You’re not going to believe this - but since the last blog, we’ve not been to the pub. Yes, you did read it right. Don’t worry though, we haven’t gone without thanks not least to fellow caravanner Paul who made sure the beer flowed - sorry, research continued - whilst Patsy’s legs were down in South Wales.
The trundle from Moreton-in-Marsh to the lovely Llwynifan Farm site near Llanelli was trouble free - though slightly longer than planned. Google suggested heading cross country and joining the M5 but we thought heading south and around Cirencester would be better with Patsy bouncing around on the back. Signs directed us to the M4 well away from Cirencester which at least meant avoiding about three hundred roundabouts but adding eventually adding twenty or so miles to the journey. Rosie once again performed well and belied her years - and mileage.
The site was dead easy to find - helped by the fact that we’d stayed here before - stopping off on the way to Ireland back in 2014 - you can refresh your memory HERE. I’d left it rather late to book so we didn’t get a serviced pitch this time - which also meant not having quite as good a view - but it was still nice to back. Check out our site tour HERE.
Paul had popped in to say hello and given us some suggestions for things to do and we set about ticking them off Wednesday morning calling in first at Llandeilo - which offered some great views across the valley - and a barbers for haircuts. Inevitably there was some light-hearted banter about the upcoming England game….
With just cereals for breakfast, the job of refuelling was rapidly making it’s way to the top of the agenda. We eschewed the awesome array of chocolate shaped offerings at Heavenly opting instead for some delicious Barn Brack - toasted fruit bread - to wash down tea, from proper china cups no less. Get us!
Pretty though Llandeilo was, the main reason for this outing was a bit further north. The Top Gear team in the Clarkson, May & Hammond days were regular visitors to Wales for filming and one of the roads they used was the A4069 from Llangadog down through the Black Mountains. Now tight hairpins and sweeping curves aren’t Rosie’s sort of thing - caravan attached or not - but the scenery was spectacular and there were plenty of places to stop and admire the view. Had I been behind the wheel I may have been tempted to up the pace so it’s probably just as well that Trev was driving.
Of course I have to mention the footy - and of course we’re disappointed. We elected to watch it in the ‘van rather than at the pub. Whilst the experience in the pub in Moreton was great it was one that was unlikely to be repeated here win or lose - as we'd have been the only two cheering on England. We’re in Wales remember!
Thursday was Patsy’s day to receive visitors and first up were Helen & Rob who came around for lunch. They’d had to cancel Twittercamp at the last minute so it was great to get to catch up over a cold meat salad prepared by Trev.
In the evening we welcomed site co-owner Hywel and his Mum for some burnt offerings from the Cadac. We also recorded a Sunday Night Natters with Hywell about the site and how it developed which you can see HERE. Then later fellow caravanner and local Paul arrived with an esky full of local ale, none of which had passed my lips before. We had a great evening thoroughly researching said beers and was pleased to have finally got to meet Paul after just missing him four years ago.
We’d got a days outing - suggested by Paul - but given the extensive research undertaken the night before we decided to pass for the day and instead head into Swansea for another Treasure Trail along the lines of the one we did in Moreton-in-Marsh with the TwitterCamp gang. Again, good fun and we learnt a little about Swansea’s redeveloped waterfront too.
With clearer heads and considerably more energy Saturday morning we stoked up Rosie and headed first for the Millennium Coastal Path Visitor Centre about fifteen minutes drive from the site. Spectacular views were promised - and delivered - of Carmarthen Bay.
Clearly a lot of thought has gone in to the coastal path. Open to pedestrians and cyclists there are wheelchair accessible raised areas and partially enclosed seating areas so you can still enjoy the view when the wind gets up.
Next up was Burry Port and it’s harbour. Now given over to leisurecraft, coal used to be shipped from here whilst in came things like copper and products essential for the operation of the mines in the area.
It seem as if they’d put out the flags and bunting for us as we arrived in Kidwelly, the next stop on Pauls suggested itinerary but it was in fact carnival day. Our focus though was the castle and it’s worth the very reasonable admission fee - just four quid for me - for the views along. We even got to see a bit of the parade. Well worth a look in if you’re in the area but it’s uneven in places and decent soled shoes are a must. Fortunately it wasn’t winklepicker season for me.
The last stop of the day was at Laugharne. Famous for it’s Dylan Thomas connections - his Boathouse and Writing Shed are here - it’s worth a visit even if you have no interest in Mr T. It’s setting on the estuary of the River Taf with the castle right by is just so picturesque. We wished we’d put the chairs in the car and brought a picnic but settled instead for a baguette and cuppa at the Owl & Pussycat.
And that was our time in South Wales about over. I’m so glad we decided to come back and explore bit more of this lovely area. There’s still much much more to do of course, so we will be back.
I must again thank Paul for his sightseeing suggestions as well all the beer. Whilst I could have got my nose in a guide book you can’t beat local knowledge and his has certainly served us well.
Right, time to get this sent out then shower, shave and pub!
Cheers
Rich & Trev.
