HISTORY
It was in 1952 that the Pembrokeshire coast received National Park status. At the same time naturalist Ronald Lockley proposed a long-distance footpath that would provide an uninterrupted walking route through the length of the park. But it was not until 1970 that the coast path was fintional Park status. At the same time naturalist Ronald Lockley proposed a long-distance footpath that would provide an uninterrupted walking route through the length of the park. But it was not until 1970 that the coast path was finally opened.
A number of problems arose when choosing the best route for the path, particularly around the, quite frankly, ugly industrial stretches among the power stations and oil refineries on either side of the Milford Haven estuary. It is hard to avoid these eyesores, but the path designers have done a good job in choosing a route that keeps the chimneys and towers out of sight for as long as possible. In many places trees and shrubs have been planted altuary. It is hard to avoid these eyesores, but the path designers have done a good job in choosing a route that keeps the chimneys and towers out of sight for as long as possible. In many places trees and shrubs have been planted alongside the perimeter fences to act as a screen. At times it is only by looking at the map or sensing the acrid smell that you realize you are walking right next to a major refinery.
Nevertheless many walkers quite justifiably choose to leave out this uninspiring section between Angle and Milford Haven. For the rest of its length the path hugs the coastline where possible but inland diversions are inevitable to avoid private land, geographical obstacles and ose to leave out this uninspiring section between Angle and Milford Haven. For the rest of its length the path hugs the coastline where possible but inland diversions are inevitable to avoid private land, geographical obstacles and the artillery range at Castlemartin.
The official length of the path has changed over the years. It presently stands at 186 miles (299km) but the distance that any one person walks really depends on how many detours or shortcuts they choose to take.
HOW DIFFICULT IS THE PEMBROKESHIRE COAST PATH?
This is not a technically difficult walk and most reasonably fit people should be able to tackle it without any problems. However, the distance should not be underestimated; although it is not a mountainous path there are many steep up-and-down sections. On completion you will have ascended more than the height of Everest.
The southern section is tamer than the northern stretch with its mighty cliffs where the sense of exposure is more marked and the distances between villages are greater. Always be aware of the ever-present danger of the cliff edge. Accidents often happen late in the day when fatigue sets in and people lose their footing. Be aware of your capabilities and limitations and plan each day accordingly. Don’t try to do too much in one day: taking it slowly allows you to relax, see a lot more and you’ll enjoy the walk without becoming exhausted or fed up.
Route finding
This should not be a problem since the path is well trodden and obvious. The entire length is waymarked with finger-posts marked with an acorn symbol. For the most part the path hugs the coastline, although detours are sometimes necessary due to erosion of the cliff. Every year at least one large cliff section gives way but the park authorities are usually very quick to realign the path.
Check the tide times (see p50) to avoid lengthy detours around bays and estuaries. You will need to carefully plan crossing the river mouths at Sandy Haven and The Gann, just to the north of Dale, as they are flooded at high tide. If you time it right you will be able to cross them both on the same day (see box p126 for further details). One other area for confusion is the Castlemartin MoD range. When fifnsuoi nsit ehC saltmerait noMoring is taking place a detour must be taken along the road (see p94).
HOW LONG DO YOU NEED?
This depends on your fitness and experience. Do not try to do too much in one day if you are new to long-distance walking. Most people find that two weeks is enough to complete the walk and still have time to look around the villages and enjoy the views along the way. Alternatively the entire path can be done in eleven days or less if you are fit enough.
If you’re camping don’t underestimate how much a heavy pack laden with camping gear will slow you down. It is also worth bearing in mind that those who take it easy on the path tend to see a lot more than those who sweat out long days and only ever see the path in front of them. When deciding how long you need remember to allow a few extra days for side trips or simply to rest. On pp26-8 there are some suggested itineraries covering different walking speeds.
If you have only a few days available concentrate on the best parts of the coast path; there is a list of recommended day and weekend walks on p29.
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