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GATEWAY TO THE CASTLEMARTIN PENINSULA

Pembroke is situated at the head of the Castlemartin peninsula, a lovely corner of Pembrokeshire with fine sandy beaches and some of the most dramatic coastal scenery of the Pembroke Coast National Park.

 

Only a 10 minute drive from Pembroke and popular with locals and visitors alike, is Freshwater East, with its beachside car park and Caravan Club campsite.

Freshwater East c Linda Asman

A short drive away is the picturesque Stackpole Quay where you can find refreshment in the National Trust tearooms and walk across the cliff tops to the unspoilt Barafundle Bay

Stackpole Quay c Linda Asman Barafundle Bay c Linda Asman

 

From Barafundle the coast path takes you to Broadhaven but, if the walk is too much, you can drive there. A footpath descends to the beach from the National Trust car park on the cliffs above. 

Broadhaven Bay c Linda Asman

On the way, you will pass through the quaint village of BosherstonA visit here is strongly recommended as there are few more beautiful spots.   Park in the car park and take a leisurely walk around the lovely Lily Ponds created by the Stackpole Estate.  Once there was a great house here, sadly demolished in the 1960s,  but the grounds remain in the care of the National Trust.  The walled gardens are cultivated by Mencap, which sells produce and runs a café there. 

Bosherston Lily Ponds c Linda Asman

 

 If surfing is your thing, where better than the windswept expanse of Freshwater West which provided a film set for Harry Potter and Robin Hood. You will find beachside parking here and refreshments. Along this part of the coast you will find some of the most impressive coastal scenery in Pembrokeshire but the cliff path between Broadhaven and Freshwater West is a MOD tank range and access is denied except by organised walks.  On weekends, access is allowed to St Govan’s, a tiny chapel nestling at the base of the cliffs, and the dramatic cliff formations of the Stack Rocks and Green Bridge of Wales

St Govan's Chapel photo L Asman

You can still enjoy a walk along the restricted area by enrolling on a guided walk with the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, advertised in their free paper Coast to Coast.

rather demanding stretch of the PCNP cliff path will take you from Freshwater West to West Angle Bay to where the less energetic can drive and will find beachside parking and a café.  For walkers, the PCNP run a coastal bus service.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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