We had huge plans to cover as much of the U.K. has humanly possible in our five weeks of driving. But I also didn’t want to spend ALL of my time driving … though that I can’t deny that with so much practice my skill level on the roundabouts and my comfort with driving not only on the opposite side of the road, but the opposite side of the car, would have improved dramatically. Truth be known, generally, I am not a huge driving enthusiast. I was so excited for Reece to get her driver’s license which meant infinitely less driving for me from that point forward. My goal is to have a home where I can access all I need by walking. It may be in Juneau, it may be somewhere else, but I love the idea of walking out the door and heading a few blocks to the grocery store or farmer’s market, or for coffee. But I digress … the point is, I don’t really enjoy driving, though I am the one doing it ALL on this trip and since it is my travel odyssey, too, I would like to be able to enjoy the countryside and not have to pay attention to road and giving way to the right.
Pembrokeshire
We did, however, decide to make the trip to Pembrokeshire which is in Wales. It is a 3.5 hour trip from Westbury in Wiltshire, across the toll bridge and is the most driving we have done in one haul. It was a fairly easy drive and we found our little flat after a couple of attempts.
Pembroke
Pembroke, the town, is lovely! With a population of just over 7,200 residents (as of 2001), it is one of the largest towns in the county of Pembrokeshire but still small enough to retain its quaintness and charm. Its claim to fame is as the birthplace of Henry Tudor, and the Tudor Dynasty, as Henry later became King Henry the VII of England. The castle, Pembroke Castle, where he was born, still stands and is quite an impressive attraction.
We had four nights and three days in the area. The first day, lovely and sunny and very spring-like, was spent wondering the town. A stop by the tourist office produced a map which we used to make our way around the popular spots.
Pembroke Castle
Pembroke Dock
The next day we decided to walk to Pembroke Dock. One of the biggest reasons we decided to visit Wales, and specifically Pembrokeshire, is it is where my maternal grandfather’s ancestors originated. Both my mom and aunt have done quite a lot research into the Gwyther side of the family. My aunt found great grand-parents (five generations femoved from Reece) who were both born in Wales and emigrated to the US, arriving in New York in the 1880’s, eventually migrating to North Dakota where my grandfather was born. When we visited the tourism office the day before, I related this story and the helpful woman shared a couple of key bits of information. Number one … there are LOTS of Gwyther’s in Pembroke and they actually pronounce the name with a short “i” sound versus how we have always pronounced it with a long “y” sound. Secondly, she shared that there was a street called Gwyther in Pembroke Dock. That sealed it for me … to Pembroke Dock we go.
It was an easy 2.3 mile walk … we have been walking SO much that a five mile walk round trip is a drop in the bucket.
And then we found Gwyther Street:
And then we explored some more …
And we found the other end of Gwyther Street:
And then we walked back to Pembroke. And got caught in the rain … better at the end then at the beginning.
Barafundle Bay
Barafundle Bay is a remote, slightly curved, east-facing sandy beach in Pembrokeshire, Wales, near Stackpole Quay and is part of the Stackpole Estate, managed by The National Trust. It was a bit muddy but we trekked through the wilderness and along the cliffs and found the beach.
Our next stop is Warwickshire where Stratford-Upon-Avon, and home of the Bard (Shakespeare, just in case you were wondering), is located. Looking forward to seeing what adventure Stratford has for us. Here’s to new experiences!
Cheers!
Teresa