Log No 225. Sat 25th Jan 2014 - Pembroke to Freshwater West, 18 miles (3443 miles walked)

I had 18 miles to walk today to a car park at Freshwater West to catch the Coastal Cruiser bus. This service caters for walkers and it is a round trip from Pembroke.

There were just 2 buses, the 14.38 taking 36 minutes and the 16.51 taking 1 hour 34 minutes (the 2 buses going in opposite directions round the coast). Obviously I wanted to catch the early bus but could I do the 18 miles in time?

To give myself every chance I started walking at 07.30, it was still dark so I stuck to the road for half an hour before joining the coastal path.

It was very overcast and a bit on the misty side but I didn't need to wear waterproofs.

The path went around an oil refinery and round into Angle Bay, wanting to make good time it was 3 hours before I had my first 10 minute break.

I continued round the bay, through Angle and onto the main headland, by this time the wind was picking up considerably.

I reckoned that if I got to West Angle Bay for 12.00 I should be able to cover the remaining 5 miles comfortably before the early bus arrives.

The wind had cleared the clouds by the time I arrived at the bay with 15 minutes in hand. I had made good progress and thought I would need to slow down now otherwise I could have a long wait for the bus.

The blue sky didn't last long and the wind was now seriously strong blowing me off balance frequently.

Rounding the point and heading southeast the terrain was back to being rugged and I was slowed down considerably with the wind and having streams to drop down to and climb up from.

The cliffs were 100' high and the wind was blowing the spray over the top in places.

I was beginning to think I might not make the early bus after all but I eventually made it to the car park for 14.00.

Freshwater West is just the name of the sandy bay and all that is here is the car park.

I sat down on a rock to wait for the bus, there were quite a few cars in the park and the driver of one car just about to leave asked if I wanted a lift so that was very handy.

After saving the bus fare I decided to have fish & chips for tea in a cafe, I have really been blowing my budget, dining out 3 times this week.