It looks like this tour is ill fated; Dexter has now recovered from his upset stomach, though he is still on a diet of chicken and rice (much to Crosby’s annoyance) but Lynnie’s back problems continue. Yesterday when I returned from my early morning walk with the dogs I found her “stuck” and needing assistance.
I have had back problems for years so know how wearing it can be, but also know the importance of trying to keep moving. We are fortunate to know a very good physio so a quick call to her provides Lynnie with some sound advice. Caravans are not the best locations if you are struggling with a bad back, so we consider cutting short our trip, but Lynnie is confident things will improve if she takes things easy for a couple of days.
Having the nature reserve just up the road at East Williamston is ideal for taking the dog for a local walk so we did not venture far yesterday.
Lynnie’s back is still very sore this morning so I am walking alone whilst she potters around the van and reads her book. She has managed to get an appointment with the local Doctor for later this afternoon. Therefore, I am going for a jam about from Woodstock CL for two or three hours.
Leaving Woodstock CL I turn left and follow the lane into East Williamston, in the village I take the second turning on the left to head towards the church passing a cracking old cottage on the way.
At a fork in the road I take the right option passing Church Farm and heading towards Prouts Park Farm, some of the fields around here look to be very marshy despite the recent dry spell.
As I reach Prouts Park Farm new gates herald the footpath that I follow skirting the farm to the left. On reaching another sign for a footpath I turn off this path and go through another new gate and uphill to enter pasture. There is recent evidence of bears but no sign of them, following the path into another field I discover that we are being stalked by sheep. This has happened to us on a couple of occasions it is a slightly disconcerting to be followed across a field by a flock of sheep, clearly with the dogs on a lead they feel brave.
Through another gate I enter woodland. I am moving with a spring in my step, this is just the kind of walk I like; well sign posted with easy access gates. Then I reach a stile to enter another section of woodland. This is not so easy to negotiate but eventually we are across and the path becomes less clear. I can see a worn route and looking at the ground identify recent footprints. Proof that those evenings fifty years ago as a Cub were not wasted!
I follow the path through some overgrown and muddy sections before realising this cannot be the right way, so retrace my steps to the stile to look for the correct route. It does not exist, despite being clearly marked on my OS map. My mood has now changed, but fortunately I have recently discovered a useful Ramblers Association App to report just such instances so this will be put to good use.
With no other alternative I am forced to retrace my steps back to East Williamston. In the village I stop to look at St Elidyr’s Church, originally built in the 13th Century this church was largely rebuilt in the 19th Century and looks as if it has had some major repairs recently.
I am keen to go inside but unfortunately the doors are locked. I do find it odd when churches are locked, I can understand the need for security, but equally if someone wants a reflective moment they are unlikely to phone the number on the notice board to gain access.
I return to Lynnie much sooner than she anticipated, I think she is pleased to see us but have a feeling that she was enjoying the peace and quiet. We have been out for just over an hour and only walked a couple of miles, not enough for any of us so a trip to the beach is called for after Lynnie has seen the Doctor.
Lynnie emerges from the surgery confident that it is ligament damage and a combination of painkillers and gentle exercise should soon have it sorted. Dr Freddy (no medical qualifications) also prescribed a dose of light exercise so we drive off to Wiseman’s Bridge and walk along the old tramway towards Saundersfoot.
As soon as we reach Coppets Hill Beach the dogs are straining at the leash eager to be back on the sand.
The wind is blowing and there are slight waves, which Crosby is soon bouncing around in. He really does love being in the sea.
Our wander takes us along to Saundersfoot harbour where we turn and head back, in the strong breeze the old tramway tunnels act like wind tunnels, certainly good for blowing out the cobwebs.
Our little stroll was just under three miles and all on the flat; perfect for Lynnie’s back. Hopefully she will be able to venture bit further tomorrow. Back at Woodstock CL we are treated to a stunning sunset. Let’s hope this bodes well for a good day tomorrow.
5th May 2017
[To follow our walk you will need Ordnance Survey Outdoor Explorer Map OL36 South Pembrokeshire]
© Two Dogs and an Awning (2017)