Coastwalk , Pembrokeshire Coast Path

Solva → Newgale

Distance: 4.3 miles
Ascent: unknown
Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes

Time to stop
« St Justinian's | Broad Haven »

Today I stop. I've got next week off too, but it's time to leave Pembrokeshire. I'm exhausted and it's raining hard. Staying here any longer would just be counterproductive. But I'll be back; apart from the agonising start, I've really enjoyed the week, and sneaking a peek ahead at the map there's plenty of interesting scenery ahead.

As I climbed out of Solva, the rain was just starting. The coastline is familiar now - I feel at home here - but wearing full waterproofs can really take the mind off the scenery as the sound of fabric against fabric drowns out the peaceful surroundings.

But it was the goat that really convinced me to stop. Just as I started heading down to the beach at Newgale - just after taking the photo above (the colours of which I've had to tweak severely to make it look even vaguely reasonable) - as I dropped down toward the village, a goat stood in the way on the path. We tried to stare each other out, and when he got bored he ran at me. Ten seconds later, the restraining chain pulled him up short, but not before I'd realised I'd had enough; time to get to the car and dry off; time to go home.