How far to travel for an adventure?

In a strange way, I suppose that we are led to believe that adventures involve travelling further afield and covering vast distances. Discovering new and exotic places where cultures are different, language baffles us and we experience new sights maybe? Well, a quick drive up the M5, turn left over the Severn Bridge and drive for an hour and a half and adventure can be yours: without even needing a passport! Adventure awaits in Wales.

My love of Wales and the Welsh goes all the way back to childhood and an early memory of visiting my Godfather who is a proud Welshman and lives on Anglesey. I can't recall how many times I have visited as an adult, but despite numerous visits, it always delivers something new every time. Last week, I had a week off from the day job and headed initially for The Gower peninsula and Worms Head in particular. The coast is utterly beautiful, with wide long beaches Rhossili and Broughton Bay's plus Whiteford Sands with it's fantastic lighthouse - long abandoned to the elements, but still standing proud guarding the River Loughor that separates the Gower from the rest of South Wales. Given that it only takes about two and a half hours from East Devon, it feels wonderfully remote as you walk along a 2 mile long beach with only the seabirds and your own thoughts for company. It truly is a wonderful part of a

beautiful country. For a landscape photographer, it's a dream, with so many opportunities to create some stunning images

Looking towards Whiteford Sands from near Foxhole Point....stormy clouds passing by.

The Coast Path

A distant Worms Head and Rhossili Bay. Dark skies not quite delivering on their threat of rain

Low tide and solitude

Whiteford Sands and the glorious Whiteford Lighthouse - made of cast iron, it still stands gracefully at the north end of the beach, some 99 years since it last warned shipping of the hazards under the waves

I only spent a couple of days at this end of The Gower and although I wish I had been able to stay a little longer, I had plans to meet my mate Pete and explore some waterfalls at the southern edge of the Brecon Beacons....or should that be Bannau Brycheiniog? I did say that the language was exotic and sometimes baffling!

The next installment see's a lot of walking, a lot of waterfalls and a warm Welsh welcome. I hope you enjoy: Tan y tro nesa! or as we say back home, 'Until the next time'. Mark