Wales & Geneva

[bench_ubbster]

A bit different!

But we are off camping tomorrow for a week in Pembrokeshire (Fishguard Bay camping site) and I was just wondering if there are places I must see or things I must do as I've never been to this area of Wales before.

Also, I'm just about to accept a job based in Geneva. I won't start until October, but advanced warning that it may be quiet from me (trips for relocating, setting up ADSL etc). I've lived in Switzerland before, so it's nothing new, but still quiet exciting and I can't wait to find previously undiscovered benches at the top of the Alps


For those who can remember, I was made redundant at the beginning of the year and I consequently became umemployed and then self employed. I must admit I'm looking forward to going employed again. After being unemployed and self-employed it does make you appreciate how little is done (or the little that is done, how badly it's done) to help people and small businesses in this country. So endeth the party political broadcast.

[mediaman]

Congrats on the employment. Just the boost you need for really enjoying your camping hols.
hoping the weather stays pleasant enough for taking pics.

[Hotblack]

I don't realy know north Pembroke other than St. Davids which is worth a visit. Strumble Head lighthouse and Porthgain (for it's coastal industrial past) are worth visiting too.

Other than that I have one word to say - SKOMER

Get down to Skomer Island and take the ferry across from Martin's Haven to see the Puffins. I think the first ferry is about 10am. Get there for 9am to have any chance of catching the first boat. Otherwise it's a good half hour before it returns to pick up the next bunch. Can't rate Skomer highly enough.

[OneTen]

I'm off to Skomer for a long weekend next Saturday, from the photos I've seen it looks amazing...can't wait. The area around the Stackpole Estate (NT) is stunning, but I don't think you can go far wrong in that area.

Best of luck with the new job.

[Hotblack]

Be aware that the ferry doesn't run on Mondays and is extremely busy over the weekend. I try to go mid-week if I can. Plus I hope the weather is kind. Any sort of a northerly wind and you're scuppered.

I've stayed at the Stackpole Inn a couple of times. Good rooms, great food and good beer as well. The coastal walk between Stackpole Quay west (via Barafundle Bay) to Stack Rocks is fabulous (not to be attempted all in one day). Stack Rocks should be jam packed with Razorbills and Guillemots at the moment. Hopefully the Army Ranges are closed the day you're there. They're certainly shut evenings and weekends.

Angle Bay (and the pub out towards Angle Point which isn't easy to find but worth the effort) is damn fine too. The Griffin Inn in Dale is worth a visit if you're heading that way.

Give the town of Pembroke a wide berth. It's a dump.

[OneTen]

I was wondering about organising an AP weekend on Skomer for next year. I'm going with another forum (splitter!), arriving Sat , departing Tues and we're sharing the accommodation costs. I think there's 15/16 beds, Sat/Sun/Mon is £105 each in shared rooms/dorms. They don't start accepting bookings for next year until September.

[Hotblack]

I was wondering about organising an AP weekend on Skomer for next year. I'm going with another forum (splitter!), arriving Sat , departing Tues and we're sharing the accommodation costs. I think there's 15/16 beds, Sat/Sun/Mon is £105 each in shared rooms/dorms. They don't start accepting bookings for next year until September.

I'd be up for that. I think Mrs H would be as well. I'd love to photograph the puffins in the evening/morning and see (well....hear) the Shearwaters returning at night..

[Fire_Monkey]

That sounds cool, I'd be interested in that, but is dependant on personal circumstances and dates?

[bench_ubbster]

Are dogs allowed on Skomer? I guess not, so I'll leave them with the missus Looks like I'll be having some fun!

[Hwntws]

Just further up the coast road, towards Cardigan, is Dinas Head, look for signs Pwllgwaelod. Walk the circular route around Dinas Head, Cwm yr Eglwys, is at one end. wonderful walk.
Regards
Ray

[Hotblack]

Skomer and Pembrokeshire coast featured in Countryfile this evening. Worth a look on iPlayer for anyone visiting soon.