Bonus blog (Swansea edition)

 

We successfully negotiated our first car charge away from home, in the extremely glamorous location of the Aberystwyth Tesco. An hour while we breakfasted gave us enough to get to Swansea without undue range anxiety.

The attractive route suggested by Si, via Lampeter and Llandeilo, was hidden under low cloud, and delivered us to Tavistock Road in a couple of hours or so.

Si rustled up a tasty stir-fried rice for lunch while he explained that we'd be going for a coastal walk and a restaurant was booked for dinner at 8.30. I don't think he was trying to punish us...

We hopped in the car to Pitton Cross, parking some way from the start at Middleton, so that Si could avoid the car park charges. He never pays for parking if it can be inconveniently avoided.

The walk wasn't long, at under 5 miles, but very beautiful. It's a delightfully craggy stretch of coastline on this part of the Gower, taking in Mewslade Bay and Falls Bay.

We had brought our weather luck with us from Ceredigion and the forecasted showers held off. It was muggy again though, and we all worked up a sweat as we strode somewhat more purposefully than Joff and I have been accustomed to with our full packs.

The chat took in a variety of phobias including heights and any animals bigger than a sheep. Yes, we did walk along some high narrow ledges and past ponies. I think they call that aversion therapy.

All the way along to Worm's Head we saw only a handful of other intrepid walkers likewise admiring the grand scenery.

Having rounded the headland by the coastguard station our sense of solitude was swiftly dispelled by the crowds who'd parked by the pub and ambled along the wide, grassy, and distinctly unhilly track. 

We felt that we'd earned our pint, overlooking the glorious sandy stretch of Rhossili beach.

A short plod brought us back to the car and we were able to tick off another, albeit non-consecutive, few miles of the Wales Coast Path.

Dinner was at neighbourhood restaurant Gilligans, a 10 minute downhill trot in light rain. Honest, homecooked, unfussy food was on offer, and lots of it, presumably catering to rugby front row appetites. Si and Joff acquitted themselves admirably/stuffed themselves pointlessly, while Julie and I failed about a third of the way through the main course.

The fellas went for pud. Joff, despite being more stuffed than a Chesterfield sofa, reminded a passing waitress that his should have come with a shortbread biscuit. He quailed somewhat when two arrived, but manfully did his duty, and also ate the one that came with my peppermint tea. He is nothing if not thorough.

A short climb home completed a really lovely day with the Swansea Dunns.

Em x