Description: Many coast path walkers mistakenly bypass this section, thinking it’s too built up. It may be different in character to the wilder parts of The Coast Path but it’s surprisingly fascinating, with plenty of interest en-route. There aren’t any serious gradients.
Distance: 14 miles 22.5 km
Public Transport: Bus number 356 runs hourly between Pembroke and Milford Haven For timetables go to www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/coastbus
Refreshments: Plenty of choice in Pembroke, Pembroke Dock and Milford Haven. Cafe at Neyland marina and a pub at Llanstadwell.
Nearest Tourist Information Centre: Pembroke Visitor Centre, The Commons. Tel 01646 622388. E-mail pembroke.tic@pembrokeshire.gov.uk Milford Haven, 94 Charles Street. Tel 01646 690866 E-mail milford.tic@pembrokeshire.gov.uk (Both open Easter to October)
Route:
- Cross the bridge below Pembroke Castle, Turn immediately left, then right beside the new houses.
- The path skirts round the north side of the Pembroke River, until it meets a housing estate and a tarmac road
- Head up hill and down the other side into Pembroke Dock, keeping, as near as you can, in a straight line until you reach wall surrounding the old naval dockyard. Keep the wall on your left.
- Straight in front of you, you’ll discover a Martello Tower, built to defend the docks. It has been restored to look like it did in Napoleonic times.
- At the roundabout next to the travel lodge, head up the hill, continue in as straight a line as you can until you reach the bridge over the Cleddau.
- HMS Warrior was once moored a little up river, below the wooded bank. It was used as a floating dock for the navy fuel depot that used to be here.
- After crossing the bridge, continue along the main road and over the next bridge.
- Head into Neyland and down the hill, following the road round to the right until it starts heading inland.
- Turn right down a steep bank to join the pill below the bridge.
- Head along the old railway track, past the marina and skirt round Neyland until the road starts heading inland.
- Turn left through Llanstadwell, until you reach the Ferry Inn
- Turn left, up the steep track behind the pub. This takes you round the refinery before joining a road.
- Turn left and follow the road as it winds its way down to Castle Pill.
- Cross the pill, head a little up hill and turn left. Follow this path until you emerge onto The Rath, a fine promenade with superb views over the Haven.
- The way into Milford Haven and the marina are obvious from here.
- If in doubt, follow the acorn symbols that indicate where the route goes
Attractions en-route: Pembroke Castle. Pembroke Dock Martello Tower & museum. Milford Haven museum & marina.