From Swansea we took a train to Carmarthen. On the first day of our stay we accompanied the dogs onto Llansteffan beach. Miles of sand and mud – home of the cockles sold in Swansea Market – with views across to Worms Head.
The Gower from Llansteffan Beach
If you divide the horizon into five equal parts, the first fifth is Llanmadoc Hill on the Gower, the second contains Rhossili Down, and the third contains the Worms Head peninsula (you may have to copy and zoom in to see the detail).
A grand location for a house, overlooking Llansteffan Beach to the Gower
Turning round after taking the picture I noticed the others had given up on me and headed back to shore. Maggie thinks this house should be a guest house so more could enjoy the location and view, she said she’s never seen it occupied. Walking on the track beside the house we found St Anthony of Egypt’s ancient Well. Someone had decorated his image for Christmas.
Plaque to St Anthony of Egypt, on the wall of the enclosure housing the (dry) well
Climbing up the hill we entered Llansteffan castle. The original walled space was the flat high space shown below, where Maggie and I are beside the first gatehouse.
Inside the walls of Llansteffan castle, watching the clouds get blacker
Later a new curtain wall and bigger gatehouse were added, seen to the right in the photo above, as well as below.
About to exit The New Gatehouse - hoping to avoid the rain.
The following day we went to the National Botanic Garden of Wales, where again I enjoyed the giant curved roof. The planting has come on since we were last here 8 years ago.
Looking up the length of the Mediterranean Glasshouse
Here you see Jackie enjoying the warmth of the giant glasshouse – she has taken her gloves off.
Jackie beside a flowering leguminose shrub
