"THE HIDEAWAY"- holiday accommodation in South West Wales


THE HIDEAWAY - Out and About


 

Sitting midway between Carmarthen and Cardigan, "The Hideaway" offers an ideal location for visiting both the South and West coastlines from Tenby to Cardigan, as well as the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and the Preseli Hills, and the Wales Coast Path, Wales being the first country in the world to have a formal trail the whole way around its coast. Furthermore, the Wales Coast Path (which is 870 miles long) will join up with Offa’s Dyke Path National Trail to provide 1,030 miles of walking opportunities right around the Welsh border. The sheer size and brilliance of the Path has already received public recognition with Coastal Wales being acknowledged as the world’s top destination to visit in 2012 by 'Lonely Planet', the travel guide experts, Wales being 8th on the 'Rough Guide' list of best nations to visit in 2016 and Pembrokeshire Coast being rated Holiday Destination of 2018 by BBC Countryfile magazine.

 

Walkers, birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts will be spoilt with the outstanding natural beauty of the Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire coastlines, including the numerous islands such as Skomer, Ramsey and Grassholm to the south west, and The Gower peninsula to the south east.

 

Cyclists have access to the National Cycle Network via Route 47 at nearby Tegryn, both about 3.5 miles away. This route takes you across the nearby Preseli Hills on route to the coast at Fishguard. (Cycles can be locked up and left undercover in one of our sheds).

 

Castles and Woollen Mills are dotted all around and locally made Welsh Crafts are in abundance. By special arrangement we can also offer a ‘Learn to spin’ lesson here at Glynelwyn where you will get the chance to use a double treadle spinning wheel and learn to spin with both washed and carded ‘Tops’ or from the raw fleece ‘in the grease’.

Click here for details of castles and historic buildings to visit

 

Places to visit ( these are just a few ! ) :

 

Tenby with it's beaches and inner walled town (don't misss out on a boat trip to Caldey Island owned by monks of the Cistercian order)

 

Aberaeron

October 2016 - This town has just been named the best place in Wales.

It's a picturesque seaside resort on the West Wales coast and it's come top of the Wales Best Places list

And here's why it won

RTPI President Phil Williams said: "Aberaeron is a truly deserving winner of the title – ‘Wales’ Best Place’. The impact of planning is obvious here as you walk through the town which has been carefully planned in the Georgian style around the harbour.

"Planners have been important guardians of this town’s character as it has changed over the last 200 years – from small fishing village, to a thriving trading port and ship building town to today’s bustling business centre and tourist hot spot. As a Welshman I’m proud to have shone a spotlight on the outstanding range of places in Wales that have been protected, carefully planned or improved by planners."

And Aberaeron emerged as the most popular place with Tenby in second place and the Gower - the first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Britain - coming in at third.

 

Laugharne (with Dylan Thomas' boathouse and writing shed)

 

Pendine Sands (with it's beach stretching for 7 miles and where Malcolm Campbell and J.G. Parry-Thomas set the world land speed record five times between 1924 and 1927)

 

The Preseli Hills (part of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and perhaps best known for being the source of the bluestone rocks used to build Stonehenge)

Click here for Preseli Walks gallery

 

Stackpole Estate with Stackpole Quay and Bosherston Lily Ponds Nearby is St Govans Head with a tiny chapel cut into the rocks

 

Newquay Beautiful coastal town on Cardigan Bay renowned for Dolphin Watching boat trips

 

St. Davids (Britain's smallest city)

 

Beaches

There are an abundance of beaches around the Pembrokeshire coastline.

Pembrokeshire is home to Britain's only truly coastal National Park and contains a wide variety of beaches. We have more Blue Flag and Green Coast beaches than any other county in the country. Some beaches are easy to reach and ideal for families, others are less accessible and offer peace and seclusion.

(Amroth, Wisemans Bridge, Saundersfoot and Tenby are our nearest beaches on the south coast, and Poppit Sands and Newport Sands on the west coast, all within a 30 to 45 minute drive)

 

Click here for more on Secret Beaches

 

This hidden beach has been named one of the best in the world - and it's in the UK in Wales

Barafundle Bay

If the thought of being on one of the world's most beautiful beaches is enough to make you want to pack your bags - look away now.

One of the best beaches on the planet has been selected - and it's in Wales.

With its stunning deep blue sea and smooth white sand, the stretch of coastline looks as though it belongs much closer to the Med.

But in fact you can find it an hour from the M4 in Pembrokeshire.

In a list of the top 25 beaches across the globe, published by Passport Magazine, is the remote Barafundle Bay, Wales Online reported.

Surrounded by the rugged coastline and dunes, Barafundle Bay is hidden away and is only accessible by walking half a mile from the nearest car park and with no cafe or facilities, it offers nothing but its natural beauty.

Passport Magazine described it as a "visual overdose of beauty".

The post on the magazine's website states: "Barafundle Bay, part of southwest Wales’ Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, is a revelation—all the more so for the process of arriving there.

"As you approach by car, rolling countryside turns more dramatic, sheer and craggy cliffs dropping precipitously to the sea."

It goes on to explain how the drive to the car park takes you through a National Trust site and part of the Wales Coastal Path before having to walk over the dunes to reach the beach.

It continues: "Set off on a long dirt track through this now-deserted estate, perhaps noticing a couple behind you carried along swiftly by their excited dog and a pair of elderly walkers leaning on canes and walking sticks.

"Let them get far ahead as you stand admiring the deeply-striped cliffs on the cove to your left, the bright emerald fields surrounding you.

"Ascending, the dirt track disappears and you’re in open green fields, the pastures backed by rolling hills and the shimmering bay below, ringed by rocky cliffs.

"A few more minutes and you’re standing above Barafundle Bay. A fairly steep flight of steps brings you down to the sand.

"The long stretch of cliff known as Stackpole Head sticks straight into the sea like an arm. A little boulder sits jauntily offshore. The waves crash against the smooth sand.

"Your company here? Twelve people, four dogs, and a visual overdose of beauty."

Report in Daily Mail

*****

Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire, Wales

This crescent-shaped, soft-sanded golden beach certainly has that wow factor. It’s still a secret of sorts – with no direct road access, you need to ramble along a cliff path for half a mile from the nearest car park to reach this gorgeous small bay backed by dunes and pine trees. But it will be worth it.

With swathes of golden sand and crystal clear waters, Barafundle has been voted many times as one of the best beaches in Britain (and even the world) and is often likened to a Caribbean bolthole. It’s pristine, but isolated meaning there are no toilets or facilities to buy food and drink – so pack your lunch. (It’s been voted “The UK’s Top Picnic Spot”, after all).

Report on MSN

 

Freshwater West, Pembrokeshire, Wales

This beautiful windswept, exposed beach is arguably the most consistent surf spot in Wales – but the waves and currents are strong, so it’s only for experienced surfers. But what a place to watch the action! The sand and rocky beach backed by dunes and surrounding headland was historically a haunt for smugglers. And if your kids are fans of Harry Potter, they may recognise the beach as the backdrop for Dobby’s Shell cottage in the film Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

Dogs are allowed on the beach and there’s easy access from a car park, plus there are nice toilets too. Check out tide times before you visit to ensure there’ll be plenty of sand to play on. And look out this season for Café Mor, a street food beach shack open Easter to September serving local lobster and crab, mackerel, burgers, breakfast rolls with laver bread, sea-foraged specials plus of course ice cream, homemade cakes & drinks. The mobile food outlet powers its kitchens using solar and wind energy – so no noisy generators ruin your blissful time at the beach.

Report on MSN

 

 

Tenby's Harbour Beach in Wales beats off competition from Portugal, Croatia and Italy as it is named best beach in Europe.

A small beach in Wales tucked up under the wall of Tenby’s picturesque harbour was named the most beautiful beach in Europe, beating off competition from Portugal, Croatia and Italy.

Harbour Beach in the town Tenby, Pembrokeshire, has secured the top spot in Europe because of the quality of its water, the beauty of its environment and its reputation among visitors, e-tourist organisation European Best Destinations said.

Tenby, which lies 90 miles west of Cardiff, is an old medieval walled town which has three sandy beaches that stretch for two and a half miles.

Last year the town was judged third in the British Travel Awards in its Best UK Coastal Resort category.

 

New Quay was voted 5th in the top 6 beaches in the UK is

'If you're keen on staying in the UK for your holiday, the quaint seaside haven of New Quay might be the place for you. The town, which inspired Dylan Thomas' Under Milk Wood, looks directly out onto the Cardigan Bay and has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in the UK.''

Take a stroll and wander around the town's fantastic independent shops, or take to the seas with a boat trip to visit the dolphins and Atlantic grey seals which live nearby.'

 

Mwnt Beach, Wales

Stevens said: "[This is] one of our favourite staycations - the higgle-piggle coves and dragon's caves along the Ceredigion coastal path, such as the one at Mwnt, are as dramatic as those in Cornwall but have far less commotion."

The 29 best beaches in the world in 2019, according to travel experts

 

"Whenever Hollywood has needed a spectacular beach it has come to Pembrokeshire." Griff Rhys Jones

 

Pembrokeshire Coastal Path

Pembrokeshire Beaches - (A guide to Pembrokeshire beaches)

 

Garden enthusiasts must visit the magnificent National Botanic Gardens of Wales and Aberglasney in the stunning Towy valley, famous for its fishing, castles and historic houses.

Click here for more Gardens to visit

 

Walking

You are spoilt for choice as far as walks are concerned in Pembrokeshire, covering both coastal and inland routes within the National Park. Wales now has a completed coast path, the first 186 miles of this having been established in Pembrokeshire. As such it benefits from well documented routes, tourist information and a shuttle bus service to save retracing a route and allowing greater distances to be covered.

 

There are many online sources of information to allow holidaymakers to plan and print off routes before they arrive. There are two really useful sites:-

 

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Walking

Pembrokeshire Coastal Path

 - from this site you can link to National Park routes, both coastal and circular walks that give distances, times and degrees of difficulty along with maps and descriptions.

 

Pembrokeshire Coast National Trail

Pembrokeshire Coastal Path

Excellent site for planning walks and tours, with superb photos and detailed information. Both start and finish of the route within 30 to 45 minutes drive from Glynelwyn - )- this site has all the information you need to plan your National Park Coastal Path walks. A useful addition are details of car parks, facilities and bus stops along the way.

 

This links in well with the following site:

Pembrokeshire Coast Bus Service

Pembrokeshire Coastal Path Bus Shuttle

 - this site lists all the 'shuttle buses' running along the Pembrokeshire coast, so that you can plan a route allowing you to either travel back to where your car is parked, or maybe park up, bus to where you want to start your walk, and then you can walk back to your car!

The coastal buses run 7-days a week throughout the summer, to the same timetable. The 2018 summer schedule starts on Sunday 6th May 2018.

Poppit Rocket - between Cardigan and Newport, via Moylgrove

Strumble Shuttle - between Fishguard – St Davids*, via coast road. *Including Whitesands

Puffin Shuttle – between Haverfordwest – Milford Haven – St Davids, via coast road. Please note the 315 Puffin Shuttle bus actually runs from Haverfordwest – Milford Haven – Marloes, 6-days a week (Monday – Saturday).

Coastal Cruiser – between Pembroke – Angle – Bosherston - Stackpole - Freshwater East

 

The buses run to a timetable, which describes where the bus stops are located. In towns you catch the bus at a recognised bus stop, but once you get into the countryside the buses operate on a 'Hail and Ride' basis, which means you don't have to find a bus stop to catch the bus. Simply join the road and flag the bus down as it passes you.

 

*****

 

48 hours in....Pembroke

courtesy of http://www.visitpembrokeshire.com

Hidden in a quiet corner of Pembrokeshire are some of the best beaches in the UK. World-renown climbing cliffs and the hottest surf beach in the country.

Stroll round Henry Tudors castle, take loose-leaf tea with Aunty Vi, get stranded at the Point House pub and find a 14th century chapel built into a cliff.

Here are our twenty things to do with 48-hours in, near and around Pembroke...

 

1. Walk to Barafundle Bay. Time and time again this beautiful beach has been voted as the best beach in the UK. You’ll understand why when you go there.

 

2. Explore Pembroke Castle – Henry Tudors birthplace. You can explore inside the castle and walk round the 900 year town wall, popping into the Cornstore, overlooking the mill pond, for refreshments.

 

3. Grab a gourmet lobster lunch from the best street food stall in the UK – Café Mor at Freshwater West beach.

 

4. Walk round Bosherston Lily ponds to the 8-arch bridge and go enjoy a cuppa tea in the Stackpole Walled Garden, or visit the Olde Worlde Café in Bosherston where you’ll get served a good old fashioned cream tea with a loose-leaf brew.

 

5. Wander round Angle Bay to the Point House and prepare yourself to get ‘stuck in the pub’ when the high tide temporarily cuts off the road for an hour – the perfect excuse for an extra round of drinks!

 

6. See Pembrokeshire from a new angle and join a National Trust guide on a kayaking trip out of Stackpole Quay. Get on the water, explore caves and play in the surf then maybe stop on Barafundle to explore this idylic dune backed beach before paddling home. Then celebrate with the biggest slice of cake you could ever wish for at the Boathouse Café.

 

7. Catch the Coastal Cruiser walkers bus and walk a section of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. Bosherston – Freshwater East and Freshwater West – Angle are two popular sections.

 

8. Broadhaven South is one of the best places in the UK’s to go star-gazing. Stackpole National Trust regularly host star-gazing nights to reveal the mysteries of the night sky.

 

9. Freshwater West beach is the place to cut your surf teeth. Local surf schools offer surf camps, guaranteeing to get you on your feet and riding the waves before you leave.

 

10. If you’ve got a head for heights then St Govans Head, near Bosherston, is the place to put your climbing skills to the test.

 

11. For a romantic weekend check into Stackpole Inn. This award-winning gastro pub offers rooms in the pretty village of Stackpole. Their outdoor garden is sunny spot for an afternoon drink and their restaurant menu irresistible!

 

12. Go meet Jerry and eat rabbit pie at the Speculation Inn, near Hundleton.

 

13. Find St Govan’s Chapel nestled into the base of the cliffs at St Govan’s Head, near Bosherston.

 

14. Lamphey Bishops Palace is what remains of a grand medieval palace of the bishop's of St Davids. A beautiful place to wander round.

 

15. Stack Rocks and the Green Bridge of Wales are the dramatic natural rock arch and rock pillars on the Castlemartin Peninsula. The road to the Stack Rocks passes through an army tank range and is open at weekends.

Please call to check if the range is open to the public during the week: Castlemartin Range - 01646 662367

 

16. Book onto a guided walk with a Pembrokeshire Coast National Park ranger through Castlemartin Military range west.

 

17. In 1940 the Sunderland T9044 ‘flying boat’ sank off Pembroke Dock. Local enthusiasts have now found the wreck and are undertaking an ambitious project to bring this unique wartime icon to the surface. Visit the Flying Boat Centre in Pembroke Dock to learn about world's largest flying boat station at Pembroke Dock, see photos of the famous Sunderland and learn more about the Battle of the Atlantic.

 

18. There’s a full-days walking to be enjoyed between Stackpole Quay and Bosherston, taking in Barafundle Bay, Broadhaven beach and Bosherston Lily Ponds, not to mention some of the best tearooms in Pembrokeshire.

 

19. Otters at dawn - Join Stackpole National Trust volunteers for a dawn otter-watch around Bosherston Lily Ponds, followed by tea and bacon butties afterwards.

 

20. The Stackpole Walled Gardens and café are worth a visit at any time of year. The gardens used to support the Stackpole estate house and are now a Mencap project that produces vegetables and flowers, which can be bought in the shop. The woodland and exhibition on the site of the old house are all within walking distance and well worth the stroll.

 

Pembrokeshire Guide

48 hours in . . . Pembrokeshire, an insider guide to the wild Welsh coast

by Kerry Walker

 

Untamed, underrated, and ripe for adventure If you think Wales is all drizzle and sheep-grazed hills, you need to go further west. In Cardigan Bay’s southwestern crook, Pembrokeshire is an instant heart-stealer. Here, purple-grained cliffs fall abruptly to golden bays, caves, and rock stacks lashed by the Irish Sea. There are mood-lifting views as you ramble through kissing gates, over stiles and across gorse-clad headlands on the 186-mile coastal path; and enthralling wildlife on islands where puffins, dolphins, porpoises and grey seals are often spotted.

 

North of cathedral-topped St Davids, where Wales’s patron saint was born 1,500 years ago, single-track lanes twist to off-the-radar coves and whitewashed taverns with vast sea views and just-caught fish on the menu. Adventure, you say? You’ll find it kayaking or coasteeering around the rugged coastline, surfing on the broad sands of Freshwater or Newgale, or striding into the heather-brushed moors of the Preseli Hills in search of ancient hill forts and standing stones.

 

Do

Take the bumpy boat across to Skomer from Marloes (get the first crossing) as the puffins return to their burrows after a long winter at sea. Come in the second week of July to see ridiculously cute pufflings.

Now the weather is brightening up, drive a stretch of the 180-mile Coastal Way – one of three recently launched touring routes designed to showcase Wales's natural beauty. The road trip takes in the full sweep of Cardigan Bay: from St Davids in the south, to Aberdaron in the north.

 

Eat

Late spring and early summer are prime foraging time, and Ed Skyes from Llys Meddyg (East Street; 01239 820008) in Newport will show you where to find the likes of razor clams, samphire and sea purslane. After the walk, the fresh ingredients are cooked up for lunch – either on the beach or in the garden.

Summer’s in the air, surf’s up, and Café Môr (07422 535345) is back on the beach at Freshwater West – with Jon Williams serving locally sourced seafood and seaweed from his funkily converted fishing boat.

 

48 hours in . . . Pembrokeshire

Day one

MORNING

Launch your coastal road trip in the cheerful seaside town of Tenby, where Georgian townhouses in chalk-box pastels rim the harbour. Grab a freshly roasted espresso or ice cream cone at The Stowaway (2 Penniless Cove Hill; 07971 783319), tucked under the harbour walls, then head down to cliff-backed Castle Beach – a fine scoop of sand that does a vanishing act at high tide.

Boats depart from here to the more peaceful Caldey Island, where around a dozen Cistercian monks live in the monastery. On the island, make for secluded Priory Bay and St Margaret's Island – a nature reserve that's home to grey seals and seabirds. Return to Tenby for lunch on the sea-facing terrace of The Salt Cellar (The Esplanade; 01834 844005), where locally sourced food is served with panache. Look out for the Pembrokeshire beef with slow-braised ox cheek and smoked mash, and chamomile panna cotta with blackcurrant parfait.

 

AFTERNOON

Driving 30 minutes to the west, you'll reach Stackpole, where you can park and take a half-mile walk over cliffs and dunes to pinch-yourself pretty Barafundle Bay on thePembrokeshire Coast Path. This golden curve of sand, which shelves into clear turquoise water, regularly ranks highly in polls of Britain’s best beaches. If you're visiting in summer, drive a few minutes westwards to see dragonflies skimming across the Bosherton Lily Ponds.

A 15-minute pootle northwards brings you to Carew Castle: originally a Norman motte and bailey, later an Elizabethan mansion, and now highly romantic ruins. Take the mile-long walk to the beautifully preserved tidal mill, then veer west along the coastal road that fringes crescent-shaped St Brides Bay – perhaps stopping for a drink at clifftop Druidstone (01437 781221). In the evening, you can spy sunset from the quaint fishing village of Solva.

 

LATE

Your base for the night is the coastal honeypot of St Davids, the UK’s dinkiest city, which is home to just 1,800 lucky souls. Book ahead for dinner at Cwtch(22 High Street; 01437 720491), an intimate stone-walled bistro serving the likes of homemade fish cakes and duo of Welsh lamb.

Nightlife in St Davids is deliberately low-key, but on warm nights there’s quite a buzz on the patio at the back of The Farmers Arms (16 Goat Street; 01437 721666) – and occasional live music and jam sessions at Oriel Y Parc (High Street; 01437 720 392), the visitor and cultural centre.

 

Day two

MORNING

Begin with a wholesome breakfast (think smashed avocado on sourdough with poached eggs, toasted seeds and chilli oil) at endearingly retro The Meadow (18 High Street; 01437 720990), then make your way across to mighty medieval St Davids Cathedral, a riot of soaring stone pillars and intricate coffered ceilings. Pilgrims have flocked here for centuries to glimpse the shrine that allegedly contains the bones of Welsh hero and patron St David, who was born here in the 6th century.

After a mooch around art galleries in town – such as Goat Street Gallery (28 Goat Street; 01437 721119), housed in a former chapel – get some fresh sea air on the magnificent hour-long circular walk around St David’s Head. The ragged, gorse-draped cliffs offer stirring views of Ramsey Island, and lead to an Iron Age hill fort and Neolithic burial chamber.

 

AFTERNOON

Stop in Abereiddy, a few miles north, to see the startlingly turquoise Blue Lagoon in a flooded former slate quarry, before pushing slightly north for a fresh-as-it-comes seafood lunch at The Shed (01348 831518) in Porthgain. The crab sandwiches are excellent.

Follow this with a pint of local ale (try the malty, subtly hopped Felinfoel Double Dragon craft ale) at nautically themed tavern The Sloop (01348 831449), right opposite. From here it’s approximately a half-hour drive north to Strumble Head, a lonely, wind-battered headland, with expansive sea views and gulls swooping over the lighthouse.

Drive on through Fishguard to ravishing Dinas Island, where a National Trust three-mile circular walk leads over sheer wildflower-studded cliffs that plummet to smuggler’s coves straight out of a Famous Five novel. In spring, you might see puffins returning to these shores at Needle Rock.

 

LATE

Stay the night in the laid-back coastal town of Newport, its high street lined with cottages, galleries and cafés. Top billing here goes to Llys Meddyg (East Street; 01239 820 008), a Georgian coaching inn turned rustic-chic restaurant with rooms. Sip a cocktail (the Garden Mint Mojito is fabulously fresh) in the garden if the weather permits – or by the inglenook fireplace in the wood-panelled bar if it doesn't. Foraged ingredients give dishes a unique twist: think home-smoked salmon with pickled cucumber and seabeets, and sirloin of Dexter beef with wild garlic and pennywort.

For a nightcap, hop in a taxi for the 10-minute drive back to Fishguard, where pubs like The Royal Oak (Market Square; 01348 218632) regularly host Celtic folk bands.

 

What to bring home . . .

Stop off at the Wickedly Welsh (Unit 13, Withybush Trading Estate; 01437 557122) chocolate factory, deli and café on the fringes of Haverfordwest. You can pick up artisan pralines, truffles and bars in myriad flavours – from Welsh sea salt and caramel, to rhubarb crumble and custard.

Close to the Neolithic burial chamber of Pentre Ifan in the Preseli Hills is Bluestone (Cilgwyn; 01239 820833), a microbrewery producing ales from the water that trickles through the rock of the same name.

 

When to go . . .

Pembrokeshire is wilder and wetter during the winter months, with gusty westerlies making it feel even chillier at times. If you get lucky, spring can be a terrific time to visit, with mild weather and everywhere erupting prettily with blossom and wildflowers.

Summer is best for camping trips and water-based activities like swimming, surfing and coasteering, but this being Wales, you should still expect the odd shower. Avoid school holidays to snag better deals and sidestep the crowds. Autumn can be lovely, with the odd golden day for quiet rambles in the Preseli Hills and along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.

 

*****

 

Also you must check out the 'Out and About' photos on the Gallery page for photos of all that is available within easy reach of 'The Hideaway' including Walks, visits to Gardens, Castles, Sea trips and more

 

More information can be found on the links below:-

 

Useful Links:

 

Visit Pembrokeshire

Visit Pembrokeshire

(Useful site to find out about all the sites and activities available in Pembrokeshire)

 

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

Pembrokeshire Coastal Path

(All about Pembrokeshire Coast National Park)

 

Pembrokeshire Beaches

Pembrokeshire Coastal Path

(A guide to Pembrokeshire beaches)

 

Amroth, Wisemans Bridge, Saundersfoot and Tenby are our nearest beaches on the south coast, and Poppit Sands and Newport Sands on the west coast, all within a 30 to 45 minute drive)

 

Pembrokeshire Tide Times

(Check tide times and weather around Pembrokeshire Coast)

Pembrokeshire Coastal Path Weather

 

Ceredigion Coastal Path

Ceredigion Coastal Path

(This is an extension to the Pembrokeshire coastal path from Cardigan to Ynys-las, north of Aberystwyth)

 

Discover Carmarthenshire

Discover Carmarthenshire

(Useful site to find out about all the sites and activities available in Carmarthenshire)

 

Wales Coast Path

Wales Coastal Path

Wales Coast Path website with all the information you will need to plan your walks and learn about all the things you can do and see (The Wales Coast Path, officially launched on 5th May2012, made Wales the first country in the world to have a formal trail the whole way around its coast. Furthermore, the Wales Coast Path (which is 870 miles long) joins up with Offa’s Dyke Path National Trail to provide 1,030 miles of walking opportunities right around the Welsh border. The sheer size and brilliance of the Path has already received public recognition with Coastal Wales being acknowledged as the world’s top destination to visit in 2012 by Lonely Planet, the travel guide experts.)

 

Visit Wales Welsh Coast Path

Visit Wales Walks

Visit Wales site with link to the Coast Path for more information

 

See Video

 

*****

 

Click here for Article on Pembrokeshire - The Welsh Wonder

 

*****

 

We are in easy driving distance from both the coastline to the south at Tenby and, to the north, the west coast at Cardigan, thus giving great accessability to a large section of the Welsh Coastal Path.

 

Also within range are the islands of Skomer, Ramsey and Grassholm, habitats of Puffins, Manx Shearwaters, Razorbills, Fulmars, Kittiwakes and Guillemots, as well as Atlantic Grey Seals, Whales, Sharks, Dolphins and Porpoises in the surrounding seas.

 

South West Wales overall is an ideal location for all outdoor and wildlife enthusiasts and lovers of natural beauty.

 

*****

 

Pembrokeshire

With a wealth of natural attractions it’s no wonder that the wild coastline of Pembrokeshire has romped home with this year’s top spot. It’s a haven for marine life, with dolphins and porpoises often seen from Strumble Head, whale watching boat trips off the coast, and plentiful puffins and seals at Skomer.

Surrounded by the sea on three sides, no part of Pembrokeshire is more than 14 miles from the coast and locals claim to have salt water in their veins. Bask on the wide sandy beaches, trek the 186 mile-long Coast Path, and don’t forget to stop in at St David’s, the smallest city in Britain. Judge Miranda Krestovnikoff says: "Pembrokeshire has a really special place in my heart as it’s where I had my first ever scuba dive. "Living in the South West, it’s a firm family favourite of ours, we love that the beaches are less crowded than Devon and Cornwall but the wildlife is no less spectacular with choughs, puffins and cetaceans to see offshore. The coastal path is a joy to walk and there are so many great places to eat local and seasonal produce. A worthy winner!" You said: "St David's in Pembrokeshire is just perfect. It is beautiful, unspoilt and there is space to breathe. It is special to all our family and Whitesands Bay has been the setting for some wonderful memories." Rachel Brennan

 

Wales Rough Guides

Rough Guide praising it as “one of thefinest natural playgrounds in Europe”. “Many still underestimate this small country, often overshadowed by its neighbours. But these are exciting times for Wales – the country is winning accolades for its extraordinary beauty and remarkably preserved historical sites. “Culture vultures, foodies, festival junkies, adventurers, hikers and extreme sports enthusiasts will be spellbound here, be it amid the rugged peaks of Snowdonia, on the sandy beaches of the Gower Peninsula or in the quaint rural towns and villages.”

 

Lonely Planet Wales

Lonely Planet quote: "The phrase 'good things come in small packages' may be a cliché, but in the case of Wales it's undeniably true"