Description: This route feels very remote indeed, especially as you approach Strumble. There are some super little beaches en-route and some spectacularly high cliffs, which also mean that it’s quite strenuous.
Distance: 12½ miles 20 km
Public Transport: The Strumble Shuttle walkers bus service covers the entire route. For timetables go to www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/coastbus
Refreshments: Pub in Trefin
Nearest Tourist Information Centre: St Davids. The Grove. Tel 01437 720392 E-mail enquiries@stdavids.pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk Fishguard Harbour, Goodwick seafront. Tel 01348 874737 E-mail fishguadrharbour.tic@pembrokeshire.gov.uk
Route:
- Leave your car at Strumble and take the Strumble Shuttle to the little cove west of Trefin.
- Head out on the Coast Path as it winds it’s way round high cliffs to the quaint little cove at Abercastle.
- Just before you reach the beach, take a short inland detour to see Careg Sampson, an exposed burial chamber with an enormous cap stone.
- The coast west of Abercastle is rugged and interesting.
- Before long you reach the tranquillity of Aber Mawr beach, an idyllic sun trap, well sheltered from the prevailing winds. In spring, take a detour into the woods to look at the bluebells.
- Just around the corner, at Aber Bach, is where a local farmer caught a mermaid, according to local folklore.
- Just past the inaccessible beach at Pwllcrochan, the path climbs a long way up to the ridge above Pwll Deri. The views are spectacular.
- Just before you reach the youth hostel at Pwll Deri, you can walk through the old farm on the right to go to the summit of Garn Fawr. It’s steep, but the views over the Pencaer Peninsula are worth the effort.
- A good downhill section follows. The path to the lighthouse is rocky, with a few uphill gradients, but it’s mostly downhill.
- A little reed filled vale is particularly pleasing, not long before the finish.
- Strumble is a great place for watching passing seabirds, especially in spring and autumn as migrating birds are passing. It’s also a popular place for spotting porpoises.
- This is where you really appreciate dropping off your car earlier in the day. No waiting for buses!
- If in doubt, follow the acorn symbols that indicate where the route goes
Attractions en-route: Carreg Sampson cromlech at Abercastle.