Castlemartin Range Walk, South Wales

Ebbw Fach Treckers Trip to Castlemartin,

14 July 2013 

Quarter to eight, names and details were taken at Llanhilleth, and we boarded the coach for Pembrokeshire.  More eager faces awaited us at Aberbeeg, complete with walking boots, socks and despite the extremely sunny forecast, I suspect a few waterproofs.

The journey was taken up with chatting with old friends, updates on TV programmes and adventures shared on previous walks.

Carew Castle

Carew Castle will remain an image in the minds of most.  No time to visit the actual site, but the public conveniences opposite.  It was our comfort break before the final destination where only a few bushes would be available for anyone in need. 

Our arrival at the entrance to Castlemartin base was greeted by two tanks;  a Chieftain and a Romulus, which flanked the main gates.

Peter and Nickie our Pembroke National Park Leaders completed the formalities for the walk and entering a restricted zone, then lead us onto the site.

As the troops use live ammunition during training, there is a “safe zone” for walkers.  We were warned to stay between the Cliff edge and the white markers, and to touch nothing that looked remotely like armaments or ammunition, no matter what their condition.

Our first encounter was the smell of guano from an offshore island.  It appeared only as we reached the cliff edge, covered with hundreds of seabirds.

What, at first, appeared to be extensive grassland, on closer examination was full of wild flowers and birds.  Wild thyme flowers in pink and white made vivid exclamation marks in the grey limestone, while deep pink and purple orchids hid in the long grass.

We played “follow the leader” through the grass to see a huge blowhole which extended down through the cliff. We could see the rocks below shining in the sun, but in stormy weather the sea is forced up through to spray onto the surrounding area.

Blow-hole in the cliff from beach level

Further along a rock of layers of limestone revealed changing faces as we passed.  Was it a red Indian, or a boxer with a broken nose?   A welcome lunch break allowed time to enjoy the pleasant sea breeze and spectacular views.  With temperatures around 24-28 degrees, the cliff top was an ideal place to sit.

Indian Chief or Boxer with a broken nose ?

Progress along the Pembroke coastal Path revealed a modern day army fort and the remains of an iron age settlement.  Defensive ditches and mounds were only needed to protect part of the site as the sea cliffs made both a pleasant home and protection from strangers.

A few of our group took the opportunity for a welcome cooling paddle at a large sandy bay, the sea breezes masking the heat of the day which we were to experience as we turned back inland to finish our walk.  Houses and farms in the area have been purchased by the MOD, many used during exercises, except, perhaps this old mill.

The Old Mill, now a little damp underfoot

A pleasant half-hour was spent in Bosherston, perhaps to enjoy a cream tea, or see the water lily ponds a few even enjoyed the pleasures of the local hostelry.

Many thanks to both Peter and Nickie of the National Park Authority for an informative and enjoyable 8 mile walk.  Also thanks need to go to Eva and Caroline for organising this away day.