Day 2: Windswept Wake-Up and a Pembrokeshire Pivot
Monday kicked off at 7 AM, though sleep had been a bit elusive. The wind howled quite wildly through the night – I guess that's the trade-off for a prime, hill-edge sea view!
A hearty bacon sandwich and two cups of coffee later, I ventured up to the on-site shower block. I'm pleased to report it was spotlessly clean with powerful, hot showers – a welcome start to the day.
Ready to roll by 8:30 AM, Black Betty and I embarked on a 2-hour, 15-minute drive to our next destination: Whitesands in Pembrokeshire. This area, just beyond St. David's, truly is a stunning part of Wales.
I pulled into my planned spot at Whitesands Camping. This site is wonderfully chilled out and casual; they don't take bookings, it's simply first-come, first-served for pitches and electric hook-ups, with payment on arrival. A perfect fit for Black Betty's laid-back style.
Coastal Trek and Windswept Beauty
Boots laced, bag packed, I hit the trail. Reaching the car park, I veered right, straight onto the coast path. I devoured five exhilarating miles of rugged coastline before turning inland, meandering back towards Whitesands.
The path itself was a wild mix: sections of untamed, rugged cliff edge giving way to well-trodden paths. A few spots demanded a bit of scrambling, requiring careful foot placement over loose stones. Out on the exposed edge, the wind was fiercely strong, but the sun beamed down, transforming the afternoon into a surprisingly warm and glorious one.
A Rewarding Challenge
Today's distance felt good, even though the heat made it a real slog. My legs were definitely feeling the burn within the first two miles, still recovering from yesterday's trek. Despite the effort, my love for the Pembrokeshire coastline only deepened. It truly feels like standing on the edge of the world. The wildlife was captivating: countless birds I couldn't name, a group of wild horses, and even an Emperor Moth Caterpillar – a fascinating surprise.
Whitesands Reward
Back at Whitesands, I've got a well-deserved cold beverage in hand, sitting outside the cafe in the car park to update the blog. This will definitely be followed by a very chilled-out evening, much needed for my aching legs.
Van-Life Gourmet
Dinner is served! Tonight, I cooked up a Katsu chicken curry in the van, savouring every bite against the most incredible backdrop: a stunning fusion of sea and setting sun. To cap it off, some much-needed protein in the form of an Arla protein yoghurt.
Evening Refresh
Dinner was swiftly followed by a trip to the shower block to freshen up. These showers run on tokens, purchased on-site for £1, giving you five minutes of continuous water with full temperature control. It was incredibly well-needed, especially for getting some nice cold water on my slightly sunburnt head. #buyahat
Evening Unwind
The rest of my evening will be spent precisely where I want to be: sat outside the van, watching the sunset paint the sky, and diving back into the good book I started yesterday.
Signing Off
That's all from me today. I'll see you tomorrow, when I plan a chilled-out rest day, much needed after two days of walks, just a slow meander to my next location. Watch this space to find out where.