Ver beneden u hoort u de golven van de Atlantische Oceaan stukslaan op de kliffen. U loopt over een hooggelegen pad, de zeewind in het gezicht. De bermen staan vol uitzonderlijke bloemen en planten. De zeevogels krijsen in de steile wanden. Beneden in de bijna onbereikbare baai spelen zeehonden tussen de rotsen. Uw startpunt ligt aan de voet van de Presili Hills. Naast de overweldigende natuur komt u bij vele prehistorische monumenten zoals de kerk van Nevern (vlakbij Newport) waar u inscripties in het mysterieuze Ogham-geschrift aantreft, of de dolmen van Pentre Ifan en Carreg Sampson. U eindigt in het spirituele hart van Wales, het plaatsje St. Davids met zijn Romaanse kathedraal en de ruïne van een bisschoppelijk paleis. Een boottochtje naar Ramsey Island maakt dit arrangement helemaal compleet. Het kleine ruige eilandje is een zeevogelreservaat en broedplaats voor de grijze zeehonden. Het Pembrokeshire Coast Path is een prachtige route langs stranden, over kliffen, door beboste valleien, langs kleine haventjes en door schilderachtige Welshtalige dorpjes. Day program Day 1. Arrival at Newport (Pembs). Those travelling by car should make sure that they are heading for the correct ‘Newport’ – there is a much larger town of the same name between Cardiff and Bristol. For those using pubic transport: take train to Haverfordwest, then bus from train station (about one bus per hour) to Newport (Pembs). On Sundays there is no bus on this route except in high summer, so a taxi may be needed. On arrival day a walk to the beach or to Carn Ingli peak is possible, each taking about 1 hour. Overnight Newport. Day 2: either (a) Circular walk inland from Newport (Pembs); 11 miles/18km/6hrs. This walk takes in Carn Ingli peak, Tycanol nature reserve, Pentre Ifan stone age dolmen, and Nevern church (Ogham inscription). The day ends close to the fine beach of Newport Sands. Overnight Newport. Or (b) Coast path between Poppit Sands and Newport. 6 miles/10km/3.5 hours (Poppit Sands to Moylgrove) or 13 miles/22km/7 hours (Poppit Sands to Newport). This dramatic and strenuous section of coast path includes the geologically spectacular cliffs of Cemaes Head and the celebrated ‘Witches Cauldron’ just south of Ceibwr Bay. The day ends close to the fine beach of Newport Sands. Overnight Newport. Day 3: Newport (Pembs) to Fishguard; 11 miles/ 18km/6hrs. Choice between (a) coastal path via Dinas Head and, in case of bad weather, (b) inland route via Cwm Gwaun. Coastal and inland routes are both described in detail with annotated maps. Overnight Fishguard. Day 4: Fishguard to Tregwynt 13.5 miles/22km/6.5hrs by coastal path. The day normally starts with a taxi transfer (included in the tour price) from your accommodation in Fishguard to the point where the coastal path restarts at Harbour Village. If you want to shorten the day you can arrange in advance with the taxi driver to drop you off at Strumble Head, which is near the half-way point of the day. There would be an extra charge for this longer transfer. Day 5: Tregwynt to Porthgain 8 miles/13km/4hrs En route between Tregwynt and Porthgain is the famous Carreg Sampson dolmen (neolithic tomb). Our usual accommodation at Porthgain is at a former farmhouse about 10 minutes walk from the village. The Sloop Inn by the harbour at Porthgain is an attractive venue for tonight's evening meal, and is also usually the venue for tomorrow’s breakfast. Overnight Porthgain. Day 6: Porthgain to Whitesand Bay/St David's; 12 miles/19km/6 hrs. Carn Llidi peak (180m, a fine viewpoint overlooking Whitesand Bay) can be included near the end of this day. Coastal and inland routes are both described in full. The coastal walk can be reduced by 3km/1 hour if you take the bus from Whitesand Bay to St David’s. Overnight St David's. Day 7: Circular walk along coast from St David's; 9 miles/14km/4.5hrs, taking in St David’s Head peninsula and a fine beach at Whitesand Bay, also Carn Llidi peak and viewpoint. As an alternative you can take a boat trip from St Justinian’s to Ramsey Island Nature Reserve. Overnight St David's. Day 8: Depart St David’s. Bus to Haverfordwest train station (hourly, but no buses on Sundays). On Sundays you have to pre-book a taxi. The above distances and times are subject to variation, especially if inland alternative routes are taken. The inland alternatives generally shorten the walking times.