X1 Sports are based in the sunny climes of Bristol and consequently we benefit from being able to get down to the South West, South Coast and even up North to the Lakes pretty easily. However for me the best local resource to get away to has got to be Pembrokeshire. I love it down there as it is never as busy or expensive as Devon and Cornwall, closer then the lakes, more diverse than the South Coast and offers everything that and adventure playground should.
However, the other thing that makes it such a wonderful place is that it gets better in winter.
Did you know that the Pembrokeshire coastline is the only protected coastline in the country? It is also one of 15 national parks and has more blue flag or seaside award winning beaches than any other county in the country. OK so you probably aren’t going to run down the beach and dive head first into the sea at any opportunity but, it does mean that you are going to get some breathtaking views.
Pembrokeshire is Wales’ oldest landscape. This means that wherever you go, be it bike, walk, climb or kayak you will stumble across some kind of geological, archeological or historical stunning landscape.
The Coast Path running around the coastline snakes and meanders for a staggering 186 scenic miles. on the one side you have the rugged and often treacherous looking cliffs and drop offs while just inside that is the lush green Welsh countryside. There are 100m limestone cliffs interspersed with golden sanded beaches and beautiful ancient woodland.
I am not suggesting that you try and walk the full 186 miles as it would take a good two weeks to do that, especially in winter but as you might expect some parts are better than others for an adventure break.
The classic and most often quoted part I would say is St Govan’s. It is a climbing mecca as there are some classic routes and locations for all sorts of climbing including Deep Water Soloing
As well as the renowned climbing there is also lots to see too. The 6th Century Chapel is a must see highlight. It is a breathtaking view as it seemingly climbs for dear life at the foot of the cliffs plus there are the natural wave formations in the waves, Bosherston’s century-old “lily pond” and huntsman’s leap- the huge natural chasm between two limestone cliffs (although I wouldn’t recommend jumping off!)
For more information about what to do activity wise I would suggest having a little look at the local activity guide. This site has tidal timetables and all sorts of guides and maps to help you with mountain biking and other things too.
But remember it is not just for climbers and walkers, there is fantastic kayaking and surfing too so you need to be bold and take a closer look.
If you want somewhere to stay then check out the Lamphey Court Hotel and Spa at the top end, East Trewent Farm for middle of the road and Trefalen Farm for the camping option.
If you don’t want to rely on using your car then there is a public transport option. The Coastal Cruiser follows a circular route from the Castlemartin Peninsular stopping at all the best locations. It also stops in Pembroke so you can hop on it from the train station too. It rubs early in the morning and early evening running throughout the winter month sand even allows you to take your bikes and boards on it to.
So, as you can see, Pembrokeshire has so much to offer all through the year…so what areyou waiting for.
Tags: climbing, Huntsman's Leap, Pembrokeshire, St Govans, trekking, walking