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.