Places of Interest

A. Stackpole Quay: The Quay was built in the 18th century, to ship out limestone from the nearby quarry and bring in luxury goods for Stackpole Court. The national Trust has converted the nearby farm buildings into holiday cottages and the quarry is now used for outdoor educational activities. Half a mile west of Stackpole Quay is one of the loveliest beaches in Pembrokeshire. It is managed by the National Trust, it was formerly part of the Stackpole Estate. The steps down to the beach were once lined with ornamental columns and trees. The wall was built to keep deer inside the estate grounds. From the steps you can see a "smugglers cave" in the cliff opposite. The natural arches on the southern headland are known as the lattice windows.

B. Stackpole Head: This headland is a famous breeding ground for Kittiwakes, Razorbills, Fulmars and Guillemots. You may also see Chough and puffins. There are a number of blow-holes (collapsed cave roofs) through which the sea spouts on stormy days. Some of these were originally sea caves but others were cave systems formed by underground streams.

C. Broad Haven South: This pleasant beach is backed by sand dunes which are an important habitat for wildlife. Offshore is a dramatically-shaped limestone stack known as Church Rock. The stream running down to the beach drains from the Bosherton lakes, part of the Stackpole Estate. In the 18th century the estate was owned by the Campbell family, Earls of Cawdor, who created the lakes by damming three limestone valleys. In 1977 the National Trust took over 810 hectares (2,000 acres) of the estate. The lakes cover 32 hectares (80 acres) and support a rick variety of wildlife including otters, water-fowl, dragonflies and water lilies. They now form part of a National nature reserve managed jointly by the National trust and the Countryside Council for Wales.

D. St Govan's chapel: The tiny chapel of St Govan is tucked into a cleft at the foot of the cliffs. It's reached by a steep, uneven flight of steps. Tradition says these can never be correctly counted. The chapel dates from the 13th century but its foundations are thought to be much older. St Govan was probably Gobhan, an Irish abbot who retired to live here as a hermit in the 6th century, nut he is sometimes identified with the Arthurian knight Sir Gawain. On one occasion, St Govan is said to have hidden from pirates in a narrow fissure near the alter, leaving the imprint of his ribs in the rocks. Below the chapel is a holy well, believed to cure eye problems, rheumatism and lameness. Even in the 19th century the alter was frequently covered in abandoned crutches.

E. Huntsman's Leap: Huntsman's Leap is a narrow steep sided inlet formed by sea erosion along a fault line. Legend has it that a huntsman urged his horse over the chasm, landed safely, then looked back and dropped dead from shock when he saw the distance he had jumped. Next to this inlet is another fault line, known as Stennis Ford, which probably takes its name from the Norse "fiord".

F. Green Bridge and Stack Rocks: Here lies the "Green Bridge of Wales" a natural arch. Arches are usually formed by the sea cutting through a narrow headland. Near the Green Bridge are two immense pillars know as the Stack Rocks or Elegug Stacks. These were once part of another arch which has now collapsed. The stacks and cliffs provide nesting ledges in spring and summer for a wide variety of sea birds including Guillemots, Razorbills, Kittiwakes, Fulmars and Cormorants. Also seen along this stretch are Chough and Peregrines.

G. Freshwater West: The extensive dunes are a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). In the past, the beach was famous for the edible seaweed Porphyra umbilicalis, which can be washed, cooked and mashed to make a traditional delicacy know as laver bread. About 20 small huts for storing the seaweed were once located here. Only one remains, recently rebuilt by the national Park Authority. Bathing here is dangerous and there are quicksands at the north end of the beach. A submerged forest is visible at low tide.