Just 3 nights on the outskirts of Bristol and a chance to catch up with Tony and Maureen. We were very grateful to Tony for escourting us round Clifton, and in transporting us to the city centre for a mouch around the city. Also 3 delicious meals out with them where on Tuesday we also caught up with Felicity and Oliver.

Further south again to the Gower peninsula (via a quick visit to Ann’s friend Tania and her husband Pat in Llandeilo). We actually stopped in a small site at Middleton overlooking Mewslade cove. So beautiful walks along the rugged Coast from Port Eynan round to Rhossili making use of the local busses, a walk/scramble across the low tide causeway from Rhossili to Worms Head and a bus trip to Swansea. Unfortunately my English bus pass was not valid on Welsh busses, although they were free at weekends (during school holidays).

This time a slightly larger site than the previous, sitting high on a hill overlooking Fishguard. The highlights include a visit to the beautiful lower harbour at Fishguard, a cycle ride to the Melin Tregwynt wool mill, and a morning fishing in a bay towards St David’s, where we each caught a fairly large pollock (see photos) and a few mackerel.

Another 5 nights, this time at the beautiful secluded site at Pantmawr Farm with its neighbouring 25 minute cycle track all the way into Aberystwyth. Ann actually went in for a swim, also we indulged and travelled first class on the Vale of Rheidol steam railway from Aberystwyth to Devils Bridge with its beautiful scenery. Tom’s farm had the best blackberries we’d ever seen. The only slight downside was the regular bird scarer on the neighbouring farm banging all day, every 10 minutes or so. Otherwise a really good stop. We discovered monkey bread in one of the cafes, yum….

Five nights here visiting the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highway steam railway, Harlech castle, Criccieth Castle, the home and museum of David Lloyd George, Portmeirion, and en route a stop to visit Caernarfon Castle. Portmerian Harlech Castle and the Llanfair Slate Caverns Ffestiniog railway, Criccieth Castle and Caernarfon Castle

Four nights here, fitting in visits to Beaumaris, the castle, and a fast (very fast) RIB trip to see puffins (all flown north, so had to make do with seals), Plas Newydd House and Gardens (a National Trust property), the Anglesey Sea Zoo (an aquarium!) and Bryn Celli Ddu, an ancient burial chamber

A one night stop with Gwen and Pete, who we’ve known for several years via sailing, and who we’ve met up with on several occasions in the Ionian. They’ve recently sold ‘What’s the Rush’ and are waiting to move to a larger house and begin the next chapter of their land based lives. Enjoyed a good curry with them and a proper bed!

A beautiful small campsite offering 50 mile distant views. In Oswestry we went the very short distance on the Cambrian Heritage Railway to the Stonehouse Brewery and back, took the opportunity to visit the Bailey Head, the current CAMRA pub of the year, and run by Duncan and Grace whom I knew from my time living in Orpington.

Instead of an annual barbecue, this year, it was a pub lunch at the Rugby Arms which has an enclosed garden so the grandchildren could play, and close enough to Nana’s care home for her to be pushed there in the wheelchair. Jeff was in Australia, so Jenny and John hosted us at Windmill close.

A stopover at Fern’s to see her new (to her) house and extensive and very overgrown garden and enjoy some socialising with her and Stew.