Journeys 2025
West Wales: St Non’s, St Davids and Ramsey Island
Date
Saturday 17th - Friday 23rd May
Nights
6
Cost
£795
Description
St Non's Retreat stands lonely but welcoming on the cliff tops at the end of a single-track road in Pembrokeshire, West Wales. Out to sea the view is of islands: Skomer to the south, Ramsey to the west and out further than either and again to the west, Grassholm. The house provides our anchor and the place from which we will venture each day...
Just over the wall from the Retreat, lie the ruins of St Non's Chapel. It was on this spot in about the year 500, as a violent storm raged all around that St Non - miraculously shielded from the wind and rain - gave birth to David, later to become St David, patron saint of Wales. What a place to stand and touch the spiritual! We shall begin and close our day in this place, often.
A short walk from the Retreat brings us to the smallest city in the UK, St Davids, barely more than a village in reality! Here in the 6th century, St David founded a monastery. In time this isolated foundation became a major centre of Celtic Christianity and today the lovely Cathedral of St David begun during the 12th century, inhabits perhaps the most rural ecclesiastical setting in Britain.
Walks and Excursions
The whole area abounds in magnificent coastal scenery, with superb walk possibilities. On Sunday we get our bearings with a Prayer Walk in the peaceful grounds of the Retreat and a stroll into St Davids.
Monday - St Justinian's - we walk from the Retreat, out along the rugged coastal path towards St Justinian's, overlooking the Sound of Ramsey. A fabulous walk of some eight miles, dotted with pretty bays including Porthclais where the river Alun meets the sea. The terrain is rough underfoot with occasional steep gradients. We return to the Retreat by local bus following a short cross-country route.
Tuesday - Ramsey Island: - we catch the bus back to St Justinian's and the ferry to Ramsey Island. Only a short distance, the crossing to the island must non-the-less, never be taken lightly. The waters here can be dangerous with jagged rocks and a whirlpool racing around (usually) submerged, Horse Rock.
Ramsey Island, a bird sanctuary in the care of the RSPB since 1992, has an atmosphere that is at once both pastoral and spiritual... Stand a moment; let the breeze gently brush past you; notice the sheep grazing by the dry-stone wall; the sea, moving, shining, living... Perhaps none of this should be surprising, however. Pilgrims have been coming to Ramsey Island since at least the second century when St Tyfanog built a small hermitage here, most probably alongside the stream in the tiny valley just up from the landing stage, not far from the farmhouse, now home to the island's two full-time wardens
Wednesday - Solva: We walk from the Retreat, but in the opposite direction from Monday's Walk, towards the pretty harbour of Solva. A walk of some five miles with great views all the way! Again, it will be rugged underfoot with occasional steep climbs. Solva has a fascinating history including creating the first Smalls Lighthouse in 1776 that was subsequently towed into position by barge. It stood on nine oak pillars for 80 years before it needed replacing. The Lighthouse was the site of tragedy in 1801 that brought about a change in Lighthouse policy - we'll tell the story when we're in situ. On a clear day the new lighthouse built in 1861, is just visible from Ramsey Island.
Thursday - St Davids: A stroll into St Davids for a proper look around the Cathedral and Bishops Palace followed by a short local walk (under three miles) during the afternoon.
Accommodation
Six nights at St Non's Retreat House near St David's, a large 1930's house with terraced lawns and Chapel in the grounds and wonderful views out to sea. Meals are provided by the Staff team. We help clear tables and make packed lunches.
We have single rooms with shared facilities. There is also one twin room available on a first come first served basis. Please mention on the booking form who you will be sharing with.
Getting there
Please arrive at St Non's from 3 p.m. on the 17th. The Evening meal will be at 6 p.m.
Car parking is available.
For those travelling by train. Travel to Haverfordwest railway station and from there take the bus to St Davids. We can pick up from St Davids.
We depart St Non's after breakfast on the 23rd.
Contact
With David Gleed and Sue Peachey.
For more information, please contact David on davidgleed2@gmail.com
or Sue on +44 (0)7586 478848