Castlemartin Peninsula
The Castlemartin Peninsula is south west of Pembroke and takes in some remote communities such as Merrion, Rhoscrowther and Angle. Angle has a separate entry so this section will concentrate more on the other parts of the peninsula.
The south coast from St Govan’s to Stack rocks is part of ‘range east’, the castlemartin tank firing ranges that are frequently open to the public. The coastline along here is composed of dramatic limestone cliffs that are hugely popular with climbers. The cliff top coast path is flat and level and is the only section open to cyclists but it’s also good for wheelchairs and pushchairs but can be a bit bumpy. Points of interest to look out for are the chasms of Stennis Ford and Huntsmans Leap, the sea stacks at Stack Rocks and the rock arch at The Green Bridge of Wales.
Picture: The Green Bridge of Wales on the Castlemartin Peninsula
Range west is rarely opened. There are one or two guided walks through range west run by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park plus climbers are allowed in if they’ve attended one of the annual briefing sessions and have notified Merrion Camp when & where they’re going.
At the far west of the ranges is Freshwater West beach, a fantastic, long, wide, wild, dune-backed beach. Facing the Atlantic head on, Freshwater West or Fresh West beach enjoys the biggest and best surf in Wales.
Picture: Freshwater West Beach on The Castlemartin Peninsula.
Known for it’s consistent ‘break’, this is probably Wales best surfing beach. Because this is a storm beach, the rip currents and undertows can be pretty strong so it’s not a terribly good family beach unless you’re a strong swimmer. At low tide, the beach is long and wide and the absence of any development makes it a pretty amazing place. Car parking is limited to one tiny park on the north side and a bigger park on the Castlemartin Village end. There are toilets and a mobile snack bar here.
Picture: Quality surfing on Freshwater West beach on the Castlemartin Peninsula
The beach is well served by the coastal bus service which has been adapted to take mountain bikes and surf boards too. It’s just as good for anyone walking The Coast Path too.
Picture: The Surfers, Cyclists & Walkers coastal bus service at Freshwater West on The Castlemartin Peninsula
A fabulous circular walk taking in Angle village and Fresh West is coast path walking at its best but beware, the coast path west of Fresh West is a real rollercoaster of a route with no ’escape’ paths until you get to West Angle Bay.
On the north side of the peninsula, the coast path skirts round east angle bay and around the Texaco refinery before dropping down to the little bay at Pwllcrochan, where the old chapel has been converted into a study centre.
The Field Studies Centre at Orielton is an elegant Georgian mansion set in 48 hectares of its own grounds and offers leisure and professional training courses covering virtually every aspect of learning about the countryside, its wildlife and the environment. Professional development includes a wide range of courses, many of which are accredited and certified by awarding bodies, to help individuals develop their skills. Leisure courses for individuals and families include all aspects of wildlife from bats to birds, from lichens to coastal vegetation.
Picture: The Castlemartin Peninsula. East Angle Bay looking towards Angle Village
There are a few small camp sites and caravan sites on the peninsula plus a few self catering cottages in t