Broad Haven South, Pembrokeshire

The limestone headlands of St Govan’s and Stackpole make up some of the most impressive coastline in South Pembrokeshire. Their grass-covered, plateau-like cliff tops are very different to the relentlessly undulating ground covered by most of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path and, therefore, an excursion around this most southerly point of Pembrokeshire feels relatively relaxing. But there’s more to this walk than just cliff tops: it crosses one of the region’s finest beaches at Broad Haven, and also explores some beautiful and quite unique inland waters.

Broad Haven is often referred to as Broad Haven South, to avoid confusion with the town and beach of the same name in St Brides Bay. And the beach here is a broad gem of white sand, backed by rolling dunes. Inland from the sheltered cove is a picturesque three-fingered waterway known as the Bosherston Lily Ponds. The wooded shores and mirror-calm waters make a refreshing change from the wildness of the coast and are a haven for all kinds of wildlife.

For details of the MOD Firing Range, call (01646) 662367, or check with the TIC.

Descend the steps at the bottom of the car park and continue down to the first of the Lily Ponds. Continue down the main path and turn right to cross a bridge. Turn right on the other side and now walk around the pond until the path veers left and descends to another bridge. A detour to the right, just before this bridge, brings you to a commanding viewpoint.

Cross the bridge and turn right to a footpath sign at a t-junction of paths. Here, turn right over a larger bridge, then follow the sandy track alongside the dunes of Stackpole Warren. Continue to the far tip of the lake and then bear right and then right again to a footbridge at the back of the beach.

Cross this and then bear left to walk across the sands, following the foot of the dunes around until you eventually reach some steps at the far end. Climb these and continue to a footpath sign by the car park. Now turn left to follow the coast path towards the rugged promontory of St. Govan’s Head. Shortly after this, you’ll reach a gate at the entrance to the MOD Firing Range. If it’s closed, indicated by Red Flags flying, you’ll need to retrace your footsteps back to the start.

Assuming it’s not closed, and it’s always best to check beforehand, continue towards the headland. The official coast path doesn’t actually visit the tip, but there are plenty of tracks and trails that do, including one that traces the line of the precipitous cliff tops, if you do want to enjoy the vertiginous views. Either way, continue around beyond the headland and on to the car park at St. Govan’s. To visit the amazing hidden chapel, drop down the steep steps to the left.

To finish, head back to the coast path, and now pick up the main access road which leads past the car park and easily back up to Bosherston village.

 

Words & Images: Tom Hutton