Ruth's Coastal Walk (UK)

186 Llangain to Llansteffan

Posted on May 25, 2015 by Ruth Livingstone

I set off from the church in Llangain, and walk along narrow country lanes, where nature is busily reclaiming the central section of tarmac. The verges are lined by spring flowers and I’m surrounded by the heavy scent of cow parsley.

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Posted in 12 South Wales | Tagged hiking, photography, travel, walking | 8 Comments

185 pm – Carmarthen to Llangain

Posted on May 24, 2015 by Ruth Livingstone

The town of Carmarthen lies on the west bank of the river Towy. I walk past the station (on the east bank) and over a new-looking pedestrian bridge that arches delicately over the river. From the span of the bridge, I have a good view of the road bridge, further upstream.

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Posted in 12 South Wales | Tagged hiking, photography, travel, walking | 6 Comments

185 am – Ferryside to Carmarthen

Posted on May 24, 2015 by Ruth Livingstone

I check my map. Today’s walk looks straightforward, and I’m worried it might be boring as it follows tracks and roads up the estuary. But the day turns out to be surprisingly eventful.

It’s a damp and dull morning when I set off from the beach at Ferryside. Across the river the pretty village of Llansteffan seems tantalising close.

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Posted in 12 South Wales | Tagged dogs, estuary, hiking, photography, travel | 22 Comments

184 (pm) Kidwelly to Ferryside

Posted on May 23, 2015 by Ruth Livingstone

I turn off the road just south of Kidwelly and follow the Wales Coast Path over the railway line. At this point, I decide to diverge from the official coast path. A public footpath will take me along the raised bank of the creek and, therefore, much closer to the water, thus obeying my Rule Number Two.

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Posted in 12 South Wales | Tagged hiking, photography, travel | 14 Comments

184 (am) Pembrey to Kidwelly

Posted on May 23, 2015 by Ruth Livingstone

This day’s walking turns out to be wonderfully varied – from beach to estuary, from woods to marshy fields, from footpaths to busy roads. But I will start with the morning’s trek along the sands and forest trails of Pembrey Park.

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Posted in 12 South Wales | Tagged coast, hiking, photography, travel, walking | 6 Comments

183(pm) Burry Port to Pembrey

Posted on May 22, 2015 by Ruth Livingstone

I eat lunch in a local café in Burry Port. It is decorated in funky-bright colours and has loud music playing – designed to attract a young audience. A group of school boys come in and order burgers, but the majority of the clientele are older women (even older than me) and workmen on their lunch breaks, so I don’t feel out-of-place in my walking boots. It’s a friendly atmosphere and good value for money.

Afterwards I walk back to Burry Port. The tide is well and truly out, leaving the boats stranded in mud. You would have to time your fishing trips carefully.

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Posted in 12 South Wales | Tagged coast, dunes, marsh, photography, travel | 8 Comments

183(am) Llanelli to Burry Port

Posted on May 22, 2015 by Ruth Livingstone

After catching the train back to Llanelli, I resume my walk at Seaside. The tide is in, and so the little estuary (called The Flats) doesn’t look quite so muddy today. (I love these practical and prosaic names: Seaside and The Flats.)

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Posted in 12 South Wales | Tagged dogs, photography, travel | 2 Comments

182(pm) Llanelli and Seaside

Posted on May 21, 2015 by Ruth Livingstone

After my exciting lunchtime encounter with a dead rabbit and a little weasel, the rest of the walk seems tame. The footpath doubles as a cycle path. I see more cyclists than walkers.

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Posted in 12 South Wales | Tagged beach, marsh, photography, travel | 11 Comments

182 (lunch) Pen-clawdd to Llanelli

Posted on May 21, 2015 by Ruth Livingstone

I’m sitting on the wall overlooking the mouth of the River Loughor. Across the water is Pen-clawdd. Behind me is a screen of bushes. It’s a private spot. Very peaceful. I relax and tuck into my apple.