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Tenby, 13th-20th May
Monday 22nd May 2023
Sue Peachey
On Saturday 13th May a group of six guests and two leaders gathered in Tenby for a wonderful week exploring the Pembrokeshire countryside. We were self-catering and everyone did their bit to share the load and, of course, got to know one another in the process. Our first evening ended with worship on the beach.
The following morning some of us attended St Mary's Church in Tenby, then later did a short coastal walk to Penally, birthplace of St Teilo, who was a friend and possible cousin of St David. On Monday we took the boat to Caldey Island and were met there by Father Gildas, a friend of Journeying, who made us very welcome and told us all about the island. On Tuesday we walked to Saundersfoot, where some of us sampled the local ice cream and even a couple of oysters! After returning to Tenby by bus, that evening we did a Prayer Walk around the harbour, beginning and ending at the small fishermen's chapel of St Julian's.
Wednesday saw us on a minibus to Stackpole Quay, from where we walked to Barafundle Beach. Our plan to then visit St Govan's was thwarted, however, as the road had been closed by the Ministry of Defence for a training exercise. We therefore decided to visit instead the nearby Bosherston Lily Ponds, walking all the way round them, with a stop for lunch on the beach. On returning to the minibus we turned towards St Govan's again, without much hope, but the road had been re-opened, so we were able to visit the chapel in the cliffs there after all. After climbing down many steps and taking some lovely photos, we stood outside and did some impromptu singing, much to the amazement of some of the other visitors!
Thursday saw some of us undertaking the fairly challenging 8 mile coastal walk to Manorbier, although some welcome refreshments at the YHA café along the way did help. Welsh beer had never tasted so good! After taking the bus back we enjoyed a well-earned fish and chips supper. Friday was spent in and around Tenby, both as a group and individually, taking time to wander and enjoy our last day as we wished.
It was a wonderful week, with new friendships made and lovely weather. There was also plenty of laughter, especially when some leftover custard was used up on the following morning's cereal and some vegetarian mince eaten cold in a sandwich. Waste not want not! To coin a phrase, a good time was had by all.
