Scleddau-Llanychaer 12th January 2020
The postponement by a day for the Scleddau walk resulted in 21 Ramblers enjoying mild weather and clear blue skies which enabled an uninterrupted view to Goodwick, overlooking Fishguard Harbour, and beyond. Their close proximity was surprising. The going underfoot was, due to the inclement weather the day before, rather wet in places-sometimes quite deep-and there was the inevitable mud. The route went, in simple terms, up one side of Egwlys Bottom and down the other side of the valley as can be seen below.
Having negotiated a variety of fallen trees, muddy sections and flooded footpath, we entered a really beautiful section through the Coed Cadw Woods. A plaque recorded that “part of the surrounding area is dedicated to the unique and remarkable families and friends of Vanessa Wood and Paul Watchman who made our wedding day on 5 April 2014 truly memorable and whose generosity enabled us to leave this woodland as everlasting testimony to our love for each other and for them.” One can only hope that the path to that point was more suitable for tidy clothes and footwear than we experienced.
Lunch was taken at Llanychaer village, where the walk leader explained that the pillbox was a defence fortification for the approach to the armaments depot at Trecwn. It is still a very solid functional structure. The group took in their stride the “features” of the day with good humour and, for those less well equipped, or just a bit unlucky, a few wet feet. One length featured a boardwalk that had long passed its use by date, though replacement material in plastic rather than wood was stored nearby. Hopefully to be installed in the near future to enable the lovely path to be enjoyed in a relaxed manner.
A gentle walk back along the valley bottom, through the three eight-foot high kissing gates for the alpaca enclosures (no animals observed) provided an easy and dry return to the cars. The gates are that high as at the time of installation alpaca and llama were classes as zoo animals; that is no longer the case.
12 retired to the Gate Inn in Scleddau village for welcome refreshment and debrief.
Leader Tony, walk report George, photos, Steve & John.
