Knighton Wales ( Tref-y-Clawdd )

Knighton is a Welsh Village located on the Shrewsbury-Cardiff 'Heart of Wales' rail line. It is in a valley surrounded by heavily forested hills on the river Teme bordering England. It is a popular location for walkers and bike riders being on the Offa's Dyke trail, similar to the Heyson Trail.

We chose to stop over here as a 'rest break' before heading onto Conwy in the North of Wales and what a great choice.

Our stay was made so much more memorable 
with our choice to stay at the Knighton Hotel.

Lands End at Penzance is equivalent to Byron Bay being Australia's main land furthest east point.

Penzance is also famous for the unique St Micheals Mount structure built on a rocky outcrop a few hundred metres offshore. Ancestors of the original family who built St Micheals in the 17th century, the St Aubyn family, still reside there. In 1954 a large endowment was paid to the National Trust by the family retaining a 999 year lease while the Trust ensures the conservation of the site.

In it's heyday 300 islanders lived on the mount but only 35 live there today.

Apart from these major tourist attractions Penzance is a popular summer holiday destination.

                                            Be back soon

                                           Port Isaac.

Apart from being used as a regular film set for movies ( Oscar & Lucinda 1971, Saving Grace 2000 ) and TV series such as the original Poldark (1975-77), The Nightmare Man (BBC 1981), The Shell Seekers with Vanessa Redgrave (2005) and Doc Martin  (2004 - present), Port Isaac has an interesting history dating back prior to the 16th Century with pilchard fishing.

The village centre dates from the 18th century and local fisherman still land catches of lobster, crab and fish. The village centre was designated a conservation area in 1971.

The walk down into the village.

Entering the village.

We knew Doc Martin was filming the day we visited but could not have imagined what was in store.

Doc Martin (Martin Clunes) on set.

Mrs Tishell (Selina Cadell) on set

Clive Tishell (Malcolm Story) on set.\
We were able to view a number of rehearsals from up close while having coffee at the outdoor section of the cafe directly opposite Mrs Tishell's pharmacy. When the rehearsals were complete and to our surprise onlookers were allowed access to the stars.

                                   What a great day.

                                Falmouth, Cornwall.

The precursor to the founding of Falmouth was with the construction of Pendennis Castle, ordered by King Henry V111 in 1540 as a defensive battlement. It continued in this role in various forms through to the end of WW11. Falmouth was established in 1613.

Falmouth has the third deepest natural harbour in the world and the deepest in Western Europe. During WW11 the US Navy had a large base in Falmouth harbour as well as an army base in the town. Some of the D-Day landings originated from Falmouth. The Royal Navy continue to use the harbour facilities which include modern dry dock infrastructure along with commercial and private vessels.

Pendennis Castle.

 

Early cannon range 2 mile.

6 inch artillery range 13 miles.

                          Some views from Pendennis

                        Falmouth Town and Harbour.

                                   Falmouth Harbour

                            Da weles ( Cornish for---?)