Pembrokeshire

The Pentre Ifan burial chamber dates from the neolitihic period (~3500 BC). The remains depict the front chamber used for communal burial in the past. The whole structure would have been covered by earth creating a raised mound.

The burial site was reached late in the day and the resultant sunset was lovely. The spectacular landscape of Carningli and the Dinas Head coastline can be seen in the distance.

From a personal perspective this provided an opportunity to photograph the Brown Silver-line moth that landed on a nearby stone.

Arriving late in the day and with Pentre Ifan still to be seen resulted in a whistle stop tour of the scenic Dinas Head. The nesting Guillemots and Razorbills on the cliffs were a pleasure to watch. After stopping to photograph a variety of wild flowers including Tormentil i was ushered forth and the pace quickened. The 3 mile trip over rugged terrain was eventually mastered in just over an hour - a victory over injury and blisters!

The photographs depict the beautiful coastline and the shadowy outline of my nemesis - i feared i would lose fitness on the holiday - in fact i returned feeling marathons could be run and won!

St Govan's Chapel is located south of Bosherston on the coast. Access is via a narrow set of steps running down a cleft in the cliff. The small chapel (5.5 by 3.6 m) was constructed in the 13th century and represents a hermits cell founded by a Celtic monk who arrived from Ireland after relinquishing his position as abbot to become a hermit.

The coastline was spectacular, the waves crashing against the rocks was breathtaking. In addition amogst the rocks was found Sea Mayweed and St Govan's Chapel remains the only place i've seen this plant. In addition the cliff tops had a cordoned area protecting a small number of Green-winged orchids.

The walk began at Whitesands Bay depicted in photo 1.The scenic walk up to St Davids Head took in a variety of flowers - Thrift, Kidney vetch, Lousewort, Spring squill, Common and Heath spotted orchids. Lunch was taken overlooking St Davids Head and Whitesand Bay - we were joined by an eager Herring Gull - called Boris! Boris discovered a liking for our bread, crisps and whatever else we threw at him with the exception of cherry tomatoes - though the expression of surprise on the poor gulls face as the tomato exploded in his beak will live forever!

An ascent up Carn Llidi led to a burial chamber or cromlech named Coeten Arthur (Photo 3) in addition to a captured Dark Green Fritillary and Bloody-nosed beetle. The descent through a variety of heathland and scrub led to the discovery of wheatears, stonechats and rock pipits. In addition a strange caterpillar was found sunning itself. Capture and rearing led to identification as the larva of the Oak Eggar. Unfortunately this particular caterpillar was parasitised by the tachinid fly, Phryxe vulgaris.

Marloes provided the base camp, local pub, and a rather scenic setting in the evenings. The boats leave from Martin's Haven to Skomer Island, further down the road lies a nature reserve culminating in Wooltack Point (see sunset). It was this beautiful eveing where three Choughs were observed feeding on the cliff tops. Despite miles of walking and driving they were in fact beneath our very noses!

Carreg Samson is a Neolithic (new stone age) burial chamber built in c. 3500BC. The Neolithic heralded the earliest farmers in Wales. The tomb overlooks a stunning coastline with views of the Preseli’s and ancient volcanic outcrops on Strumble Head. Three of the seven upright stones support the capstone. The whole structure would have been covered by a mound of earth.

Barafundle Bay is a beautiful location. Unfortunately the beach was crowded so there was little opportunity for a decent panoramic view of the sands. However, the surrounding coastline was sufficiently picturesque! Further round the coast lies Stackpole Head, a rocky outcrop where it was hoped Choughs would be observed - unfortunately this wasn't to be the case - however a fine pair of Lesser black-backed gulls were photographed.

Ramsay Island was the scene of a boat trip. Not an ordinary boat trip - this had to be done in a motor-powered dinghy. All manner of bird colonies were observed - Fulmars, Kittiwakes, Guillemots, Razorbills. Grey seals were observde in the water - seemingly perplexed as to why i was now turning pale. Whilst trying to focus on the seal and with the swell of the boat getting erratic i first felt the pangs of sea sickness! What was in effect only 10 mins later i was ashore - it seemed like 30 mins! The view is from the coast where the first Grizzled Skipper was spotted. Also of note was the first viewing of the larva of the Bloody-nosed beetle - no record snap was taken as its quite difficult to capture motion snaps as the larva was hurled away with a yelp of disgust - the excuse it resembled a tick was muttered sheepishly!

Skomer Island is a nature reserve and haven for nesting sea birds. The island is best visited in late May and early June for the nesting sea birds - puffins, razorbills, guillemots, kittiwakes, fulmars and cormorants to name but a few. Gannets can be seen on the boat trip across on the Dale Princess. My particular favourites were the puffins - the first time i've ever seen them and at such close quarters - they would waddle across the path sand eels in multicoloured beak. It is also home to 165,000 pairs of Manx shearwaters. These birds live in burrows during the day and only emerge at dusk. Unfortunately all i got to see were the burrows and carcasses from gull or buzzard attacks. Also present is the Skomer Vole (a subspecies of the Bank Vole) that has a predilection for Bracken.