Exploring the Pembrokeshire coastal path at Goodwick

Day three and we were off nice and early, we had pre-selected the walk the night before so we could quickly hit the road. We selected walk number 14 – Goodwick and Carreg Wastad point for an adventure further down the Pembrokeshire coastal path, instead of being inland again (We try to alternate locations, to keep it interesting.)

With only 14.5 miles to Goodwick, travelling down the A487 through Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. We were soaking up the spectacular scenery as we travelled through Newport and shortly after through Fishguard, both full of charm with plenty of character on our way to Goodwick.

When we arrived, we basically parked in a local car park, with opposite views across Fishguard Bay and Fishguard Harbour, only a stone’s throw away from the Stena line ferry terminal to Ireland. If you just wanted to enjoy the scenery without the walk, you could sit in the car and enjoy the local fish and chips!

There was plenty of parking and was cheap as chips too (sorry for the chip puns, it’s approaching lunch time as I write this) for all day parking.

Only later did we realise that we had parked in the wrong car park, as suggested by our guide book.

Off we go towards Carreg Wastad Point

So as we left the car park, we starting the slog up New Hill road that runs up a steep hill running parallel behind the ferry terminal, we passed Berachah Presbyterian Church, built in 1830. At the time I commented to Sherrie that it was an unusual looking church, it was only later that we found out it was Protestant Church adhering to various modified forms of Calvinism.

As we continued up what seemed a never ending hill, we were rewarded with those stunning panoramic views of the bay and in the distance there was Dina’s Head (another walk), whilst of course taking short breaks to take a few photos (and catch our breath).

The Garn Wen Cromlechs burial chambers

As we left the Harbour village you pass through the Garn Wen Cromlechs (Cromlechi Garn Wen) three Neolithic burial chambers at the highest point, although we could only see one in a decent condition.

Apparently you could crawl under the capstone and into the chamber, though its position on the path and the fact there was plenty of dog shit about, it was not something we really wanted to investigate in any depth.

What a treat to observe all the local wildlife

As we passed through The Warren, we bumped into a very friendly Welshman walking his dog and we got chatting about walking and wildlife, to which he drew our attention to the flurry of guillemots just down the hill towards Crincoed Point.

Being interested in capturing nature’s wonder, we decided to go off track and investigate further down this steep old weathered footpath through the heathers. As we descended, I looked up for a moment and caught a glimpse of this large brown object bobbing along in the surf, only moments later it had gone.

For years we have always wanted to spot Seals and Dolphins off the coast of the British Isle’s and never had much luck. Being all excited I was telling Sherrie to “look over there” and typically it had gone, casting that moment of doubt… did I actually see it.

Back on the trail through Pen Anglas onto Carnfathach

Refuelled and reinvigorated we were off through National Trust’s Pen Anglas, with beautiful views over Anglas Bay and Porth Maen.

As you can see in many of the photos, on a nice day the colours are rich and full of vibrancy, such majestic views to feed the soul.. Today was a good day!

Which had now become even better, as we were approaching Carnfathach with views over Maen Jaspis, we spotted another grey seal basking in the sunshine. We said to one another at the time, this is clearly the best coastal path we’ve walked for seal spotting.

That was not the half of it, only a mile or so later as we approached Aber Felin I spotted 4 more grey seals all basking together in a small cove. With my zoom lens on, I was snapping away relishing in the moment!

A group of walkers approached and as they passed, they were telling us about all the seals in the cove, to which we mentioned the porpoises we’d seen, that was it they were off at speed to catch a glimpse.

After all that sun, If you needed a little fun in the shade

At this point, you could either make your way back or descend down a valley and up the other side to Carreg Wastad point, we decided that as we have come all this way, we should check it out.

What a good call, soon as you descend down to cross a stream (Cwm Felin) you pass a series of rope swings, ah perfect for that quick flash back of nostalgia, to bring back the kid in you! Sherrie and I decided to make the most of this opportunity and cool off swinging under the trees.

Carreg Wastad point, aside from a stone what’s it all about?

Apparently the monument (Carreg Goffa erected in 1897) commemorates the French republican La Légion Noire (The Black Legion) landing in 1797, during the last invasion of Britain. After a couple of days of looting and drinking, they were captured by a volunteer Yeoman Cavalry that were formed in 1794 by Lord Milford.

I have read that, the history behind it has been recreated in a 30 metre long Fishguard tapestry, that’s displayed in the local town hall.

Walking back through Llanwnda towards Goodwick

The final stretch back took us through Llanwnda farm and village past hundreds of lambs, where they offered self-service teas in someone’s house, with an honesty (donations) box. The sign (see pic below) even says:

“Unconventional, will not appeal to all”

Which we both felt a little uncomfortable just walking into someone’s house and helping ourselves, so we continued on passed Garnwnda burial chamber on through Penrhiw Farm who is an organic milk supplier to Rachels Organic. After leaving the farm you descend back down into Goodwick passing near the Garn Wen Cromlechs burial chambers.

Goodwick and Carregwastad point walk details