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Fishguard Fort – Invading Americans
Sitting on a spur of rock Fishguard Fort provides a commanding and protective arm over any approach from sea into the old harbour of Lower Fishguard, or Abergwaun. It was built in 1781 after a failed attempt by an American privateer to blackmail the town into paying a ransom of £1000. Stephen Manhant was commissioned…
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Monknash
The Glamorgan coast is always worth a visit, and where better than to blow away the cobwebs after New Year than a short walk between Nash and Monknash. And believe me it did more than blow away the cobwebs. It was pretty blustery on the cliff top. But first we stopped off at the little…
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Penarth Fossil Hunting
One of my Christmas presents from Karen this year was a fossil hunting kit comprising of a geological hammer, chisels and a stiff canvas bag into which I can stash my finds. Although in jest I think she is already worrying that it could be a gift that she might regret. We’re lucky here in…
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Autumn Water
We’ve had an awful lot of rain so far this October, so much so it is defiantly a case of ‘rain stopped play’. Usually in Wales the rain does stop, but only long enough so it can start raining again. But eventually it did stop, and stopped long enough for us to make it out…
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The Nine Stones, Winterbourne Abbas
Right next door to the busy A35 between Bridport and Dorchester there is a small stone circle. Despite being so close to the side of the road it was not easy to reach let alone access. We passed it 3 times before I was able to find a small but safe place to park the…
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Fossil Hunting at Charnmouth
30 September The stormy weather continued to be determined to make sure September finished with a howl. The day offered a short window in the morning that didn’t have any rain forecast and so the beach beckoned. Nestled in a narrow valley leading down to the sea Charnmouth is famous among fossil hunters here in…
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West Bay, Dorset
After a warm, dry, sunny and unseasonable first 2 weeks of September this year, of course as we went away for a few days recently Autumn arrived with a passion. Torrential, heavy downpours of rain accompanied by strong almost gale force winds hit as soon as we had set up the caravan. I suppose I…
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Coetan Arthur Burial Chamber
Coetan Arthur Burial Chamber Pembrokeshire is so well endowed with ancient monuments, and you are never far away from one wherever you are in the county. The coast around Sea David’s Head is no exception with 3 burial chambers and an Iron Age Fort what else could you need. On the ridge behind ST David’s…
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St Anthony’s Well
Wondering around Wales can often bring up surprises. OK yes there are beautiful views almost everywhere you go in this small and varied country, but not all discoveries encompass wide expansive views of empty unspoilt beaches or mountain ranges. Some of them are man made, and whilst young in comparison to geological or landscape time…
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Melin Tregwynt
Woollen mills used be be a common feature of rural Wales, with plenty of water to drive the water wheel and more sheep in the countryside than you could shake a stick at. But before the semi industrialisation fo the weaving process many households supplemented their income by weaving at home. In fact the the…
Travels With My Aunt
Random notes on the travels of a Welshman who has been allowed out to play after finishing his chores. OK so I don't travel with my Aunt, but I am usually under the adult supervision of my long suffering wife.
Travels With My Aunt 