A walk around Marloes Peninsula including Deer Park

An easy 5 mile walk with spectacular coastal views, dramatic rock formations, very few people, the odd rabbit, birds and some wild ponies.

Park in the Marloes Sands car park (National Trust £4) and pick up a map (included in the parking fee).

The route takes you through the site of an iron age fort but there is little evidence to see. Look out for Gateholm, Skokholm, Skomer, Midland and Grassholm Islands. Grassholm is white with gannets in the summer.

The little cottage which marks the fork in the path to Deer Park will surely leave you fantasizing about living in such an isolated and wildly beautiful location. Do summon the courage to gaze down into the treacherous waters of Jack Sound and across to St Bride's Bay. Clamber up to the Coastguards Hut to enjoy panoramic views of this glorious rugged coastline. If you happen to have an apple in your pocket you may be able to make a friend of one of the otherwise shy wild ponies roaming around the grass land.

The little stony cove of Martin's Haven is the embarkation point for boat trips out to Skomer, from here the path is sandwiched between St Bride's Bay and West Hook Farm. The final part of the walk takes you across three fields and then a short distance along flower filled lanes back to the car park.

Marloes village is very close by where you can take rest and refreshment in the Lobster Pot pub or the award winning Clockhouse Cafe/Bar. If you have enough energy left Marloes Sands is another scramble across a couple of fields and down to the shore but well worth a visit. The sweep of golden sand framed by jagged rocks and clear sea will invigorate you.

Anne I

Laugharne

A pretty village nestled alongside the sandy shores of the Taf estuary. Laugharne was founded by Flemish weavers and dyers in the 17th C having been granted the land after their own homes were lost in the great floods of that time. Later it developed into an important cockling centre. There is an eclectic mix of old cottages, terraces and elegant Georgian houses.
The picturesque 13th C castle was turned into a Tudor mansion in the 16th C. It overlooks the village and the foreshore. An ideal spot for a picnic.

A path beside the estuary and a flight of steps lead first to Dylan Thomas' Writing Shed, a glance inside will convince you that Dylan has just popped out, then to the Boathouse, his home for several years before he died. The parlour remains as the family left it. There is a gallery, an audio visual display, books for sale and a tea shop.

Continue along the same path for a lovely wooded walk An information board in the village garden will advise you on other pleasant places to stroll. Do look out for herons and other water loving birds.

There is a good choice of places to eat and drink including Dylan Thomas' favourite, Browns also some little shops, a glass studio and a pottery. Take care the car park floods on high tide.
Anne I

Dale

What a lovely day to be in Dale. The sun was shining - warm even. There was a palpable feeling of relaxation and holiday energy. It was buzzing. The Griffin Inn (listed in several editions of the Good Beer Guide) was full to overflowing. Most choosing like us, to take their drinks out to the harbour wall from where we could watch the comings and goings. Many were eating local favourites such as crab sandwiches and freshly caught mackeral.

Dinghies were being launched, others pulled ashore, windsurfers too. The jetty was full with moored boats in different states of preparation for going to sea or coming home. The Broadside Charter Boat bobbed up and down invitingly awaiting its party of summer fishermen.

Children were eating ice creams and playing happily on the safe, sandy, shingly beach. Older people chose the wooden benches on the grassy bank above the beach. Walkers were arriving from several directions. The Pembrokeshire Coastal Path passes through the village and around the Dale Peninsula.

For more spectacular coastal views either drive or walk up the lane beside Dale Castle to the little known World War II aerodrome on the cliff top. Parking is easy. The vistas are spectacular.

Dale beach looks out over the Milford Haven Waterway. There is another sunny, sandy beach at West Dale a short walk away. It is well worth a visit for the views out to sea and of Skolkholm Island. It is an ideal place for sun worshippers but strong currents make it unsafe for bathing.

Dale has a watersports hire shop, cafe, shop/post office, car park, pub serving good beer and food and a yacht club. The village hall hosts a number of craft fairs and art exhibitions throughout the year. Anne I

A Day Out To Caldey Island - Tenby Pembrokeshire (June 2009)

Angelo

Abereiddi

As we approached the Blue Lagoon in Abereiddi the air was filled with excited shouts of encouragement, squeals of fright and delight, roars of congratulations and a lot of laughter. Several helmet, wetsuit & life jacket clad characters were 'coasteering' their way around the former quarry pit by climbing, scrambling, swimming and jumping from the rocks. Their enjoyment was obvious and infectious. It was particularly funny to see them walking on submerged rocks in the deeper water outside the lagoon as if they possessed some mysterious qualities that the rest of us only hear and read about in good books. We delayed our walk with pleasure to watch the spectacle.

If you are holidaying in the St Davids area and fancy trying some adventurous activities such as coasteering, climbing, sea kayaking or windsurfing contact TYF Adventure Activities for more information.

Anne I

Porthgain

The small coastal village of Porthgain in north Pembrokeshire has a tiny harbour dominated on one side by the ruins of its industrial past. Once an important harbour from which bricks, slates and road stones were despatched by sea. Now a conservation area to preserve its heritage.

These days the village survives on fishing and tourism. The Pembrokeshire Coastal Path passes through. There is a free car park for the less energetic. The Sloop Inn is thought to have been serving ale since 1743. It has now added food to its list of victuals - breakfast, lunch or dinner any of which can be eaten on the sunny terrace outside or inside amongst the eclectic mix of boating and other paraphernalia. The Shed is an award winning harbourside bistro specialising in their own caught seafood landed and served within hours. Booking is advisable.

A village green in the centre is an ideal place for children to let off steam while waiting for their food to be served. A few picnic benches have been provided here too.

There are two galleries The Harbour Lights and Alun Davies Gallery both exhibiting the work of Welsh artists.

This is a fascinating little place and well worth a visit.

Anne I

Lazy days by the pool

Ted tries to amuse himself by the pool as the others bask in the sunshine sipping wine.

Where in Wales?

I challenge anyone to name these beauty spots in North Wales.

Polly

Mochdre Lake, Nr Newtown

These 2 photos were taken literally within the same minute of each other this afternoon at Mochdre Lake. The Boat House was looking superb,the ducks were lying about on the grass and the place was a mass of colour with all the wild flowers in the borders.Its a real haven

up there.Polly

Ffos Las Racecourse, Carmarthenshire, South Wales

The long awaited and eagerly anticipated opening of Ffos Las

Race Course in Trimsaran, Carmarthenshire, south Wales took place yesterday. 10,000 tickets were sold out by last week.

It is the first National Hunt Racecourse with jumps to be built in 80 years at a cost of between 20 and 30 million pounds. It was purpose built on a 600 acre former open cast mine. Many eminent trainers and riders have already visited and declared Ffos Las one of the best courses with first class facilities in the UK.

A busy fixture calender for 2009 has been scheduled with the official opening being carried out by racing commentator Sir Peter O'Sullivan on 28th August. Plans are being made to establish an annual Celtic Racing Festival to take place around March 1st, St Davids day.

The racecourse location within easy reach of the M4 motorway, airports and two Irish ferry terminals is promising for its future as an important national and international horse racing venue and visitors can be sure of a very warm welcome to Wales

Christine

Filming of Robin Hood has begun at Freshwater West, Pembrokeshire

We have enjoyed some rehearsals for the Robin Hood film here on the Haven Waterway. The rowing boats, landing craft and support vessels have been moored in Pembroke Dock prior to 3 weeks of filming of the great battle scene due to start today.

The rowers have been out in force (20 rowers and 1 cox per boat) practicing their maneuvers. Unfortuantly for them we do not have surf. They should have fun approaching the beach at Freshwater West with the on shore waves there.

So far the landing craft ( also used in the film Saving Private Ryan) has not had a make over. A row of holes for the oars can be seen rather high off the water line. I guess the creative staff will be adding a convinsing disguise to make it look like a huge rowing/sailing vessel. It will be used to carry horses.

The roads at Freshwater will be blocked off to traffic but if you are willing to walk spectators are able to watch the filming.

I can't wait to see the film. It will be fun to recognise Pembrokeshire scenes and even a few locals who are helping out with the rowing not to mention Russel Crowe in tights.

Anne I

Trehale Farm Pembrokeshire Free Range Rare Breeds

Iron Age pigs

Berkshire pigs Jacob sheep

Visitors are welcomed at Trehale Farm by appointment. Please phone in advance. There are animals to see and produce to buy.

Manx Loughton sheep

St Govans Chapel

A tiny grey chapel wedged into the cliffs just above a churning sea. This little grey structure is at least 800 (and possibly 1400) years old.

Steps descend into the sandy floored chapel from where you can get a magnificent view of the precarious crags, caves and arches.

Angelo

Rare orchid in Pembrokeshire

If you are a fan of The Green Winged Orchid (Orchis Morio) it flowers from April to May here at St Govans (and it is still here in early June). The lightly grazed calcareous grassland allows this orchid to thrive.

Angelo

Butterflier

Have you ever seen so many Painted Lady butterflies? They have flown here to Pembrokeshire from Africa.
They seem to be in clusters of 4 or 6.
Janet

Green Bridge of Wales

A stunning formation of rocks created over thousands of years by the action of the sea and weather on the cliff face.

This feature can be reached via the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path near Bosherston - an easy grass path leading to a viewing platform.

Cathy

Guillemots. Razorbills & Choughs at Stack Rocks

Stack Rocks - Elegug Stacks

Elegug being the old Norse name for Guillemot ( the Welsh name being Gwylog ).

This is the largest mainland breeding colony of guillemots in South Wales. Razorbills intermingle and choughs may also be seen in this area.

A 1hour 30 minute walk from Bosherston along this stretch of the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path enjoys spectacular scenery with limestone cliffs, stacks, arches and blow holes.

Angelo

Stackpole Quay to Barafundle Bay

Stackpole is one of the smallest harbours you'll find anywhere. It's a lovely spot with the bonus of the Boathouse Tearoom where teas & lunches are served.

A half mile walk takes you to Barafundle Bay which is inaccessable by car. Barafundle is one of the finest beaches in Pembrokeshire - clear water, soft sand and edged by wooded cliffs.

Cathy

There is nothing like an ice cream on a hot day.

Oh you shouldn't tempt me......I'll get fat!

Just a little lick then....!

Pig Trough at Quality Cottages

Pig trough at Quality Cottages - totally unpolluted, uncontaminated or corrupted by politicians.

LR

A unique custom to herald the arrival of the cuckoo.

Well the cuckoo may have arrived in St Davids but he has not yet made an appearance in neighbouring hamlet of Wallis in Ambleston.

Our local farmer Dai Thomas alerts those of us not lucky enough to hear the wee warbler ourselves by the upkeep of a custom, quite unique. As soon as he hears the cuckoo call he shaves his head i.e. his winter coat and this is our sign that the lovely bird has arrived in our area.

Dai is well known locally as his beasts - cows, pigs and sheep all roam on the common moorland of Wallis and Ambleston thus keeping it clear of the dreaded bracken. Good for locals and visitors alike who enjoy walking the area and around Wallis Pond in view of the magnificent backdrop of the Preseli Hills. Fabulous!
Lorraine.

Wallis Pond