A long drive from South Devon, started off in sunshine and concluded in steady rain. We found our accommodation, a rather lovely converted Victorian Vicarage, close to the centre of Haverfordwest, and were welcomed with tea and freshly made Welsh Cakes...lush.

Aiming for Britain’s smallest city, St David’s, we set off looking for a good walk to burn off an excellent breakfast. Of course we managed to sidetrack ourselves, and passing through the quaint village of Solva, we stopped to take in the view, and just followed our noses. Climbing up from the harbour, following the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path, we walked for several miles, taking in the sunshine, breathtaking scenery and wildlife.

We eventually made it to St David’s, to find it, surprisingly, full of tourists.

The Cathedral, dating from 1181, looks like a fascinating building but in this time of national mourning, was only available for prayer. We did however feel that it was fitting to sign the Book of Condolence to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

After a day of mixed weather the sun made a last appearance as evening arrived and a dinner on the West Coast beckoned. We found our way to the coastal village of Little Haven, and with only one pub / restauant open, it looked likely to be a hectic dinner. With no tables to be had, we asked to share with a lovely lady who comes here to swim almost every day, and so excellent food was accompanied by good conversation on a warm, late summer evening fading into a spectacular sunset.

Today in beautiful, warm sunshine we explore the south Pembrokeshire coast.

Leaving the car at Wiseman's Bridge we follow a surfaced path for a short undemanding walk to Saundersfoot. Sheltered beaches of golden sand looking across the water to...Devon!

Time to get the toes in the water...unsurprisingly still quite warm after our beautiful summer weather.

Returning to the car we drive to Tenby. A pretty town, boasting colourful Georgian villas and blessed by several sandy beaches.

The town is still busy with late summer visitors, the last vestiges of another successful holiday season. It is easy to see why Tenby is perennially popular.

Today we explore outside of Pembrokeshire, venturing up to Fishguard, we then cross the Preseli Hills to Cardigan. The town, on the banks of the River Teifi, is dominated by the 12th century castle. Largely destroyed during various periods of unpleasantness it was eventually converted into a large "walled garden" with the construction of an 18th century mansion in the grounds.

Forced into shelter, by a fierce Westerly wind, we abandon plans for a coastal lunch and head inland to visit the old Cambrian Wool Mill, now converted into the home of the "National Wool Museum" at Felindre.

This is an unexpectedly fascinating place, the museum aims to show the processing of raw fleeces into woven woollen cloth, via restored and fully working machines from the early days of the Industrial Revolution. All of the dry history lessons at school, talking about "Spinning Jenny's" and "Flying Shuttles" suddenly make sense. The museum still houses working 19th century looms weaving modern "Welsh Blankets", available for sale at the cost of a moderately sized "arm and a leg".

I could have happily stood watching these machines work all day...fascinating (ear defenders highly recommended!).

As is often the way at this time of year, the approaching evening saw another glorious sunset, so off to Broad Haven for dinner by the sea...stunning.

In retrospect, an odd sort of day, possibly something to do with the date, but feeling very out of sorts!

Thinking it might be nice to visit the home of early 20th century car and motorcycle speed trials, we head to the 11km stretch of Pendine Sands on Carmarthen Bay. Whilst this is a beautiful stretch of coast we were frustrated, firstly because the automotive museum was closed while it is being rebuilt and secondly our walk along the sands was curtailed by a military bullhorn yelling that we were about to wander into an MOD firing range...ooops!

The afternoon involved a visit to Colby Gardens. We spent a couple of hours wandering around the grounds, but felt the experience lacked something...

The odd day concluded with an indifferent dinner at a country pub...I was definitely not feeling it today!

We are past the seabird breeding season, and of course, due to the "avian flu" situation the offshore islands (Skomer,Skolkholm etc) are closed anyway. We remain determined to see some wildlife, and so a bracing walk along the west coast cliffs in pursuit of seals or offshore cetaceans, will surely lift yesterday's mood.

Parking in the beach car park at Abereiddy and leaving behind a bay full of far too active types, swimmers, surfers, paddleboarders, coasteering parties etc, we hit the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path and head north.

Climbing up from the beach we skirt "The Blue Lagoon" (closed to adventurers due to breeding seals...is this a good sign?), the path is busy with weekend walkers.

As we begin to round Traeth Llyfn Bay we catch sight of seals below. Several pups are seen on the beach, some with mum others "home alone" while mum is off fishing.

Eventually, returning to Abereiddy, we relocate further up the coast and head out to Strumble head. The picture postcard lighthouse is situated on an offshore islet. A narrow channel runs between, and contains several secluded bays and beaches. Closer observation reveals each of these has become home to one or more seal pups. The more we look, the more seals we see. Pups on the shore, mums in the water playing, feeding, fishing and generally having a little "me time". This is what we came for today!