Log No 216. Thu 16th Jan 2014 - Cardigan to Newport, 16 miles (3320 miles walked)

It was raining when I set off at 08.40, I had 16 miles to get to Newport with buses back at 15.15 & 17.15 so I should manage the earlier one.

I was wearing new shoes that I had bought at xmas, identical to the pair I have been wearing. They didn't need replacing yet but it lets me get them dried out properly to clean and treat the leather while I wear the other pair, I hope I will get more miles out of them.

For the first 5 miles I walked on the road by the side of the estuary going through St Dogmaels then Poppit Sands and right to the end of the road to the caravan/campsite at the farm Allt-y-goed. I wouldn't want to drive my camper down this last stretch of road/farm track to get to the campsite.

The footpath proper started from the farm and while the views ahead were good they were even better when I looked back.

The rain stopped after 2 hours and the sun did occasionally find a way through the clouds but showers were never far away.

There were lots of ponies roaming free and not the least bothered by me walking near them.

With all the ponies about and the wet weather the path was churned up mud and slippery.

I saw a mouse run across the path just in front of me.

3 of the 5 stream crossings had significant descents and there were a couple of other steep climbs on the route but I was going to be in good time for the earlier bus.

Here is a little quiz, what creature makes these footprints? I noticed them yesterday too but they weren't as clear, they are about 30mm wide.

After coming round the final headland I dropped down to Newport Sands, the path then went through a golf course and then along the side of the estuary for a bit before crossing the bridge over the Afon Nyfer and into Newport.

While I was crossing the bridge the 14.15 bus came by me, I hadn't thought about trying to catch an even earlier one.

Another good days walk.