125. St Ishmaels – Aberdaugleddau (Milford Haven)

125. St Ishmaels – Aberdaugleddau (Milford Haven)

Distance: 8.9 miles

Max Altitude: 56 m

Min Altitude: 1 m

Height Gain: 289 m

Height Loss: 271 m

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My day started in St Ishmael’s. It was a short walk to find the Wales Coast Path at Monk Haven.

Monk Haven was a landing place centuries ago for traders and pilgrims on their way to St David’s.

Yet again, I was fortunate enough to be experiencing one of those perfect Pembrokeshire days.

Up and down the coast, everything looked so idyllic. The going underfoot was pretty easy too. Not too many ups and downs.

On the way, there were further signs of Pembrokeshire’s military past.

In the distance were the industrial areas of Aberdaugleddau (Milford Haven) and Doc Penfro (Pembroke Dock).

Arriving at Lindsway Bay, the Wales Coast Path was at its best. Quiet, sunny, remote.

There were just three people and a dog on the beach. Nobody else was to be seen for miles.

One of the best things about walking the trail at this time of year is the abundance of blackberries. The Wales Coast Path seems to be flanked by burgeoning brambles. My pace slows down as I pick off the fattest berries to gorge on.

I was certainly nearing the industrial and shipping zones, as I arrived at this radar station.

There were two men renovating a house right on the tip of the headland. This must be one of the remotest and weather-beaten dwellings in Britain. 

I had timed my walk so that I would arrive at Sandy Haven at low tide. It was very important else I’d have to take a detour of several miles away from the tidal estuary.

There used to be a set of stepping stones here to enable people to cross the river without getting their feet wet. It’s now been replaced by this new level crossing point.

And then it was onwards towards Milford. At South Hook Point I was level with Stack Rock Fort, a structure that has fascinated me ever since I saw it. A fort was built on these rocks between 1850 and 1852. Disarmed in 1929, it was first placed on the market in 1932 and sold for £160. In 2005 it was sold for £150,000. And I have to say, that I would love to own it!

Pondering a potential life on Stack Rock Fort, I arrived at the South Hook LNG terminal.

It may not have puffins or seals or golden sands, but sometimes simple industrial symmetry has its own sort of beauty.

The locals certainly have some quirks.

My finishing point was in the town itself, just above the marina. I was just in time for a beautiful Pembrokeshire sunset too.

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