Wales in the rain :(

 Thursday 13rh May 2021

Well after a fine and mostly dry day yesterday it began raining overnight and hasn't stopped since.

I decided to head in the planned direction of New Quay in the hope that some fine weather would find us, but of course all we saw was more rain. 

The forecast doesn't offer much hope either, so after lunch in New Quay, we headed north to one of my favourite parkup's at Fairbourne on the Mawddach Estuary, overlooking Barmouth across the river.

There's lots to do here if the weather is fine, there is a cycle trail up the estuary to Dolgellau, or a ferry boat goes across the river to the seaside town of Barmouth. 

The beach is also great with mostly soft sand and a few stoney sections.

I've been here many times before, last time was a glorious weekend last Summer when I was able to get the kayak out and go for a paddle up the estuary. What a difference in today.

Tomorrow we'll head home and put Pembrokeshire off until the weather decides to play nicely.

Disappointing but there'll be plenty more opportunities I'm sure.

A rather gloomy looking Fairbourne in the rain

Elan Valley Wales

 Wednesday 12th May

After postponing this trip from a couple of weeks ago due to the dire weather forecast for torrential downpours, the weather this May has only picked up a little bit. 

After the dryest April on record, I wouldn't be suprised if we end up with the wettest May on record !

 

But never mind, whilst the weather forecast may not be up to much, so far today it's been quite dry and sunny with just a brief shower as we were leaving Powis Castle after a lunch stop.

Next stop was Tesco in Newtown for some pillows that someone had forgotten to load up.

After that it was up to Elan Valley in the heart of Wales, close Rhayader.

There are series of reservoirs here that supply fresh water to Birmingham.

Construction began in 1893 and the village of Elan was flooded with only the landowners receiving compensation. 

Most of the villagers lost their homes and received nothing.

In 1941/42 Barnes Wallace blew up a small dam here that had been built to suppy the village before it was destroyed for the reservoir.

Apparently it was an experiment to research how much explosive would be needed to blow a hole in a dam ! 

It's quite scenic with lots of wildlife, there were two Red Kites circling earlier and I'll try and get a photo if they return, edit - they didn't return unfortunately.

We're parked up on a free carpark carved into the rock face overlooking the reservoir, it's probably a hangover from when the dam was built but it's a great spot for a peaceful night, hopefully.

We had a walk earlier to the visitor centre, mostly closed but there's a small shop and cafe for takeaways. Hopefully things will begin to open up more next week.

We're spending our evening being entertained by sheep and their lambs surrounding us and what an spectacle it is.

Their energy is boundless and spend their time chasing each other and leaping in the air just for the fun of it. 

Lovely to watch but I do hope they shut up later and go to sleep so we can as well !

We`ve got a lovely sunset for this evening but the weather forecast tells us to expect rain by 10pm.

Leaving Porth Lago

 Thursday 15th April 2021

I`m sorry to be leaving here, but will definately be back ...

Where else could you wake up and have a view like this ?  

Breakfast with a view to die for.

Porth Lago paradise

 Wednesday 14th April 2021

After quite a cool night at Porth Lago, glorious sunshine greeted me when I woke from a restful nights sleep.

I'd decided overnight to stay here another night and enjoy another day taking in this little bit of Welsh Paradise.

This really is a lovely bay and one I`m certainly going to coming back to in the future.

So I decided today I'd get the kayak out and go for a paddle along the coast.

Chris the farmer warned me of some strong currents and recommended I go left out of the bay towards Porth Ore, or known to many as whistling sands.

Before turning left I decided to paddle out to a small island where there were lots of sea birds.

Unfortunately they all took flight as I approached leaving just a couple of lazy seagulls to glare at me until I turned around.

I use a waterproof action camera in the kayak, a bit like a Gopro but a fraction of the price. 

Now I know why they're cheap, when I came to download my pictures they were all corrupted for some reason.

So no photos to show for my paddling exploits today I'm afraid, but it was very enjoyable paddling in and out of the coves looking at the rock formations.

Onto Porth Lago

Tuesday 13th April 2021

Day 2 of freedom from lockdown and after a very peaceful night at Porthdinllaen the sun was shining from daybreak which was very welcome. 

Coming away to Wales is always a lottery with the weather but it looks like I got lucky. 

The temperature dropped quickly after dark but it was warm and cozy in Ed.

I shared the carpark for the night with a couple in a small campervan.

They sat outside with a firepit for warmth until at least 1100. Rather them than me, they must be pretty hardy, I can't see the firepit giving that much warmth.

After a morning doggie walk we set off for Porth Lago which is about 25 minutes down the coast. I've not been here before and it took a bit of finding, but boy is it worth it.

The approach is through a farmyard with it's usual cow pat and chicken obsticle hazards, but once through it opens up onto a fantastic camping field overlooking the small sandy bay. 

It's a very beautiful setting and very safe too with golden sands stretching out into the sea with a very gentle slope and crystal clear waters looking inviting.

A paddle in the gentle surf though felt like an "ice bucket challenge"

Later we walked along the coastal path to drink in some more of the beautiful scenery made all the better by the Spring sunshine.

This time last year, in the first lockdown we were of course enjoying a heatwave. It's a bit cooler this year but still quite warm if you are able to stay in the sun.

This evening was spent just enjoying the peace and tranquility.

If the weather stays settled tomorrow, I may get the kayak out and go for a paddle along the coast, the water looks very inviting.

Butter wouldn't melt would it ?

Don't you believe it, shortly after this Louis found a freshly silage sprayed field to have a full body roll in !

Little bu**er had to have good wash afterwards

Freedom at last

 Monday 12th April 2021

Woohayyy, freedom at last from a long Winters Covid-19 lockdown and the first trip away since retirement.

It doesn`t seem long since last Summer's unlocking ! 

That unlocking didn`t last long, let's hope this is the last one.

What strange times we're living through where just the freedom to drive into Wales for a few nights gets so exciting.

With the weather this Spring being so cold and wintery, I wasn't sure I'd go anywhere, but 12th April was the release date and the weather forecast was cold but importantly dry, so that was it, decision made, I'd be off to make the most of our new freedoms.

Conwy was the first stop for lunch and a walk around the castle, with flags at half mast for HRH Prince Phillip, bless him.

Next it was onto Porthdinllaen near Morfa Nefyn on the Llyn Peninsular.

This is a fabulous bay with stunning walks along the coastal paths, which Louis and I made the most of.

The weather has been quite warm and sunny, but cold if you're in the shade.

I think it will go very cold overnight, but the forecast is for another sunny day tomorrow , so that'll do me.

Some pictures from today .......

Porthcurno ........ or not ?

 

Tuesday 22nd September 2020

We had a fabulous day yesterday on the golden sands of Praa in the warm late summer sunshine and enjoyed going to sleep to the sounds of waves on the beach.

It was much cooler and cloudier when we awoke this morning and it looks we've seen the best of the weather for the moment.

After a walk along the beach we set off for Porthcurno.

We'd decided we would try and get another day out of this trip before heading home.

Porthcurno is close to Lands End and has accessible parking without the rip off parking rates.
Problems arose on the lane down to the village. A "Road Closed" sign greeted us.
After speaking to a local it was indeed closed.

Now, we could have found another route there no doubt, but looking at the lanes and knowing how narrow some can be, I decided an alternative route was not advisable.

So I decided we'd head north a bit and find somewhere else to visit.
Tintagel seemed to fit the bill so we programmed the sat nav.

Tintagel is a proper tourist honey pot, it was packed to the rafters with visitors who flock to view the Castle remains

Anyway we had a wander around, the path down to the castle looked too steep to appeal to Sue, so Louis and I did it later.

It is indeed a very steep path and access is only so far before you have to pay to cross the foot bridge onto the island rock. I wasn't bothered about going there so we walked along Glebe Cliffs instead and had a great view of the rock and the foot bridge.

So Tintagel is a nice place and worth visiting but very touristy, King Arthur Shields and Excalibur Swords at every turn.

Tomorrow we'll head home.

We've had a good trip visiting some old haunts and some new places and I'd like to return to see more of the north coast sometime.

I`ve got lots of photos but slow internet means I`ll link them from home tomorrow

Tintagel Penninsular

Foot bridge to Tintagel Penninsular

Foot bridge to Tintagel Penninsular

Tintagel Town

Tintagel Town

Tintagel Town

Tintagel Town - National Trust property

Tintagel Town - National Trust property