The picturesque cove of Martins Haven, owned by The National Trust who also operate the car park, is the starting point of my walk and it is also where from April to September you can catch a boat trip to Skomer Island. This island is a nature lover’s paradise, carpeted with wildflowers in the spring and summertime and full of wildlife and an amazing selection of seabirds, including a majestic colony of Puffins. Today, sadly, the boat is not running so I will have to plan for another trip later in the year!
My final destination is Dale and after parking up and checking I was on the correct route with the splendid backdrop of the islands and St Brides Bay behind me, I started my 11-mile hike enjoying the mid-March sunshine and sea-breeze that gave me a little windburn.
A little slippery in places and treading with care and passing several little coves you reach the hidden gem of Marloes Sands with its scattered rocks and a large stretch of sand when at low tide. Marloes is only accessible by foot, the nearest car park is ½ mile away making it a good spot to escape to.
Following the old Dale airbase with ponies and lambs skipping around in the sunshine, I arrived at West Dale Beach which is a little tease as you feel you can touch the village of Dale but to follow the coast path, you still have a little way to go until you reach the village.
With a few more steps, twists and turns and ups and downs, St Ann’s Head is in sight with amazing rock formations and of course the Coastguard's Tower. Fortunately today it was a clear bright day so no fog horns to be heard and the lighthouse is now fully automated guiding the ships into the Milford Haven Waterway, along the Cleddau estuary (aka the hidden waterway).
Continuing my journey and taking a steep descent down, I pass Mill Bay which apparently is where Henry Tudor, who was born in Pembroke Castle, landed when he arrived from France in 1485 with an army of 2000 men!
As I come to the end of my journey, you catch a glimpse of Dale Fort which is now a Fields Studies Centre but was built to defend the Milford Haven waterway. You can see why with its panoramic views of the waterways and estuary.
My journey ended on the seafront at Dale where children were playing at the water’s edge and one tough character was swimming in the sea. There is a car park and facilities at Dale plus a Yacht Club and Pub that will be there to greet you with a welcome drink (best to check opening times) or plenty of space and seats to enjoy your own picnic.
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