Day 23 –Rosemarket to Amroth

 

Date: Tuesday 23^rd June  2009   Distance: 25.88

 

On the cyclepath near a beautiful little area of ponds teeming with wildlife Westfield Pill( lucky people have seen otters at daybreak) we met another couple on a Thorn tandem. We exchanged anecdotes then saw that the path was up steps. On a cyclepath?? We made it to the top and cycled into  busy Pembroke. We stopped near the castle for elevenses and watched ducklings swimming on murky waters.

The cycle route took us through Manorbier a very picturesque place. There were lots of people parked for the beach but it wasn’t over crowded. A woman staying in the only hotel said that the place is “paradise” and it was certainly charming with its castle ruin and overrun garden look. A quiet pub (because everyone was by the sea) further up the village served good beer and food and surprisingly there was a little Spa shop.

 

We cycled on to Tenby and I was surprised to find it characterful. I had expected something more like Blackpool. The cycle way took us along quiet lanes but mostly off road and the next section from Saundersfoot, where we arranged our next nights stay through the tourist board at the information kiosk, was most enjoyable. Most paths in Wales have had really good surfaces It follows the waters edge towards Coppet Hall and disused railway tunnels. We had to put the bike lights on because they were quite dark. Tiny stalagmites hung down from a drippy ceiling and a cyclist is required to walk through these. There were views back to Tenby and Saundersfoot  ( which seemed the most touristy to me but the ice-cream was yummy) and forwards to a gem of a place Amroth.

 

The B and B had several guests arrive at the same time and we were all put in the garden with tea and cakes. We could just see the sea from our room and the garden backed onto National Trust land. A short downhill walk brought us to the seafront where there were a few eating places and a shop. Several people were trying their hand at line fishing as a large shoal of giant sea bass were creating dark shadows near the shore. I had hoped they were dolphins or shark but nonetheless they were impressive.

 

After an enormous meal (homemade Tiramisu was a mistake as the coffee liqueur kept me awake that night) we went back to the house to await a call for a nocturnal badger watch at the kitchen door. They came later than expected at nearly eleven but there were 3, an adult and 2 young. There are 2 sets, one either side of the road and these came from near the stream at the side of the garden. Chicken bones, bacon and jam sandwiches were put down the other side of glass doors and we could watch with torches in the dark.