Pembrokeshire long weekend

I spent a lovely looong weekend in a little place called Nolton Haven, Pembrokeshire last weekend. This was the view from the chalet and on the nearby beach (3 mins walk away) on the evening we arrived.

Some great drawings from illustrator Sally Seymour in  this 1971 publication about the local area.

We started the trip with a visit to local author and publisher David Lewis and his wife Penny. This is the view from their home.

David not only has created two very prestigious volumes of local artists paintings and photography, but has also formed ‘ Young Voices’, which is the largest school choir organiser in the world and currently gathers together over 14 capacity concerts a year in the UK & Ireland’s leading Arenas. Each year over 2,500 schools, 90,000 children 6,000 teachers and 120,000 family and friends assemble to enjoy music and celebrate singing.

David’s book ‘Pembrokeshire Art’ features artist such as Grahame Hurd-Wood, John Knapp-Fisher, Mark Raggett, Monica Groves amongst others. The latter two artists (featured below) are even relatives. What a talented family !

We started our walk in St Davids. Surf inspired shops and beautiful picture postcard sights.

Within 5 minutes we had the sea for company, and superb views.

Plenty of foliage and a couple of wildlife sightings. I think one could be a Northern Wheatear but not sure about the other bird, grasping hold of its lunch. Any guesses ?

There are stunning views around every bend and we were thankful for the windy, yet, sun filled weather too.

I love seeing the small twisty pathways set out the walk and line the hills before me.

Dramatic coastline. Feel the grass. Time to connect with nature, whilst still being careful to not loose your footpath or footing altogether !

We reached our destination, in the beautiful harbour at Solva and had tea and welsh cakes mmm.

The bus (with the traveling themed seat covers) took us back to St Davids where we had parked the car. The Cathedral is staggering in it’s size and one member of our party visibly gasped when she saw it for the first time. There has been a church on this site since the 6th Century.

The following day we walked from Little Haven to Nolton Haven. Some dramatic rock formations on the beach. For all you budding Geologists, did you know that Pembrokeshire’s coast displays a greater variety of rocks and scenery than any equivalent area in Britain with over 250 miles of exposures. Quite impressive.

Large open beaches, largely deserted at this time of day, apart that is, from the odd Sphinx ! (above)

We ended up at a favourite place of mine The Druidstone, which is a haven for artists work, great food and relaxed and friendly service. My kind of place.

Who wouldn’t want a back door with a view like this ?

You can even ride horses on the beach, how great is that !

Many thanks to my friends Julian, Johnnie and Emma for a great weekend. I’d like to leave you with my version of the old and the new. Salty old seadogs with excited young scamps lol