The Pembrokeshire coastline on the far western tip of Wales (the pig's nose bit) is Britain's only coastal national park. Noted for its sandy beaches, sheer cliffs and cosy little villages tucked into cwms and coves, it provides some of the finest coastal walking in the country.
Following the coastline from Amroth in the south to St Dogmael's in the north, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path is a 186-mile rollercoaster trail that takes in the best that the National Park has to offer.
In the south the scenery is a gentle patchwork of fields, hedgerows and woodland slipping into the sea. This part of Pembrokeshire is commonly known as Little England Beyond Wales. The Normans came here and built a number of castles, such as the one looming over the surf at Manorbier, to defend themselves against the Welsh.
To the north of Pembroke and Milford Haven (the second largest natural harbour in the world, after Sydney) the cliffs become higher, the hills rockier and more windswept and the walking more strenuous.
One of the best walks is just to the south of St David's Head, named after the patron saint of Wales. Starting at Ceibwr Bay the path hugs the coastline as it wriggles its way around rocky coves and heathery clifftops. To the west is Ramsey Island, home to red deer, seals, puffins and occasionally dolphins. The walk finishes, rather spectacularly, at the aptly named Whitesands Bay.
To round off the day you can catch the bus for the short ride to St David's, the smallest cathedral city in Britain, and enjoy a pint at the Farmers Arms.
Maps and guides
There are a number of excellent books and maps produced on Wales in general and Pembrokeshire in particular. Along with practical guides from all of the usual suspects, there are more specific activity guides and several attractive illustrated books.
North Pembrokeshire & South Pembrokeshire 1:25,000 scale Ordnance Survey maps that set the standard for all other walking maps. Waterproof and flat editions are available as well as the standard folded paper map.
Pembrokeshire Coast Path by Jim Manthorpe is the walking guide for both hikers and day walkers passing along parts of this spectacular 186-mile route. Contains maps, practical info, useful info and points of interest, and is illustrated with colour photos.
Author: Jim Manthorpe
Date: 10 January 2007
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