Whitland through the Pale woods - 1st February 2020

Whitland again played host to Pembrokeshire Ramblers on 1 February. 17, with George taking the lead, crossing the river Taf into the hamlet of Trevaughan and thereafter a steady climb initially through pasture and then a lovely wide springy woodland path to come out to cross the only style on the walk; and then to join an impressive diverted footpath which had originally gone through the grounds of Hazelwood House, but is now eight-foot wide, fenced on both sides (and no barbed wire). Approaching the top of the hill there was a short walk along the private farm road and at the junction with the public highway took a short detour to the right to the 12th century church of Ciffig, and a coffee break. Within the church is a 13th century font and a preaching window by the pulpit. The church was mentioned in the book of Llandaff, written in the 12th century but based on older documents, suggesting that there may have been a church here for well over 1,000 years. In the churchyard, by the East End of the church, is a memorial to 5 children of the Pale family all died under the age of 7. The whole of the interior of the church can be seen through the windows.
Retracing our steps by about 100 yards the leisurely road walking enabled the group to enjoy the magnificent views, for many miles in all directions, and in particular the distinctive features of the Preseli Hills. Not quite as sharp as on the crystal-clear day of the recce but pretty good there was some traffic noise from the Llanddowror bypass not very far away to the south and sections of the road could be clearly seen.
Dropping down to Old Pale farm we saw the farmer attending to his cattle feeder, fresh feed having just been delivered by tractor. On foot however he was having great difficulty in moving as the mud was almost reaching the top of his Wellington boots. When we met up with him, and noting our numbers and the super polite engagement, he was willing to accede to our request to pass through the adjoining field thus avoiding a very muddy area and the cattle. Shortly thereafter a padlocked date provided a little disruption; scaled by some and others were able to remove their rucksacks and wriggle through the adjoining horizontal bars installed, it seemed, to prevent cattle falling into the deep and very steep valley to the side.
Then on through the woods in which there were many several paths going off which may well have provided interesting detours, but that is for another day. Dropping down to the bottom of the valley the river bank was not far away, where we had lunch on a walk a few years ago where we had crossed over the new bypass in one direction and under it on the return. On this occasion we continued through the woods to Little Pale farm. At the top of the back lane in to the farm the footpath was blocked with dense undergrowth some 5 feet high and 10 feet deep.
A slight detour through the adjacent pedestrian gate to the farmyard easily dealt with that obstruction. The property is currently on the market so the new owners might clear the undergrowth so as to avoid the need to detour. Another short climb with extensive views of St. Clears, and over Whitland, and then the gradual descent through Great Pale farm, past Pen-y-Graig, finishing along a country lane and back to the cars. With just the one style, and good conditions underfoot the moving average was 3 miles an hour. On entering the pub by the station for the debrief it was like entering a cinema when the film had started; the lights were down, and the clientele were watching Wales v Italy on three screens. We placed our orders without obstructing anyone’s view and, being suitably dressed, moved to the outdoor seating. At £2.50 a pint for beer during the match the choice of Coke, at the same price, brought a long face from one member.