Discovering West Wales
With its raw coastline, ancient forests and unique towns, Pembrokeshire has always appealed. Anywhere that sits along the west of the UK, where the harsh Atlantic meets the land is somewhere good for photos and the soul.
The first night of camping was not ideal – to put it politely. Our recent and untested sleeping set-up didn’t allow Claudia or me much rest, with only Bumble the cockapoo, getting a full nights shut eye. The next morning, we stumbled into St Davids and visited TYF. An adventure and outdoor hire company, who kindly lent us inflatable mattress toppers and roll mats for a fair price.
@tyfadventure
www.tyf.com
More good stuff – Grain, National Museum Wales, Solva Woollen Mill.
Ty Canol wood is an ancient forest with archaeological sites that dates back to 2,500 BC. Odd spindly oak and ash trees gather densely, in a dark and strange environment. The forest floor consists mostly of slippery large rocks covered in moss, which you plod your way through. We rarely saw anyone else, only wild sheep that stalk you like an ancient tribe of Apache Indians.
There is no car park for the woodland. It is not overly clear how to get here. But it is a truly wonderful and unique place that wouldn’t be out of place in a Lord of the Rings film.
Tenby, like most harbour towns along the west of the UK – you get everything you expect. Along with something, well… you don’t. We headed for Tenby on a windy and rainy afternoon, keen to give Bumble full roam of the vast beaches that sit below the town.
Aside from quaint tea rooms and fishing markets, Tenby’s main appeal for us was the abundance of talented creatives and business owners such as Martha O’Neill, a bespoke jewellery designer. We found Barefoot studio down a quiet cobble courtyard in the centre of town, with Martha working with vintage tools under an angle-poise.
@barefootbymartha
So, what did I discover in West Wales? That there is as much colour as there is darkness. As much youth as there is history. And as many sheep as there is photo opportunities.
You could re-visit the same place many times, and end up with a different story to tell. My only certain and conclusive thought is, I cannot wait to return.
ALL WORDS AND PHOTOS ARE COPYRIGHT TO MATT ANKERS 2023