Description: This could be described as The Last Invasion Trail, as it’s where the last invasion of Britain took place. This route can be quite taxing as it’s both rugged and undulating, but there are plenty of opportunities to take breaks. A detour into Fishguard is obligatory to see the last invasion tapestry.
Distance: 13 miles 21 km
Public Transport: The Strumble Shuttle and Poppit Rocket walkers bus services covers the entire route. For timetables go to www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/coastbus
Refreshments: Pub’s and cafes in Goodwick and Fishguard. Ice creams at Fishguard Bay Caravan park. Pub at Pwllgwaelod
Nearest Tourist Information Centre: Fishguard Harbour, Goodwick seafront. Tel 01348 874737 E-mail fishguadrharbour.tic@pembrokeshire.gov.uk
Route:
- Leave your car at Pwllgwaelod and take the Strumble Shuttle to Strumble lighthouse.
- Walk eastwards over some pretty rugged and undulating cliffs.
- After about 2 miles, you come to a monument on Caregwastad Point. It commemorates the failed last invasion of Britain, when a force of French conscripts scrambled ashore in 1797. A more difficult landing place would be hard to find!
- Another 2 miles brings you into the cliff top village of Goodwick, overlooking Fishguard Harbour. Follow the road down to the village centre.
- Proceed along The Parrog or seafront, past the tourist information centre, and head up the steps on the far side.
- The Coast Path bypasses Fishguard town centre, by following the cliff edge, but take time out to explore the town. Turn inland after you pass the cannons.
- The new Town Hall centre, opening in the summer of 2006, houses the Last Invasion tapestry. It’s fascinating and free too.
- Once you’ve thoroughly explored Fishguard, head down the hill to Lower Town.
- This quaint old harbour was where Dylan Thomas’s ‘Under Milk Wood’ was filmed in 1971
- Walk up the hill, alongside the main road, until you get to the car park
- A short distance from here is Fishguard Fort, complete with the cannons that fired on the French ships, forcing them to land their troops at Carregwastad.
- After a few miles, you reach a caravan park. Walk straight through the middle.
- Before you reach Pwllgwaelod, there’s a lovely little secret beach with steep paths down and up again the other side.
- Pwllgwaelod is a nicely enclosed, gently shelving beach. The recently refurbished old pub behind the beach is a perfect place to end the walk.
- If in doubt, follow the acorn symbols that indicate where the route goes
Attractions en-route: Ocean Lab at Goodwick. Interesting shops in Fishguard. Last Invasion tapestry in the Town Hall. Fishguard Fort.