We love a good little fact file about a place considered a natural wonder. Why? Well, because nature is amazing and we love to just be out in this big, mysterious world learning things. Today we’re traveling, via words, of course, to the Pembrokeshire Coast Path in Wales.
(image via: national parks)
Stats
Name: Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail
Location: Pembrokeshire, South West Wales
Length: 186 miles. 299km (Route approved July 1953. Opened 16 May 1970)
Number of days to complete: 10 to 15
Highest Point: Pen yr Afr – 175m
Lowest Point: Sandy Haven crossing – 2m above low water
Total rise and fall over the entire Trail: approximately 35,000 feet. (Source)
Along the Trail
Most trails we’ve been on might feature an overlook or two, a waterfall of some sort, and if we’re really lucky, there may even be a little something historic along the way. This is where most trails and the Pembrokeshire Trail differ because along this vast journey, you’ll have the opportunity to see over 50 beaches, over 40 Iron Age forts, Medieval castles, towns, archaeological remains, secret coves, lily ponds, and a number of native birds and flowers.
(image via: trip savvy)
A Brief History
If the views just aren’t enough and you love a good history lesson, then sit back and relax for a brief second, because we’ve got you covered. Pembrokeshire Coast has been home to humans for centuries and those that have been lucky enough to live along this gorgeous coastal way have, in fact, helped shape it. As you journey through you’ll see reminders all along the way from Neolithic times and the Iron Age to the days of early Celtic saints and their followers.
“Throughout the length of the 186-mile Trail small quays, lime kilns and warehouses, and sites like the brickworks at Porthgain in North Pembrokeshire, are reminders of an industrial tradition, although little remains today of Pembrokeshire’s once prosperous anthracite coalfield in the south.” (source)
Planning Your Visit
(image via: country file)
If you frequent trails then you know there are a number of things to keep in mind as you prepare to visit, so let’s take a look at just a few key things to remember.
- Make sure you wear boots with ankle support. (Also make sure these boots are good and broken in!)
- No matter what the weatherperson tells you, bring or wear waterproof gear.
- Never climb the cliffs unless you’re absolutely sure of what you’re doing.
- Tempted to stand or sit on the edge of a cliff? Don’t. There’s a really good chance any cliff can crumble under your weight.
- You can bring your dog with you, just make sure it’s’ on a leash. Dogs tend to get curious so make certain they aren’t near any cliff edges or livestock.