Island Living

Caldey Island - Site Visit

We caught the last boat out. The only boat out. The weather really wasn’t on our side.

A trip to Caldey Island, situated 20 minutes outside Tenby Harbour is quite the ride.

Our boat, laden with goods for the people who live and work on Caldey was also our introduction to Tim, Billy and others who call Caldey their home.

Our visit today was to accompany Tim, and look at the visitor offer on the island and see how improvements could be made. For the Winter months, Caldey’s population is approx 30, included in the count are at least 7 Cistercian monks who live within the Monastery. In Summer it’s a very different story, with approx 55,000 visitors making the same boat journey we’re doing.

The visitors get to enjoy the natural landscape, several beaches, a light house, cafes, post office, museum, a chocolate factory, and the ruins of a previous medieval monastery. There are red squirrels, wild horses, seals and porpoises to spot as well. Its very weather dependant, so seeing it at its worst, in Winter during heavy rain, helps to appreciate how good the trip could be in finer weather.

More updates to follow…