Guest blog: Pembrokeshire ramblings...
Here's out first “guest blog post.” Rather than our usual Wales travel tips posted from the TravelWales.org office here in New York City, we’re handing over the reigns to Claire Carlile. Claire is a manager at Preseli Venture Eco Lodge and Adventures. I have a feeling that she will be persuading us to get out of the city and head to the stunning Pembrokeshire National Park...
Words and pictures describe a day in Pembrokeshire: sea kayaks, edible crabs, coasteering and a walk through the bluebell woods - - we take it all in our stride here in West Wales!
The day starts in bright sunshine; we wake up early and head off down to the beach at Whitesands for an early morning paddle around the coast. Sea kayaking really does offer the perfect way to explore the Pembrokeshire coastline, and within minutes we’re away from the beach, gliding soundlessly below towering sea cliffs, nosing into caves that echo with the sound of breaking waves, and enjoying the calm of the mirror flat sea. Our only companions this morning are the occasional inquisitive seal, and some vocal oystercatchers.
We take a break at a secluded bay, haul our kayaks up onto the beach, and enjoy the breakfast we brought with us – coffee and Welsh cakes always taste better served on a warm rock on a deserted beach. The Pembrokeshire coastline offers countless rocky inlets and tiny sandy coves – if you’re willing to take a short walk, paddle or swim from the busier beaches you’ll always find a place that’s sheltered and where you can leave first footprints in the sand.
On the return trip we use the rope to pull out our lobster pot which sits deep beneath the ocean and rests on the sea floor. After a few minutes of pulling the pot comes into view… no lobsters this time, but a couple of crabs which will make an excellent supper – yum!
This afternoon I’m off to take some photos of one of our groups as they enjoy some coasteering along the coastline from the tiny beach at Aberbach. It’s a superb spot; quiet and off of the tourist trail with some beautiful rock arches to scramble through and incredible jumps into a deep blue pool.
Coasteering is a pretty much unique way to explore the Pembrokeshire National Park coastline, jumping off of the rocks and into the sea is an exciting part of the adventure and is an element of coasteering that gets people’s hearts beating fast – but it is just a part of the whole shebang; checking out rock pool life and learning more about the inspirational environment, flora and fauna of the coastline is what gives a lot of our guests a real buzz.
These guys finish their coasteer looking very pleased with themselves, what a perfect day, and I’m wishing I was there in the water with them rather than scrambling over the rocks with my camera – next time I’ll opt for a waterproof housing!
I round up my day with a walk back through the National Trust woodland at Abermawr. I love this time of year – soon the woods will be carpeted with a sea of bluebells and out on the coast path the coastal slopes and inland hedge banks come alive with a profusion of colored flowers.
Aaah, Pembrokeshire, it’s a tremendous place to live; you must come and visit if you haven’t already! Now, about those crabs…
Claire Carlile lives in Solva, Pembrokeshire, and is marketing manager of Preseli Venture Eco Lodge and Adventures – West Wales’ only Visit Wales-graded 5 star activity center. You can find out more about what they do and where they are by visiting the website www.preseliventure.co.uk or by checking out their Facebook page.
Preseli Venture are offering a special 10% discount to TravelWales.org readers and Wales Facebook fans on any Preseli Venture adventure events or eco lodge accommodation - from a half day coasteer through to a multi day sea kayak holiday which includes fishing for your supper, beach side barbecues and camping out under the stars....good times in Pembrokeshire guaranteed :)
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