The organisers of Pembrokeshire’s newest book festival, building on last year’s successful inaugural event, have unveiled a competition in which the winner gets to meet someone who can make sure they’ll never get lost again.

Tristan Gooley, (aka the Natural Navigator) is the answer to every navigationally challenged traveller’s prayer, using clues from the natural world.

And he’ll be appearing at this year’s Llangwm Literary Festival, which runs from Friday, August 11, to Sunday, August 13.

He’ll be talking about his latest book, How to Read Water, in Llangwm Village Hall on the Friday at 12.30 pm.

Programme organiser, Michael Pugh, says the subject matter is particularly relevant to Pembrokeshire.

“As a county we are after all surrounded on three sides by water, and some might say that Pembrokeshire gets more than its fair share of puddles of rain water on the ground.

“Not only that - we’re very much a boating county where people enjoy their time in all manner of small and not so small craft, from canoes and kayaks right up to some remarkably impressive yachts.

“And of course in years gone by, Llangwm was a fishing village whose residents would have known a thing or two about reading the state of the sea.”

Tristan Gooley has made a name for himself with his books and courses on how to use natural features such as cobwebs, lichen, dolphins and the movements of clouds and wind to navigate.

To win two free tickets to his talk, as well as a signed copy of How to Read Water, currently on the New York Times bestseller list, all you have to do is answer a simple question: whose ancient methods does Tristan use to read the sea?

A clue can be found on the festival website, www.llangwmlitfest.co.uk where you can also book tickets.

The first correct answer received by the festival email, [email protected] will win.

Michael Pugh says tickets for the events are selling fast and accommodation is booking up.

“We have quite a focus on nature this year. Other related events are the children’s bilingual creative writing competition run with the Dragon LNG Darwin Experience, and Julia Horton-Powdrill will be teaching the fine art of foraging.

“There’ll also be bug walks for children run by the Darwin Centre free of charge, although booking is essential.”

caption

Tristan Gooley