MATHRY and ABER MAWR CIRCUIT

Twenty two walkers set out on Saturday morning for Pembrokeshire Ramblers weekend walk.

Starting from the stone stile opposite Mathry Community Hall the route was through fields along way- marked paths and quiet country lanes to the Coast Path at Pwllstrodur Bay. Here a short coffee break was taken on the beach, before the steep climb to the cliff tops and the stunning views out to sea as we made our way towards Aber Mawr.

Just before reaching Aber Mawr there was the option for those who wished to take a shorter walk of five miles to follow the path leading inland to Morfa, none did.

From this point it was downhill along a steep narrow path to the beach at Aber Mawr for lunch.

Aber Mawr would have been a much different place than it is today if Isambard Kingdom Brunel had not, in 1851, abandoned his plans to build a transatlantic port there and moved the site of the port to Neyland

After lunch, cut short by light drizzle, the walk continued inland through the National Trust managed Broom Wood to the road, by now the sun was shining, then on through Granston Wood to the A487 Fishguard to St. David’s road.

After short walk along the busy road the route was through fields to Parcynole. On this section of the route there were a few minor obstacles, the exit from the first field is blocked and overgrown, and has been for a number of years, a slight detour was required. Once back on track the recent heavy rain and the presence of cattle in the fields had caused the area around the gates to be extremely muddy, at least the cattle ignored us which is not always the case.

On reaching the road at Parcynole it was a straight forward walk along the road to a concrete track leading to Gillfach Farm. At the farm the route was uphill back to the start point at Mathry by 3.30, a distance of 8 miles.

The weather had been good and overall and grounds conditions in most places were also good.

All the walkers appeared to have enjoyed the walk and while some took refreshments at the Tea Rooms others choose a drink at the Farmers Arms and to watch the last half of the Wales England rugby match.

Walk Leader

John Reeves

Pembrokeshire Ramblers

The Route 

1 Are you sure this is the path

2 Path to beach

3 Coffee stop at Pwllstrodur beach

4 Steep climb on Coast Path

5 This tree has had a hard life

6 Tread where I tread