The Ham Nomads

10 May 2014. <GB-WLS> St David's, & Fishguard, & Felindre Farchog, Pemb —

It rained heavily overnight, and not too pleasant-looking this morning. But, on yesterday's performance, we should get some sunny spells later on. Set off for St David's, up the M40 towards Fishguard, but cutting west on the B4331 and A487 to St David's. The sun was coming out from time to time, but the wind was not letting up!

Got to St David's and found a parking area right by the tourist information office. A very interesting city — yes, city! Even though its population is only 2,000, it has had a cathedral since the 12th century, and any place that has a functioning cathedral (and this one has from 2 to 5 services on any day!) is, de facto, a city! It is the smallest city in the British Isles! (Actually, the story is a little more complex -— read the Wikipedia article! In medieval times, Rome proclaimed that 2 pilgrimages to St David's were the equivalent of one to Rome!

St David's Cathedral

Cathedral interior

As we were about to walk down to the cathedral itself, a rain flurry struck. Coincidentally, we were just walking past a tea room. A couple of coffees and a scone, jam and clotted cream later, with the rain now holding off, we went down to the Cathedral and wandered about. Magnificent! We did say they held services there regularly — well, we had to leave the quire area as they were about to start up one of those services!

Following the recommendation (see yesterday) we went into the Chapel Chocolate Shop and bought a few truffles — we have yet to try them!

Leaving St David's, we travelled west to Fishguard, where we decided to stop and have a look around. Good decision! It's a lovely spot. We watched a group of kayakers set out onto the Estuary. Lovely spot for photography, on the waterfront, and we spent an hour or so there. Then we set off, but only got as far as the clifftops overlooking Fishguard, where we found an old Napoleonic fort, complete with 4 cannon. This is right at the southern end of Cardigan Bay, and is spectacular!

Anyway, we finally set off again, driving towards Cardigan. Warren had the bright idea to look for a Brit Stops site in the vicinity and, lo and behold, only half a mile ahead was the Salutation Inn. We couldn't raise them on the phone, but pulled into their carpark anyway. About half an hour later the owner showed up, and he was the epitome of hospitality. We are typing this over a meal of Steak and Ale Pie and Cottage Pie, both home cooked. Washed down with a glass of the local, rather strong, cider. Bliss!

Distance driven — today, 46 miles ( 74 km ); to date, 909 miles ( 1,463 km )