Walking

Pembrokeshire is a popular venue for walking. The most popular venues for walking are the Pembrokeshire Coast Path and the Preseli Hills. The186 mile (299 km) coast path winds it’s way around the coast giving spectacular views of the coastal environments including sea cliffs, heath, beaches and bays and is one of the 18 National Trails in the UK. The path is well suited to all walkers with short leisurely walk or the longer more challenging routes. Most of the routes enable you to sample some of Pembrokeshires hospitality along the way.

The Preseli Hills offer a different perspective on the county. Rising to 536 metres it boasts spectacular views across the county and offers trails such as the 7 mile ‘Golden Road’ linking the sites of ancient Celtic settlements along the ridge of the Preseli’s.

The routes along the Coast Path and through the Preselis are well mapped and a number of leaflets are available from local organisations such as the National Park Authority and Pembrokeshire Greenways. Along side these routes there are approximately 453 miles (725km) many other routes in the county along bridleways and inland footpaths taking in the scenery and habitats of the Cleddau estuary and other areas.

Walking the coast path has also become easier with the introduction of the Puffin Shuttle bus services running around the county. These have proved very successful and allow walkers to plan routes that they may not be able to achieve should they travel to the start point by car. More information about the schedules for the coming year are at www.pembrokeshiregreenways.co.uk. Throughout the year local experts provide guided walks on behalf of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority. These walks come with a commentary on the flora and fauna you see along the way as well as an insight into the Pembrokeshire coast itself.

Things to Consider when walking in Pembrokeshire:

• TALK to Information centers, local authorities and land owners before your walk and get permission, particularly if your not walking the coastal path. They may also be aware of local information important to you and the environment.

• RETURN knowing you have left the area as unspoilt as you found it and ready to be enjoyed again.

• ENSURE you remain aware of your surroundings during your walk and avoid straying from designated routes. Many of the rare plants found on some of these paths can easily be damaged or destroyed when stepped on.

• ASK about any local codes of conduct, byelaws and restrictions as well as general good practices and safety guidelines and follow them. After all they are there for a reason.

• DECIDE your route and research it out before you go. Avoid wildlife wherever possible. Many species of wildlife live in, on or around many of the popular paths and routes particularly during nesting and breeding seasons (Birds Mar - Jul, Seals Aug - Feb). Avoid needlessly disturbing or harassing them, you could be committing a criminal offence!

If you see:
Any wildlife which you believe to be injured or in distress contact the RSPCA on 08705 555 999