Apart from our stunning coast path Pembrokeshire has miles of footpaths and bridleways from the top of the Preseli hills down to the coast all waiting for you to explore. Common grazing land became accessible to walkers as part of the open access scheme in 2005. This covers the Preseli hill, which are littered with standing stones, cysts and monuments and evidence of ancient habitation.
The Pembrokeshire Coast Path starts in St. Dogmeals in Ceredigion and goes round to Amroth on the South Wales Coast. From here the North part down as far as St. Davids is easily accessible by car in under an hour. Most of the path is in the National Park and designated conservation sites. As well as some of the most spectacular scenery in The UK, there’s a wealth of flora and fauna to spot. You can even go and check it out on google street view.
We have a bridleway crossing the farm so you can start your adventure without needing to get in the car. Here are four short walks to shake out the cobwebs.
1. Waun Mawn Standing stones. There is evidence that one of the stones at Stonehenge came from here although a few still contest this theory. Follow the bridleway past our house, up the sunken drovers lane then turn right at the top. Follow the bridleway through Gernos Fach and down towards the mountain road. Turn left before reaching the road to the stones. Easy terrain , approx 5km there and back with views of the Preselis all along the route.
2. Sheep Fold. Just the base stones remain but the layout is still clearly visible. Sheep were probably collected here at the end of the summer before being driven back to their farms. On the other side of the stream is the remains of a small rectangular building where the shepherd most probably took shelter. This is a nice little walk about 2km following the river.
3. Foel Eryr. Slightly longer and more taxing, the walk is uphill there and downhill back across heather and moorland. At the top is a monument marking an iron age fort and the views in all directions are spectacular. Allow a good couple of hours and pick a clear day (you might get to see across to Ireland).
4. Gwaun Valley woods. A small ancient woodland of sessile oaks. In spring the ground is carpeted with bluebells and wild garlic. The river gwaun runs down one side where deep pools have formed and there are the ruins of a small settlement. One of these old houses, ‘Pandy’, has been partly renovated by the National parks authority to preserve the ruin. The lovely old farmer we bought Gernos fawr from was born there. Follow our track to the road and turn right to Gellifawr. The footpath goes down through their car park and along the hedge line. Climb the style and follow the path down by the river. At the bottom, turn right onto the road for a 100 metres then through the gate and back up the other side of the woods. You’ll come out along the side of a field that will bring you back to the road just above Gellifawr.
For longer walks,
- The Golden road runs along the ridge of the Preseli hills, it’s about seven miles with beautiful views in all directions.
- Trek down into the Gwaun valley and up over Carn Ingli to Newport.
- Out through the next farm (Gernos Fach), up over the highest of the Preseli hills then down into Rosebush where you’ll find the old slate quarry and a community owned pub, the Tafarn Sinc.
- The Pembrokeshire coast national path,186 miles of the most dramatic scenery in the UK. There are various places to park if you want a “there and back” or if you fancy a longer walk Pembrokeshire coucil operate a Coastal bus service which will get you back to your vehicle. http://www.visitpembrokeshire.com/explore-pembrokeshire/getting-around
There are OS Explorer maps and guide books in both the Cottage and the Refuge for you to use while you are staying
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