On leaving for Newport, the long rise of the road affords, in about two miles, a remarkably fine view towards the left. With Mynydd Prescelly for a background, the composition of the foreground and middle distance by a beautiful vale is singularly impressive, and this view, with panoramic changes, accompanies the road to Nevern.
The hills seen in the front have massive rocky crags penetrating their otherwise smooth outline.
Nevern.—A very dangerous turn in the road ushers the traveller into this beautiful little village, embowered in the midst of rich meadows, orchards, and gardens in a situation which is eminently picturesque and pleasing. The River Nevern flows through the village, and an amphitheatre of well-wooded hills encloses it.
The Castle consists of some slight remains of a Norman building, apparently of a square plan, with bastions at the angles.
The Church is one of the largest in the county, and of very great interest. It is of Early English architecture, with a Perpendicular recess forming a chapel upon the south side. In the window-sill of the south window of this chapel is inserted a long granite stone, with an Ogham inscription upon it, together with a slab bearing an excellent example of an early interlaced cross. The church stands in a quite ideal sloping churchyard, containing a stone cross about 13 feet in height, with Celtic ornamentation and two inscriptions, not yet satisfactorily deciphered, as far as the writer is aware. Near the south porch is a menhir with an inscription.
The Pentre Evan cromlech, one of the finest known, lies about three miles from Nevern by road, but less than two as the crow flies. A car may be taken by a third-class road for the greater part of the distance, but a local guide is necessary.
NEWPORT
Newport is a small fishing town, and also a seaport, upon the estuary of the Nevern. It is a quiet watering-place, the sea-bathing being very good, while the surrounding country is of enticing interest.
The Castle was built in 1215, and used by the lords of Cemmaes for their courts. It was destroyed by Llewelyn, but restored recently by a descendant of the first baron, but in such strong contrast to the original Norman architecture that it is very disappointing externally.
The Church has been built near the castle, and partakes somewhat of its character, being stern and massive in its proportions. The interior contains nothing of particular interest.