After what felt like months of rain and gales it was a relief to have a couple of sunny days and, in spite of many commitments both at home and away, we managed to fit in an afternoon walk on Monday. For the first time we used two cars, which I’ve tried to avoid, but with the coastal bus only running on Wednesdays there was really no alternative.
As we drove in convoy through freezing fog I thought we might have made a big mistake, but it was clear and beautiful on the coast, with little wind, though not much above freezing point out of the sun.
St Brides Haven looked much more cheerful than when we finished there in November. The path was muddy but straightforward with no big climbs or drops. As we ate a late lunch we watched a little boat checking lobster pots. There were also several tankers at anchor in the bay, as usual.
It wasn’t long before we could see Broad Haven ahead, though Little Haven (which we would reach first) is much more hidden. We passed through one of the few wooded parts of the path – although it’s north-facing, this corner of St Brides Bay is the most sheltered. Then a brief bit of road, then back between cliffs and fields (though it was tempting to stay on the road which takes a much more direct route). Finally down some steps to the Point at Little Haven and the Swan Inn – shut until next week but as we are having a dry January this wasn’t a great disappointment.
If the tide is right out you can walk along the beach to Broad Haven, but it wasn’t, so we had a final half mile up the very steep road and down the other side, reaching Broad Haven a few minutes before the sun set. A glorious end to a good walk, only 6.6 miles but it was satisfying to get going again.
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