Day 1 We met at Castell Henllys only to find it had been shut for 2 days for emergency tree surgery. Wendy who knows Newport well, suggested that she took us on a short walk from the estuary, so this is what we did instead and it was very enjoyable. Lots of wild life and sighting of Shell ducks and many wild flowers. We visited the Neolithic burial chamber Carreg Coetan Aurthur. Soon after arrival at the farmhouse we provided a wellcome drink and ran through the itinerary for the week. The accommodation is perfect having a large farmhouse kitchen, which is a great social area. Day 2 - Strumble Head circular 11km The weather was better than expected (the drive down the day before had been torrential). This was a circular route, some paths were quite muddy but we had certainly timed it right to see the bright yellow gorse in full bloom and so many different wild flowers. The light house looked spectacular and an optional trig point (Garn Fawr 213m) at the end was the only windy moment of the walk. It was unusual for us to have glorious evening sunshine to at least cook the BBQ. Alan always cooks the steaks perfectly to personal specifications - delicious! Day 3 - Carningli circular from Newport 7km A magical area and very accessible and good fun, short and sweet scramble to the top of the rocky outcrop. We had fantastic views albeit a little hazy. A route was chosen from Newport town centre and from the top we walked over to a large Bronze Age cairn. Time for a coffee in Newport and a browse of the independent shops. A few holiday purchases were made. On route back we visited the burial chamber Pentre Ifan. The really big one! It was unusual for us to have glorious evening sunshine to at least cook the BBQ. Alan always cooks the steaks perfectly to personal specifications - delicious! Day 3 - Abercastle to Porthgain and Abereiddy 8km After discovering that all the puffin shuttle buses had been cancelled for the whole summer and bad weather was forecast Alan and I had some thinking to do for contingency. It turned out to be a fabulous day, the only bit of rain when we had out coffee stop. The coast line is magnificent and the sea like a mill pond as the wind was blowing south easterly and was sheltered by the cliffs. We were on the look out for seals the whole time and did spot one or two. Lunch at the Sloop Inn was a success albeit the dos and don’ts signs everywhere. The minibus was parked here, so we all piled in and took off to Abereiddy just a stone’s throw down the coast. The Blue Lagoon is a popular swimming safe area but was deserted on this cold April day. This didn’t put Louise off who gave us the highlight of the day and confidently and calming went for a swim. Everyone was dropped off at an accessible place to visit the third burial chamber of the week Careg Sampson and returned along the coastal path. In the evening we are out at the Golden Lion in Newport which none of us could fault. All in all a very relaxed week with a great bunch. We had lots of laughs and funny moments. Thank you all who came and to Alan Ward who made this week so enjoyable. 'til next time
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