Author: Paul Challinor
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Trwyn Du and Ynys Seriol
On the 17th August, 1831 the steamer Rothsay Castle left Liverpool at 11am on her regular journey to the Menai Straights. However, the rough weather made the sailing difficult and she made very little headway. The passengers became worried and asked the Captain to turn back, but he refused. By midnight he had still no…
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Twr Mawr Lighthouse – Ynys Llanddwyn
Ynys Llanddwyn has two lighthouses. Neither of which fit the classical design that we know today. Twr Mawr (Big Tower) is more characteristic of a windmill than a lighthouse, and much can also be said of the smaller tower which now carries the light. The lighthouses cover the westernmost approach to the Menai Strait the…
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Saint Dwynwen – The Welsh St Valentine: Welsh 100 No 44
Aunty and I were on holiday recently for two weeks in North Wales, and would you believe it the weather is offering rain, gales and more rain! But we will not be daunted. On a small tidal island off the South West corner of Angelsey lies the ruins of an old church, Llandwyn. Even today…
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Two Lighthouse & Two Pauls
During our trip to Grassholm we visited two lighthouses. Both of which I never thought I get the chance to see let alone photograph – South Bishop and The Smalls Lighthouse. As we passed Ramsey Island on out way to Grassholm we had a view of South Bishop, but only a distant view. I hope…
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Grassholm
Ramsey and Skomer Islands were our main wish list items on our week in West Wales, but we had a third island in our sights. Well not quite in our sights, we couldn’t see it from land as it’s a long way out. Aunty has never fancied an 8 mile trip in a small boat…
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Two Pauls And A Fistful Of Puffins
One of the reasons for visit the west Wales coast with Paul was to get to Skomer Island and see the Puffins. Aunty and I went there a couple of years ago, and despite Aunty not being a mad keen bird watcher, the experience has stayed with her in a positive way. But this visit…
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Two Pauls On A Gentle Nature Ramble
The weather that Caulkhead and I had in Pembrokeshire was perfect for walking, and perfect for a nature ramble. Though being us we still managed to clock up 9 miles on one of the days. We had the idea of going down to Bosherston Ponds as there was a promise of otters. But this wasn’t…
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Ramsey Island
So leaving Aunty at home, the Pembroke coast became a boys playground for a week. My old mucker Paul, from here on known as Caulkhead (his preference for a moniker in the blog- he comes from The Isle of Wight which explains a lot) took the caravan to St Davids for the week. One of…
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Whiteford Lighthouse
It rained overnight, and threatened more during the morning, but luckily it didn’t materialise until the end of our walk this morning. On the norther coast of Gower is a fantastic nature reserve, now in the stewardship of the National Trust. But the nature reserve was not the main focus, but an unusual lighthouse was.…
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Three Cliffs Bay
A Bank Holiday Weekend that is offering something other than rain. Surely this must be a mistake. It always rains on the bank holiday weekend! Not this time according to the weather forecast, but time will tell. It’s Aunty’s birthday weekend and so we ventured out into the wide world. We’ve set up the caravan…
Travels With My Aunt 