Day 9 - Sandy Haven to Pembroke

Thursday 12th July 2007
18 miles, 8 1/4 hours




We set off from our bed and breakfast at about 9.15 and headed down to Sandy Haven Pill. Our tide estimator had proved to be worthwhile again, the tide was out and ready for us to cross. The bridge was a little green but the stepping stones were all easy to cross.


The morning was a bit misty and as we reached the far side of the pill it turned into a very fine drizzle.






Despite the mistiness the first part of path was quite pleasant, passing around Sandy Haven beach and towards South Hook Point. Stack Rock Fort could be clearly seen.




The sound of construction work from the new liquid gas terminal just along from South Hook point became more and more noticeable as we approached the jetty. Huge amounts of pipe work were being laid which we had to cross. Our pace increased to pass the diggers quickly.







From the Jetty the path follows an overgrown roadway. The tall hedges were filled with a variety of flowers.





At Gelliswick Bay the path joins the road and passes through a quiet residential area before dropping down into Milford Haven.




From Milford Docks we followed the road down into a large marina. The old dock buildings have been transformed into a series of little shops running along the marina edge. We picked up a sandwich for our lunch in a café here.


At the end of the marina we took a footpath along a disused railway line cutting running parallel to the road above. The path rejoined the road through some parkland/gardens. We paused briefly to watch the Irish Ferry pass by before heading up through houses and then down towards Castle Pill.



As the tide was out we followed the shoreline along the very muddy Castle Pill.

The next section was the worst part of the whole walk. From Castle Pill the path emerges onto the very busy B4325 and with no pavement and sharp bends we didn’t feel very safe. We walked as quick as possible and were relieved to rejoin the track which headed towards the oil refinery.


There was some expansion work going on at the Oil refinery and the path has been diverted. It is well marked and looks as though it is possibly an improvement on the original route.




The path took us along past the oil refinery jetties over some interesting metal caged bridges. It was easy walking, much of which was along tall hedge lined paths with limited visibility of the surroundings. We stopped for lunch at Hazelbeach on a bench overlooking the estuary to Pembroke Dock, where the Irish Ferry was loading.




Passing around the outskirts of Neyland the path joined the A477 which took us up above Neyland marina and over the Cleddau Bridge. By now the cloud had lifted and there were clear views back along the estuary.



We took a short break at Pembroke Dock. The Martello tower, which was originally built as part of Dockyard defences is now a museum.

After a short section through the town of Pembroke Dock the path followed a far more enjoyable route along tracks and through fields to Pembroke.




Pembroke Castle is an impressive Norman fortress. Pembroke has a lovely atmosphere with numerous old buildings, the mill pond and a good mixture of shops, pubs, and restaurants.





We arrived at our Bed and Breakfast, Penfro just after 5.30.


Evening meal: Old Kings Arms. Excellent food.