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

Summer's arrived at last!

Lower Town Fishguard

Two whole days of sunshine over the Bank holiday weekend got us out on bikes and kayaks. It was a beautiful evening at Lower Town Fishguard on Sunday. The sea was calm and we were able to kayak along towards Dinas Head, landing on a little beach accessible only by boat. We paused for a short while before heading back with the tide, and spent a further hour or so mooching around the boats moored in the harbour. We kayaked under the bridge at

Cwm Gwaun, (also a lovely place to walk) but soon reached shallow water, so had to leave it for the ducks.
Monday afternoon saw us on a cycle ride from Mathry to Solva-some 18 miles or so-through lanes with hedgerows abundant with wild flowers. We stopped at Solva for an ice cream before heading back for a well earned cup of tea and chocolate Brownies!

Liz

Alpacas in Pembrokeshire

I was out taking photographs of our cottages last week and imagine my surprise at the occupants of this field as I drove past. I had to look twice to confirm a small gathering of alpacas enjoying the spring sunshine and the lush grass.

So not only is it possible to see a great variety of wildlife, sea birds, seals and perhaps a pod of dolphins - if you're lucky- but the odd alpaca enjoying life in the Solva Valley!!

Sue B

Skylarks

The skylarks have arrived at the old aerodrome just outside St Davids. Busy laying their eggs in scrapes on the ground. The gorse is in full bloom and the scent of it drifting across the aerodrome is quite 'heavy'. Wonderful place to 'walk the dog', do a spot of 'bird watching', or see how many different 'species of flowers 'you can find.
Janet

Pembrokeshire Coast - 300 Hundred Quality Holiday Cottages though out Wales

Video of the beautiful pembrokeshire coast

'Waving not drowning......'

We went to an exhibition of sculpture and artworks – a retrospective viewing and sale of the works of John Cleal who died two years ago. A prolific artist and craftsman, he supported the communities of Pembrokeshire, often donating his sculptures and paintings to public places and for fund-raising.

I had met him many years before and learned that he produced the very first brochure for Quality Cottages. A series of ‘line drawings’ depicting the cottages and their interiors - in those days the properties were owned solely by the proprietor Leonard Rees.

Some of the sculptures were familiar pieces, not for sale thank goodness (I can continue to feast my eyes on them!) my favourite being a piece entitled ‘Waving not drowning’. Many people attended the opening day of the exhibition hosted by Johns’ daughter-in-law Alice who with her husband Mitchell and a handful of friends and family members, made the occasion more like a civilized party (glass of wine in hand of course).

Should you visit North Pembrokeshire it’s worth a visit – there are numerous other artists displaying, from garden structures to paintings, pots and glassware – variously priced and all beautiful. The gallery is situated off the A487 travelling westbound to Goodwick (near Fishguard) well sign-posted as Workshop Wales Gallery.

Sue A

Cuckoo

It was only last week I asked where the cuckoo was! Well I heard it yesterday (three times) over the Dowrog Common just outside St Davids and the ladies smock (sometimes known as the cuckoo flower) was in full bloom too. Janet