The only way to spend a birthday, in good company in a Landmark Trust property. This year, accompanied by Marilyn n Marion, we headed west to Pembroke and the tiny city of St David.
The cottage at Tower Hill St Davids is situated
just above the close wall at St David’s and has an amazing view of the
cathedral and ruin of the bishops palace, A place of worship that was already
ancient when the Normans built their cathedral beside it. The cathedral also
houses the tomb of Henry VII father, Henry VIII grandfather, which it is said
saved the cathedral from the reformation. St Davids is the smallest city in the
UK.
With the cathedral at one side and the Farmers
Arms at the other it caters for both spiritual and worldly needs.
The coastal footpath round St Davids Head is
stunning and culminates in ancient stone fortifications and cromlechs. We
followed this with a trip to Strumble Head with its remote lighthouse.
Coetan Arthur is a Neolithic burial
chamber dating from about 4000BC. It has a huge capstone almost 20ft (6m) wide,
supported by a side stone over 3ft (1m) tall. It was almost certainly built
this way, with one end resting on the ground, as an 'earthfast' megalith. It
mimics the shape of Carn Llidi behind it. This coastline has a rich prehistoric
past. There are also remains of ancient field patterns, enclosures and
defensive banks dotted all around.
Had a great meal at the wonderful Sloop at Perthgain with its picturesque harbour and amazing slate and loadstone works
whose gigantic stone skips flowed crushed stone directly to the harbourside and
waiting ships.
For breakfast and/or lunch 35 @ Solva is to be
highly recommended for food and friendly service.
