Day 3: Goldcliff to Newport

Miles: 10.5 (RT:29)

Falafels: 5 (RT: 14)

I am an extra happy rambler today as I have my very favourite bird watcher to accompany me. Sadly, we didn't see any bearded tits (snicker) but a kestrel did stop by just as we were leaving Goldcliff Wetlands.

Walking solo has it's benefits like keeping to your own pace and being alone with your thoughts but it's great to share the journey and the falafel.

The tide is in and the skies are blue for a while. 

We get a tiny drip of rain but it doesn't come to anything and once again the weather is on my side.

The wetlands are another important site for birds and wildlife. 

Is it green fingers reaching out or grey fingers reaching in? Today's only proper glimpse of Flatholm and Steepholm haunts the horizon.

Another perk of having a walking buddy is that I can be in some of the pics and my extra fly Mr Motivator strides can make an appearance.

A miniature lighthouse in Newport Wetlands. Built in 1893, it is still functioning according to the sign. It was once on visible stilts, but the ground has risen due to discarded matter from the works nearby. It's an example of how what can appear the be the natural state of something is actually a construct. 

After the wetlands and Nash, we cross some fields and encounter a herd of cattle with calves. I am a bit afraid that they will charge us for invading their peaceful space but they let us off with a cold stare and a moo. There were also sheep that look like they are made of wood because of they way they have been shorn.

Some sweet peas for my nan who is a master sweet pea grower. At this point, the pylons and towers are ever present. I wonder how people felt about these giant structures when they were first built.

I've never been this close to a wind turbine before. It's going like the clappers even though there's barely a breeze down here between the hedges. My twitcher tells me to imagine the blades coming loose and cartwheeling over the hedge towards us. The stuff of nightmares. The sound they make is gentle and more pleasant than this thought.

We couldn't remember the name of this plant that's reaching down to form this avenue. It's a buddleja a quick Google search of purple finger plant tells me.

Near the wind turbine, there is a field of these set ups. What are they doing? Measuring something?

Things get a bit more industrial as we head into Newport...

...but it's part of the Coastal Path, it's part of South Wales and it's interesting in it's own way.

I see the Transporter bridge on the horizon. Another landmark that's formed part of a recent daily commute for me that I've never really had a proper look at...

Until now. One of only 10 such bridges that remain in use and one of only 12 that were ever built. A solution to the problem of low banks and a tidal estuary that an ordinary bridge or ferry couldn't solve.

Percy is not part of the Coastal path but he was ready to congratulate me on a day's walking when I arrived home so thought he deserved a spot on the blog.