The route for my walk was from Pwllgwaelod (near Dinas Cross) to Fishguard.
Once getting all my bits and bobs ready (snacks mainly), I set off with my partner and stepfather as they were taking part in a separate fundraising event, so decided to join me.
We drove to Pwllgwaelod and parked in the free car park, which is only about 50 yards from the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path. It is there we started our walk on the coastal path and ended in my home town of Fishguard. The walk in total was 6.2 miles and it took us just over 2.5 hours to complete.
Pwllgwaelod, where we started the walk, is a small hamlet near Dinas Cross. It is a favourite location of mine during the summer, that’s if you can get a parking space. Many people come here to sit on the beach, launch their boats, go paddle-boarding and much more. There are plenty of holiday homes there as well. There is also a lovely pub/restaurant called The Old Sailors which is owned by local residents. Their menu is usually based on local produce and the best catch of the day from the local fishermen. They have a lovely beer garden where you can enjoy a refreshment whilst watching the world go by. It's especially busy during the summer months.
The start of the walk from Pwllgwaelod is pretty tough with a steep climb to the top of the cliffs, before reaching nice flat fields where you can catch your breath whilst enjoying the wonderful panoramic views of the bay. There are many ascents and descents along the route, as you would expect, but that first climb is certainly the toughest. There are lots of unusual rock formations and small beaches to admire throughout the walk. Some of these small beaches are even accessible so you can stop off along the way if you want to.
We passed through many scenic coves. My favourite was Aberbach, which the path runs beside. We took a breather here whilst enjoying the view out into the bay, before setting off again over the little bridge crossing the stream. There was a small section of the path blocked off, but it is only a short climb on the road and your back to the path.
The next few miles were pretty easy going as it was mainly flat but there were some insane views looking back towards Pwllgwaelod, so make sure to take a look.
We reached Fishguard Bay Caravan Park, where the path runs through. You can clearly see Fishguard from here and you think the walk is nearing its' end. Looks can often be deceiving and this is where things got a lot more interesting. At the caravan park, the signposting for the path is somewhat confusing and as a result we missed the path. (Note, packing a local map is always a good idea!) Instead of taking the coastal path we walked around and ended up on another section of path, which took us through fields before rejoining the coastal path. This took nothing away from the walk.
We then came to possibly the worst part. A section of boggy path!! Getting your footwear covered in mud was unavoidable. This wouldn't be such a problem in the summer months though when the terrain is drier. Before reaching Fishguard Fort, there were some Highland cows in the fields adjacent to the path. They were cute!
We arrived at the Fort where we stopped for a drink whilst sitting on the four cannons. By this point I most definitely had blisters, so if you walk this path my advice is to get proper walking shoes! I hadn't!!
Last lap! Down to Lower Town Fishguard, a little fishing harbour, which is again a beautiful place in the summer, with plenty of watersports, holiday cottages and even a cafe that sells amazing tea and cake.
We finished the walk with the steep climb up The Slade to Fishguard, ending up directly outside the extremely popular Fish and Chip shop ‘Hooked’, It would be rude not to stop for lunch!!
This route is a very popular route with locals as well as tourists with breath-taking views. Some walk with dogs, others with children - although I personally wouldn't recommend it for younger children. I’m not confident my children would have managed it.
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