In this second episode of our unabridged reading of R.D. Blackmore’s The Maid of Sker, our narrator’s empty stomach pushes him to take up his fishing gear. But the day’s venture is far from a simple hunt for supper — the waters, the weather, and unexpected encounters all add colour and tension to the tale.

Set against the familiar yet long-ago coastline of Porthcawl, Kenfig, and the Bristol Channel, this chapter blends local history, maritime adventure, and the author’s keen eye for detail.

For those in Porthcawl, Kenfig, and the surrounding area who have heard of The Maid of Sker but never read it, this is another chance to enjoy the story exactly as Blackmore wrote it — a rare piece of our coastal heritage brought back to life.

Step back in time to the rugged South Wales coast with an unabridged reading of the opening chapter of R.D. Blackmore’s classic — and now long out-of-print — novel The Maid of Sker. First published in the 19th century, this tale is steeped in the atmosphere of Porthcawl, Kenfig, and the surrounding coastline.

In this first chapter, we meet the narrator and are drawn into a story shaped by the wild sea, the shifting sands of Kenfig, and the secrets of the past. Hints of mystery emerge alongside vivid descriptions of the landscape and the characters who will shape the journey ahead.

This podcast is especially for the people of Porthcawl, Kenfig, and nearby communities — those who may have heard the name The Maid of Sker but never had the chance to read or listen to it. Now you can hear it in full, exactly as it was written, and reconnect with a piece of your local heritage.