days out in pembrokeshire: coastal path

 

 

The Pembrokeshire Coastal Path is 186 miles long and hugs the spectacular coastline in Pembrokeshire from St Dogmaels in the north to Amroth in the south. Most of the path is within Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Britain's only coastal National Park.

 

The sun was shining so we headed out to Marloes near Dale to explore the path in the beautiful weather. We have tried our best to get out and about when the weather permits and today didn't disappoint. The secluded beach in the photo above is located at Musselwick Sands.

 



 

 

 

We parked up and got out into the glorious countryside. The bees were buzzing, spring flowers bursting out all over the place and the sun making a welcome appearance. It wasn't long before I was stripping off the layers because I was too hot.

 

 

 

The pink thrift was everywhere and looking fabulous. I think that's what it's called anyway!

 

As you can see, parts of the path can be quite dangerous with the path coming quite close to the edge of sheer drop cliffs. This signpost certainly got the message through!

 

 

We picked a perfect day to explore a little part of the path. The sea was like a millpond with not a breath of wind to be had. We only stayed for an hour, just enough to work up an appetite for an ice cream from the village shop afterwards without tiring us all out.

We are planning our next part of the path to walk when the weather allows. Have you walked the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path? Which part is your favourite bit?

days out in pembrokeshire: caldey island

 

 

Caldey Island is located off Tenby's South Beach. Hop on a boat from the harbour for a short boat ride to this secluded island. It is now home to an order of Cistercian monks and their monastery overlooks the village green. The monks make perfume and chocolate on the island which is sold in the gift shop. I can vouch for the plain chocolate, it was very nice (I just had to support the monks in their venture, didn't I?!).

The lighthouse offers spectacular views. As you can see, the sky was an beautiful shade of blue on the day we visited.

There are numerous churches on the island with beautiful stained glass and statues. Some of the churches were quite tiny and we were free to wander in and out of them.

Have you visited Caldey Island? What did you think of it?

days out in pembrokeshire: national trust stackpole estate

 

 

 

 

The weather has been wonderful here this Easter so we have been out and about the local area exploring. The wild garlic in the woods at Stackpole was everywhere. Stackpole is a National Trust site with extensive woodlands, lakes with an abundance of wildlife including resident otters and a beautiful beach at Broad Haven South.  

 

 

 

 

There is a pair of swans nesting right next to the footpath which makes for easy access photography!  Just as well because I didn't have a zoom lens with me today.  The swans must be quite used to people and dogs because the path is widely used and they hardly reacted to us being there.

 

 

 

 

This view is up towards the estate from the Eight Arch Bridge where the otters like to appear from time to time. Sadly we didn't see them today, maybe next time. We have spotted them before so we know that they are usually about.

 

 





 



The greenery was waking up from the long winter slumber. Almost as if it was unfurling itself before our eyes. It was quite a show.

 

 

 

 

The bluebells also put on a good show as usual. This time of year is ideal to be visiting wooded areas in the UK with nature bursting out at the seams at every turn. The Stackpole Estate is just one part of Pembrokeshire worth a trip to visit. I'll be coming back soon with photos of other things to do in the area. Let me know if you have any gems which a worth a visit!