Pembrokeshire
Tucked away in Wales’ south-western corner, is a coastline of awe inspiring natural beauty and variety. Pembrokeshire has a mix of rugged cliffs and headlands, sheltered bays and coves. There are long sweeping beaches and fascinating islands. The wild and incredibly beautiful landscape is the county’s greatest asset. Both locals and visitors enjoy the spectacular walking, surfing, coasteering and sea kayaking as well as the glorious beaches and abundant wildlife. There is a wealth of Celtic and pre-Celtic sites, forbidding castles, fascinating islands. St Davids, the magical mini-city and association with Wales’ patron saint.
Skomer
A volcanic Marine Nature Reserve managed by the Wildlife Trust South and West Wales (WTSWW). It is inhabited by half a million breeding seabirds, dramatic scenery and carpets of wild flowers in spring and summer. It offers the opportunity to admire Razorbills, Fulmar, Guillemot, Kittiwake, Chough, Short-eared and Little Owls, Peregrines. But most famously, the comical Puffins. At nightfall over half of the world’s population of Manx Shearwaters can be seen rafting back to their burrows on the island. Dolphins, Porpoises and Atlantic Grey Seals are often spotted on the boat ride to and from the island.
Skokholm
Wilder and smaller than Skomer, managed by WTSWW, Skokholm is recognisable with dramatic red sandstone cliffs. The old lighthouse is now the only Bird Observatory in South Wales. The island is home to thousands of Manx Shearwater, Petrel and Puffin. There are a variety of migrant birds passing through the island in Spring and Autumn.
Grassholm
11 miles out to sea Grassholm has the largest gannetry in southern Britain. It can be approached on the northern cliffs by boat for a breathtaking view of the colony.
Ramsey
Managed by the RSPB, is renowned for its seabird colonies, spectacular sea caves and ferocious today race through the Bitches.
Marloes Mere
An important site for breeding, migrant and wintering birds and is notable for its wet acidic vegetation. The land was common land until 1811 when it abounded in medicinal leeches from which the villagers derived a considerable trade.
The Beaches
There are over 50 stunning beaches and bays with sparkling clean seas dotted along the Pembrokeshire coastline to visit with many water sport activities on offer.
Milford Haven Estuary
Admiral Nelson described the Milford Haven Waterway as one of the finest harbours in the world. It was developed as a whaling port in the late 18th century. Milford Haven prospered in the 1880s as a deep-sea fishing and engineering port.
Castles & Heritage
Pembrokeshire is peppered with medieval castles, Celtic religious shrines & prehistoric tombs. Pembroke and Carew are the finest Castles. Cilgerran Castle commands a dramatic location, Llawhaden was a fortified Bishop’s Palace. It has panoramic views whilst Picton Catle is a cross between a medieval castle and a fortified manor house. Manorbier Castle is a Norman baronial residence overlooking the beach. St Davids Bishop’s Palace was initially built as a private residence and Lamphey Bishop’s Palace was built as a retreat. The Tudor Merchants House in Tenby was the home of wealthy merchants and has been restored by the National Trust. St Govan’s Chapel near Bosherton is a small 13th century chapel. It is built into the sea-cliff well worth visiting as is the neolithic burial chamber Pentre Ifan.
photographs by www.pembrokeshireartist.co.uk