Day 13: Whitland to Haverfordwest

We start our walk to the south of Whitland, on rural roads, tracks and footpaths in fields. A reasonably hilly morning, with plenty of stiles, nettles and other minor hazards, although pleasant countryside nonetheless. Our lunch stop is in the buzzing town of Narberth, at The Angel Inn. In complete contrast to the morning, the rest of the walk is mostly made up of well maintained bridleways, and as such leads to very easy walking. Although it is a long afternoon walk, it is broken up nicely by some places of interest along the Cleddau estuary, namely Blackpool Mill, Slebech Park and Picton Castle. A final church stop at St Ishmael's, Uzmaston, precedes a short walk along the river into Haverfordwest, then quickly up the hill through the town to our hall. The longest day, but not the most difficult: the worst has already passed.

The day dawned dry and we washed up outside the Town Hall.

A short walk took us to Whitland Congregational Church

Danny and Norma were happy to be here together.

Pilgrims provided music for the Eucharistic service.

Keith and Peter read, and the URC minister and Fr David led the service.

The Our Father in fretwork.

It turned out that Danny and the Minister were neighbours many years ago.

On the trail, the going had its challenges - stiles, undergrowth and fences...

...and mud!

On through pastures rather wetting on the boots, but it was dry from above.

One field contained a bull - he wasn't very interested in us.

And so to St Peter's, Lampeter Velfrey for our first prayer stop.

The parishioners provided tea and Welsh Cakes - there were lots to go round as quite a number of pilgrims had taken alternative transport.

David had found a natural cross.

Isaac gave an excellent reflection on adolescence and the need for balance.

Through the woods - it was clearly always damp here, the trees green with moss

At lunch, the front markers prepared a number of amusing arrows.

Caroline waits to cross a busy road.

Blackpool Mill, where some escaped to the tea shop.

Slebech Park...

...is right on the estuary.

The front markers move on.

The ruined church at Slebech Park...

...where Theresa led a reflection.

Howard looking happy...

Pilgrims listening to Theresa.

Picton Castle...

...where Fran had a snooze...

...and Sarah had coffee and cake!

Luis checks the book on Tapas...

...while Patrick checks out the local ale.

Back on the road, Peter and Ewa chat.

At Uzmaston a wonderful spread awaited us.

Ladies armed with tea pots.

Pilgrims enjoy their tea.

Then round to the church...

...where the vicar led a Celtic-style evening prayer.

...and we stood to finish with a rousing "Guide me oh thou great redeemer"

The final leg went alongside the estuary.

The front markers left the back markers the occassional challenge.

Through Haverfordwest town centre, then up the hill to the Catholic Church.

At the hall, Peter found a friend.

It's a bit of a squeeze, but we'll survive!