Meet Report: 19-21 July 2024. The meet gathered on Friday evening at the Climbers Club’s May Cottage in Maiden Wells, some 3 km from Pembroke Town.

Helen Brewitt and Tim Josephy climbed at Saddle Head during the afternoon. Despite the better forecast the weather was dank and drizzly but they managed a couple of climbs anyway.

Michael and Helen  Smith travelled to Pembrokeshire a few days early and walked about 50 km of the coastal path, staying close to Abereiddy Bay and the Blue Lagoon. Using the local bus service, routed along amazingly narrow lanes, allowed them to plan a day of  linear walks taking full advantage of the stunning scenery. They also walked to the summit of Craig y Cwm in the Presceli Mountains – the county top of Pembrokeshire (see later for more developments of this project).

The weather forecast for Saturday morning was terrible and, unfortunately, accurate. The whole team walked along cliff tops and saw spectacular cliff scenery in the vicinity of the Green Bridge, a magnificent limestone arch on the Castlemartin peninsula, before dropping down onto the beach of Bullslaughter Bay to enjoy the relative shelter of natural caves. They retreated, sodden, back to the hut. The rain ceased mid-afternoon so the four Smiths toured the impressive Pembroke Castle. Tim, made of sterner stuff, walked from Bosherston along the coast East to Broad Haven then spent an hour or two walking around the Lily Ponds before returning to the cottage to prepare a super tasty vegetarian supper. Helen Brewitt was out on her bike.

On Sunday Helen Smith accompanied the climbers to the coast then ambled along to Tenby, explored the pretty town, sat on the beach and then rejoined the climbers. Tim, Michael and Helen B were just finishing their final route of three at Giltar Slabs, reporting that they were “not challenging, but very pleasant” .

On Monday, Michael and Helen Smith, made their way back to Sheffield visiting the 600m Craig y Llyn – the county top of Glamorgan, kicking off Michael’s new project of collecting such peaks, a challenge set by David Handley.

Helen Brewitt stayed on in her role as Climbers’ Club Hut Secretary to supervise the emptying of the septic tank. She was strongly advised by all present not to succumb to any pleas for help from the operatives.

Our small group enjoyed a congenial weekend, despite the weather on Saturday. May Cottage was comfortable and well equipped. Tim excelled with the catering. It can be reported that a good time was had by all. Pembroke has much to offer, superb climbing, great scenery, beautiful countryside and much of historical interest.

Attending:

Rod and Yayoi Smith, Michael and Helen Smith, Helen Brewitt, Tim Josephy.