Background information on the trip
It was my turn to plan the trip for 2009. Keeping to the historical theme and having recently researched some of the more noble members of my family I suggested to Tony Wallis - my cycling pal - that we should visit some of the castles in Wales, in particular those along the south coast. With the help of the www.castlewales.com and also the ordnance survey maps of the area I managed to find about 40 castles between Haverfordwest and Chepstow. These are in various states of decay and preservation and several of them have links into the family history. Families such as the Marshals, de Clares, de Londres, de Chaworth, FitzHamon, de Windsor and de Braose feature in their building together with some of the Welsh kings and princes. In addition the welsh south coast has some beautiful scenery even if the hills get in the way and the rain falls. In the text I have highlighted in red those names who are direct ancestors. Apologies in advance for the history lesson which is to follow.