A Pembrokeshire Walk: Weaves & Waves
The perfect springtime stroll
This walk has been planned out by our resident expert, Ian Pattinson and explores the northwesterly hidden gem of the Abermawr region.
This 8.5km walk has a wonderful balance between history, farming, vista, flora and the coast - one or more of these aspects will always captivate you, ensuring that time and distance pass easily: isn’t Pembrokeshire so good at doing that? The first half of the walk winds through rolling lush-green fields and beautiful woodland whilst the second half explores a wonderful section of the coastal path back to Abermawr and Aberbach.
Distant hills to the North and South West intrigue and there’s a great picnic stop at Pwllstrodur, the halfway point. On show are glimpses of Pembrokeshire’s industrial past, echoes of the Last Invasion, a once-mighty- ramparted Iron Age promontory hill-fort and as you approach the end of the walk you find the Cable Hut: maybe this was not always been the tranquil place it is today!
Setting off on your Pembrokeshire Walk
This walk starts from the car park at Melin Tregwynt Woollen Mill. The mill is shown on the Ordnance Survey 1:25,000 scale Explorer Map OL35 - North Pembrokeshire at grid reference SM89373 34778.
Melin Tregwynt
Will I Get Lost?
This is a straightforward walk to navigate, although you need to look out for a couple of key turnings on the way round. The tracks are clearly visible most of the way and where they are not, there are clues and clear headmarks to aim for. There are plenty of finger posts to help along the way. BUT, do take a map with you and know how to read it. By ‘setting the map’ (we recommend you use a compass) you will always be able to work out where you are and follow the route with confidence.
The Route
Park at the mill, next to the three large knitting needles and a ball of wool on top(!). Leaving the mill to your left, follow the road over a small, flat bridge: enjoy the flowers and the neat garden with its own waterfall. The road twists and turns and very soon, you pass over a beautiful stone bridge and then meet a sign pointing right to Abermawr. Ignore this and stay on the road, climbing up the hill. Stop halfway up and look back to enjoy your first sight of Garn Fawr in the far distance. As you approach the top, you will see Tregwynt Farm and Manor House. This is where Lt Col Thomas Knox was dining when news of the French invasion reached him on 22 Feb 1797.
Abermawr Beach
A finger post points diagonally across the field to Woodlands Farm (look for ‘Malgar’ written on the tanks). Excellent views of the coast open up to the right. Cross the stile in the hedge then immediately bear right down to Broom Wood. In the woods carry straight on down the slope on a clear path past the tree that looks like a rhino with a hundred horns! At the bottom of the slope, join a more obvious track and bear left. About 100m further on, go through a gate set back to the right and head for the small hamlet just beyond. Take the road up the hill with magical views of a small, picturesque valley to your left. It is a bit of a pull up the hill but by Pen-Yr-Allt, you are nearly there!
Immediately before a Tegfan cottage, turn right onto a well-marked grassed path. Pass Morfa Farm and head right at the ‘T’ junction. The open aspect of the walk here and the preponderance of gorse, when in full bloom, is spectacular. At the top of the rise, the track joins a metalled road by Carnachen-Lwyd farmhouse. Turn right and soon you will reach a finger post pointing to the coast.
Pause for a moment to drink in these spellbinding elevated views of the beautiful coastline ahead of you leading down to Pwllstrodur. The ‘standing’ stone you pass might simply be a gate post from more recent times! Look at the valley to your right – just a sprawling mass of vivid orange-yellow gorse. How much better could this moment be? Descend to join the coastal path and head right. A short detour to the small beach at Pwllstrodur for a break is strongly recommended.
Abermawr Beach
When ready, return to the coastal path and then onwards to the top of the hill: that’s it, no more hills today! Simply follow the path for the next two miles to Abermawr. Long distant views to Garn Fawr and over your shoulder, Carn Llidi by St Davids are worth taking in, as is Castell Coch Iron Age promontory hillfort (worth researching) but note that its bank and ditch contours are best seen by looking back once past it. The stoney beaches of Abermawr and Aber Bach are soon in sight.
Before going onto the beach, pass through the gate into a turning bay for cars and follow the road about 75m to The Cable Hut: an information board tells you about the impressive history of this now sleepy hollow. Now wander down to the beach. If it’s low-water, wander down to below the shingle line and explore the petrified peat beds and tree stumps from the ancient fertile coastal plain which existed here 5000 years ago. At the far end of Aberbach, take the obvious path to the right and return to Melin Tregwynt.
Holiday Treats & Extras Pembrokeshire Guided Walks
Explore new parts of Pembrokeshire, delve into our culture and heritage or go on a wildlife adventure searching for unforgettable sights with a Guided Walk.
