Exploring the Pembrokeshire coastal path at Moylgrove

When we arrived, after passing the National Trust sign, we walked over this little stone bridge crossing the Ceibwr river, which has another alluring footpath, that runs parallel to the river, back up through the valley to Moylgrove.

First impressions were, it’s unspoilt, quiet and very wild! What a stunning little bay, we both really enjoyed exploring the beach and the rock pools, though unfortunately for us there was nothing much to find. The beach is very rough, littered with varying sizes of stones and small boulders, but is full of interesting wildlife.

The geological formations along the cliffs are spectacular, they have been folded and contorted due to shifting earth movements for the last 450 million years, apparently during the Caledonian era. Some of them so much so, we spotted what looks like a giant white ‘S’ on it’s side on one of the cliff peninsulas, which really highlights the extent of these movements.

To get a better look of the coastline we set our bearings South

Part curiosity, part chance we decided to head further South down the Pembrokeshire Coastal path, we passed plenty of local fauna, beautiful wild flowers, Yellow Wagtail (on the RSPB Red list) and to top it off a Kestrel hovering in the wind above its prey.

We had read that the coastline along this stretch of the coastal path at Moylgrove was dramatic and indeed it was true. Amongst the jagged rocks, there were countless caves, huge arches, blow holes and plenty of small secluded beaches that make up this wild and lonely coastline.

Further to the south lies The Witches Cauldron

It’s known as the Witches Cauldron (Pwll-y-Wrach), once a cave that’s roof collapsed during the Quaternary Period approximately 2 million years ago. On its South Easterly side, a stream disappears into the cauldron, whilst on the other there are a series of narrow underground passages connecting it to the sea. During high tide and stormy weather, the waves rushing through these tunnels then bubble and ‘boil’, acting as a blowhole, which I believe is why it is so aptly named. This is a sight I would love to see, though walking those cliffs in a storm might not be everyones cup of tea.

I understand that the Witches Cauldron draws a lot of attention during the summer from Wild Swimmers and Sea Kayakers making their way through during low tide. This video clearly shows a pair of young lad’s exploring the tunnels in their Kayaks, discovering a small waterfall within the tunnels which i believe to be where the stream enters.

Though you cannot clearly see where the sea enters from upon high, you can immediately appreciate its potential for a small sheltered wildlife sanctuary for any species able to call this place home. We later found out that during September and October Atlantic grey seals can sometimes be found with their young on the beach below. Oh the photo opportunities here are exciting, if disruption is kept to a minimum.

Moylgrove through Ceibwr Bay and onto the Witches Cauldron walk details