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Pembrokeshire must surely be one
of the most beautiful and varied counties in Britain. The coastline
is rugged and imposing and is accessible along almost its whole
length via the 187 mile long coastal path. This provides unforgettable
walking on what many believe is one of the World's premier long
distance routes. Throughout the year but particularly during
the season, the Pembrokeshire Coastal Bus Service runs a
series of shuttles, collecting hikers from the end of their walks
& returning them to their cars (or vice Versa). Alternatively,
there are numerous mapped out circular walks - see Pembrokeshire Coast, Walks in the Park.
There are numerous beautiful sandy beaches, many of which
remain peaceful, even in high season. Marloes Sands is totally
unspoilt and must be one of the
loveliest anywhere, yet is only 12 miles from Haroldston.
The coast is dotted with havens of all kinds, from the picturesque
little harbour at Solva to the busy industrial port at Milford
Haven.
Regular ferries to Ireland are available at Fishguard and
Pembroke Dock. The crossing to Rosslare is inexpensive and takes
only 4 hours, so a day trip is both practical and economical.
For the bird-watching fraternity, regular boat trips are available
to Pembrokeshires numerous island reserves, most notably,
Skomer, Ramsey and Caldey. In the spring and early summer, the
islands are worth a visit for the enchanting puffins alone. The
picture below was taken on Skomer with an ordinary camera (no
telephoto lens) which gives a measure of just how bold these
cute little birds are!
The county also has the only coastal national park in the
UK. For more information, please also see RSPB home page, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and Wildlife
West Wales.
Turning inland, the Preseli Hills contains a feast of beauty
spots and wide vistas, from
sweeping moorlands, to exquisite valleys; from mysterious forests
to sparkling lakes. Even here, there is plenty for the historian.
The stone circle, at Pentre Ifan, is constructed from the same
locally quarried stone as is Stonehenge.
Driving in Pembrokeshire is a real pleasurable experience,
particularly for those harassed commuters who are only too familiar
with grid-locked roads. Even in high season, traffic jams are
rare and any minor queue disperses quickly.
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