Pembrokeshire Coast Path
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Pembrokeshire Coast Path is a National Trail in southwest Wales. It was established in 1970, and is 186 miles (300km) long, mostly at cliff-top level, with 35,000 feet (11,000 m) of ascent and descent. The northern end is at Poppit Sands, near St. Dogmaels, Ceredigion, the southern end is at Amroth, Pembrokeshire.
The coastline itself is similar to the Cornish coast, and walkers on the path have access to the range of sandy beaches along the Pembrokeshire coast. There are a handful of seaside towns along the path, and a number of small hotels and guest houses that are generally family-run. There are also cottages for hire, built in traditional styles. The backpacker will find enough shops and campsites along the way, but may need to carry food and water for two days in one or two places.
The walking is not strenuous, but there are inclines and narrow sections of the path, and many stiles, so some effort and fitness is required. In fact, management of the path has reduced the difficulty level, by creating more stepped ascents and descents; however, the edges of the path can be dangerous, due to the unstable cliff tops, so walkers are warned never to wander from the path towards the cliff edge. Having said that, a small amount of common sense will allow walkers to get closer to the cliff tops where the path moves inland, without too much risk. There are two low-tide crossings, at Dale and Sandy Haven, requiring lengthy detours if not timed suitably.
In addition to the scenery, a key attraction of the coastal path is the birdlife. The path has a huge variety of European seabirds that are supported by uninhabited offshore islands that act as bird sanctuaries.
