Delve into Local Strolls, a series where writers reveal their favorite walks in their hometowns. Each route offers a snapshot of urban life, guiding you to lesser-known attractions and cherished local spots. Here, Alexa Moore takes us on a two-mile-long amble through the historic streets of Georgetown, Washington, DC.
A Pembrokeshire coast walk to a warm, welcoming pub
09.04.2024 - 12:45 / theguardian.com
The coastal hamlet of Abereiddy (Abereddi in Welsh) is not as sun-drenched or glamorous as Acapulco, but the two places share one claim to fame: both are renowned cliff diving destinations. The Welsh version is the Blue Lagoon at the northern end of Abereiddy Bay, a 30-metre drop into deep green water (it is not as blue as the name suggests), which has hosted the Red Bull Cliff Diving championships a number of times.
The “lagoon” is actually a former slate quarry, formed when its seaward wall was blasted open after it shut down in 1910. While there isn’t anyone flinging themselves from the top on my visit, there are wetsuited tourists coasteering around the lower levels of the lagoon and the surrounding cliffs. Pembrokeshire is the home of coasteering, which was “invented” here almost 40 years ago.
I stroll along Abereiddy’s black sand beach, which is famous in geological circles for its fossil graptolites: tiny, fragile-looking marine invertebrates embedded in Ordovician shale 450m years ago. I come across a couple impressed into pebbles, but leave them for someone else to discover, or for the sea to bury for another few million years.
From the beach I set off towards my destination, Porthgain. It’s a short but steep climb past the Blue Lagoon to the clifftop, 40 metres above the churning Irish Sea, and I follow the coast path between the cliff edge and green fields towards Traeth Llyfn. There’s a steep metal stairway down the cliffs to this lovely golden sand cove: it was installed when the natural steps worn into the soft, shaly cliffs became, as far as the authorities were concerned, too hazardous.
When I do this walk in August, I look out for grey seals and their new-born pups bobbing in the swell. They sometimes haul themselves on to beaches, in which case the advice is to remain at a good distance and keep disturbance to a minimum as they’re easily stressed.
Continuing along the coast path, I pass above the coves of Porth Egr, Porth Dwfn and Porth Ffynnon, all accessible only to kayakers and enthusiastic coasteerers, before coming across more remains of the coast’s industrial heritage in the form of derelict buildings and the bones of a tramway dotting the clifftops. This is all that’s left of a Victorian quarrying and brick-making industry that thrived until the early 20th century.
Slate quarried at the Blue Lagoon was taken by the tramway to the harbour at Porthgain (Welsh for “chisel port”). Later, bricks and roadstone aggregate were also shipped from there. In 1900, 30 ships were registered at Porthgain, and there were eight warehouses plus large brick hoppers for storing the stone. Some are still standing and I pass them as I descend the steep steps to Porthgain harbour.
Still a working
The website maxtravelz.com is an aggregator of news from open sources. The source is indicated at the beginning and at the end of the announcement. You can send a complaint on the news if you find it unreliable.
Top Autors
Popular Topics
cntraveler.com
25.04.2024 / 18:27
The 14 Best East Coast Beach Towns
From Maine to Florida, the East Coast is home to some beautiful stretches of coastline, amazing views, and of course, remarkable beach towns. Whether you're looking for a summer hotspot full of excitement and entertainment and brimming with crowds, or want to escape to a quieter small town this season, the shores on the East Coast have a little something for everyone. From charming, historic New England towns to tropical Southern getaways, there is so much to explore this summer.
theguardian.com
23.04.2024 / 08:46
Lyme Regis: a real taste of the Dorset coast with an exciting new food scene
Lyme Regis’s charms have always been resolutely genteel and old-fashioned, from its sedate regency seafront to its fondness for fossil shops and all things antique and literary.
lonelyplanet.com
23.04.2024 / 07:23
Taking the train in Ireland - what you need to know
Traveling by train is one of Ireland’s great if under-appreciated pleasures.
lonelyplanet.com
19.04.2024 / 16:02
Your guide to the Côte d’Opale, France’s shimmering northwest coast
Northern France’s counterpart to the famed Côte d’Azur, one insanely scenic stretch of coast has it all.
travelpulse.com
16.04.2024 / 21:59
Wyndham Alltra Opens Newest Resort in the Dominican Republic
Wyndham Alltra added another resort to its lineup, the Wyndham Alltra Samaná, a stunning beachfront resort in Las Galeras, the Dominican Republic.
theguardian.com
15.04.2024 / 09:05
‘This coast is saturated’: Italian village braces for post-Ripley crowds
When Andrew Scott’s eponymous character in the hit new Netflix series Ripley travels from Naples to the village of Atrani, the rickety bus has the road almost to itself; a solitary Vespa passes going the other way. When he tracks down Dickie Greenleaf at the beach, the rich American and his girlfriend are the only people sunbathing on the pristine sands.
lonelyplanet.com
13.04.2024 / 01:15
Local Strolls: Follow our writer's perfect walking route in Paris
Delve into Local Strolls, a series where writers reveal their favorite walks in their hometowns. Each route offers a snapshot of urban life, guiding you to lesser-known attractions and cherished local spots. Here, Vivian Song takes us on a gentle stroll past shops, through gardens and along the river in Paris.
afar.com
13.04.2024 / 01:01
Getting to the Caribbean From the West Coast Is Now Easier Than Ever
Travelers who live on the West Coast of the United States have long bemoaned the lack of direct flights to the Caribbean from international airports in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, and Seattle. Normally, flying to the Caribbean from the West Coast requires stopovers and plane changes in hubs like Atlanta, New York, Houston, or Miami. Between the time difference and the layovers, flying from the West Coast to the Caribbean can easily take at least a full day—or may even require an overnight stop. With closer warm-weather destinations like Mexico and Hawai‘i beckoning, many travelers in the Pacific time zone simply skip the Caribbean.
travelweekly.com
10.04.2024 / 17:05
Kimpton opening its first hotel in the Dominican Republic
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, an IHG Hotels & Resorts' brand, has planted its first flag in the Dominican Republic.
travelpulse.com
09.04.2024 / 15:37
Dominican Republic Tradeshow Showcases Country's Charm to Partners Across Americas
WHY IT RATES: The Dominican Republic tradeshow included exclusive experiences and brought together more than 500 international partners. —Janeen Christoff, TravelPulse Managing Editor
cntraveler.com
06.04.2024 / 10:27
Off Season Italy: Le Sirenuse's Aldo Sersale's Winter Guide to the Amalfi Coast
This is part of Off Season Italy, a collection of guides highlighting the year-round appeal of Italy's most popular destinations, courtesy of our favorite local tastemakers. Read more here.