Caldey Island..Wales.
By bloomer
18 comments
This was a place we visited on our recent holiday to Tenby..The weather forecast wasn’t good,..High winds and torrential rain..so a 20 minute boat ride in an open boat..sounded just the thing !..but as the sun was shining and being complete nutters,we decided to take a chance,and go for it Lol.We got the first boat of the morning,and were glad to see we weren’t the only daft ones..it was full !
Off we go then..to the Island inhabitated by Monks…and a tropical style deserted beach to greet us…a good start.
After a pleasant walk,we arrived at the main attraction,the Monastery…only men are allowed to visit ,which is a shame..a lovely building.I am not a religious person,but I appreciate the architecture,and respect other peoples way of life.
A nice seat,to take a rest..
This is the post office..you can buy their own stamps here..I loved the design of this.
.
They have a Chocolate factory..up the Hill..so we took a walk up there first..Well,we found it a bit of a let down,as it was only a counter ,with someone selling bars of it…behind him,a machine ,where we could just see a bit of a mix going on..and that was it ! Ofcourse,we did buy one..
This was the best part in this area..The old Priory..so the trudge up the hill was worth it..alovely old building,and still in use..
The water garden..
Back down ,to the cafe..very nice,so we sat outside with a coffee and a home made scone …the sun still shining..just as well,as there is no inside area to sit ! Not a good idea,if the weather is bad..
To the gift shop now.The monks make their own perfume,and chocolate,of course,which we had already bought.
We decided it was time to walk back to the little Harbour,as it was starting to cloud up a bit,and we had seen most of it in the 2 hours we were there.. We had a pleasant trip back..and just as we were about to land,the wind got up,the sky went very dark,and as we stepped on to the harbour..down it came !!How lucky was that ? We already had our waterproof cagoules on ,for the spray..it was horrendous till teatime..blew some of the Parasols complete with tables.all over the place on the patio..We sat and watched the lovely rough seas..and the little boats were still going back and forth,bringing the other visitors back..Thank goodness,it wasn’t us ..but it must have been awful for them..Sometimes its good to get out early…
17 Jul, 2011
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Comments
Pembrokeshire has lots of beautiful islands, and Caldey is a lovely one isn't it. I haven't been there for years.
Did you know it's proper welsh name ? - Ynys Pyr
(Pyr's island) - Pyr was a monk who founded the monastery.
Caldey is a Viking name :o(
17 Jul, 2011
Enjoyed that Sandra, a lovely place, and my goodness you were lucky with that weather.
17 Jul, 2011
Looks a real beatiful place - the weather is never usually as bad as they say ;) Lovely blog and pictures - looks a gorgeous beach!
17 Jul, 2011
I think it should go back to it's original name - didn't the Vikings ransack all the churches?
17 Jul, 2011
What good timing Sandra, pleased you were able to enjoy the sail and explore the lovely island, its a pity there isnt an indoor eating place though the poor people who visit in wet weather would have no place to enjoy their tea and scones!
17 Jul, 2011
Great blog Sandra & pics, it looks so peaceful there,you were lucky to get off the boat in time.bet you had your fingers crossed until you got back..lol.
17 Jul, 2011
What a lovely place looks great nice and quiet too lovely photos
17 Jul, 2011
thank you Sticki,it was a very peaceful place..we had a lovely morning there..
No,I didn't know that Hywel..I think I prefer the Welsh name to the Viking one..Usually in Wales you see both Welsh and English versions of names,but I didn't see this one,unless I missed it.Interesting,and thank you...
Thanks Cinders ,glad you enjoyed it..we certainly were very lucky that day...a lot weren't ! I don't think everyone listens to the weather reports ..but the sea can change in a few minutes,so glad we did...
Thank you Paul..believe me,it was worse than we thought,so glad we were back in the hotel before then..but I really wanted a walk on that secluded beach...beautiful :o)
Thanks Joanella..I was relieved to get back in time ..not a big fan of open boats anyway..but the only covered one,was a boat that did a 90 minute cruise,which didn't stop off anywhere..so we wouldn't have had the chance to visit this lovely Island..
thanks Carole ,you and Harry would have enjoyed it too..it is very poor as regards shelter inside the cafe..I suppose it would mean employing more staff,etc,and providing facilities..everyone is asked to dispose of their empty cups and plates in a bin outside..so staff are at a minimum..There was a decking you could sit on, and even that had no cover ...I think they should provide something..
17 Jul, 2011
Thank you 6d..it is nice to find somewhere these days,that is so peaceful..
17 Jul, 2011
Yes how right you are on that one :o))
17 Jul, 2011
What lovely weather to compliment a beautiful place..sounds like you had a great time! :)
17 Jul, 2011
Thanks Pixi...we hit lucky didn't we ? .makes all the difference to a holiday.:o)
18 Jul, 2011
Lovely, brought back some memories, that lovely beach! :^)
18 Jul, 2011
Glad it brought back some nice memories,Daylily..well,I hope they were nice ones ! Lol.
18 Jul, 2011
I`m glad you enjoyed your trip Sandra and that the weather stayed with you. It does look nice there and I hope the locally made chocolate was tasty! :o)
18 Jul, 2011
looks fab there sandra and lovely pics to ;o))
18 Jul, 2011
thanks Sandra 1 and Sandra.2.from Sandra..3!! all three of us again.Lol. The chocolate was very nice thanks,Sandra 1,and it was fab Sandra2..glad you both liked it.:o)))
18 Jul, 2011
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30 Dec, 2011
I've been there but a long time ago, I don't think they made chocolate then. I found it an incredibly peaceful place, a bit special. I loved that water garden picture, what a shame you can't go inside for refreshments!!
I can't believe how lucky you were with the weather - well done you.
17 Jul, 2011