Description: Wild and exposed headlands punctuated by some of Pembrokeshire’s finest beaches. The finale, the most westerly point on the Marloes peninsula, overlooks the turbulent tide race of Jack Sound and Skomer Island and is where the wide sweep of St Bride’s Bay reveals itself. Moderately strenuous.
Distance: 10½ miles 17 km
Public Transport: The Poppit Rocket walkers bus service covers the entire route. For timetables go to www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/coastbus
Refreshments: Cafe and pub in Dale
Nearest Tourist Information Centre: Milford Haven, 94 Charles Street. Tel 01646 690866 E-mail milford.tic@pembrokeshire.gov.uk (Open Easter to October)
Route:
- From Dale village, head around the headland towards Dale Fort field studies centre on a tarmac lane.
- From here, take to the footpath as it winds its way in and out of various coves on its way to St Anne’s Head lighthouse.
- Watwick Bay and Mill Bay are both accessible. The latter is where Henry VII landed his army, in 1485, on his way to the battle of Bosworth, to become the first king of the Tudor dynasty.
- There are also some interesting remains of a wrecked steamer on the beach at Mill Bay.
- Heading north now, you pass West Dale beach and walk past The Hookses, a very isolated cottage tucked into a hollow.
- The runways of the disused airfield are still evident, although it hasn’t been operational since the war. There are several similar cliff top airfields around Pembrokeshire. Their job of protecting convoys has long since vanished.
- As you turn the corner, the magnificent Marloes Sands appear.
- Head for the beach down the first set of steps. Don’t if the tide is right in; you’ll not get round to the next access point.
- There is a very rough path back up to the top at the very far end of the beach for adept scramblers, but most walkers should regain The Coast Path where the stream joins the beach.
- Just past Gateholm Island is Albion Beach. Sticking out of the sand at low tide is all that remains of another wrecked ship: its prop shaft.
- The path is easy and level now, all the way to the tip of the peninsula, where the sweep of St Bride’s Bay reveals itself. Look out for seal pups on the beach below in October and November.
- Across the turbulent tide race of Jack Sound, is Skomer Island. Over half a million seabirds nest here during May and June including Puffins, Kittiwakes and Manx Shearwaters.
- If in doubt, follow the acorn symbols that indicate where the route goes
Attractions en-route: Skomer Island Nature reserve boat trips and Lockley Lodge, the Wildlife Trust information centre at Martins Haven