Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
the remains of 130 hut circles have been found. Although the island appears accessible at low tide, it is surroun-
ded by slippery jagged rocks and steep cliffs. Walk on, though, and you'll soon pass the earthwork ramparts of a
grand
promontory fort
. Atlantic storms batter this section of coast and active erosion threatens the sheer red
cliffs streaked with yellow algae. Continue on, enjoying the views over Skomer and Skokholm to the tip of the
peninsula to
Martin's Haven
. This tiny village is the base for Skomer Island boat trips and the office of the
Skomer Marine Nature Reserve, which has an interesting display on the underwater environment. Set into the
wall next to the office is a
Celtic cross
, which may date from the 7th century. Around the headland the cliffs
change from red to black, and after an hour you'll reach the lovely beach at
Musselwick Sands
. There are
fine views over St Bride's Bay and across to St Davids and Ramsey Island.
St Brides Haven
is a further 2
miles down the track, with the headland dominated by a Victorian faux-castle, once owned by the Barons of
Kensington. A reasonably easy 5-mile stretch leads to
Little Haven
, separated by rocks from
Broad
Haven
. From the path you'll be able to assess the tide and decide whether to follow the busy road or cross via
the beach. Little Haven is a pretty village with restaurants and several B&Bs.
Sleeping
Marloes Sands YHA
( 0845 371 9333;
www.yha.org.uk
; Runwayskiln, Marloes; dm/tw from £18/49; Easter-Oct; )
Housed
in a group of National Trust-owned farm buildings near the coast path above Marloes
Sands, this hostel offers a mixture of dorms and private rooms.
HOSTEL
£
Getting There & Away
The Puffin Shuttle stops at Dale, Marloes and Martin's Haven.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Skomer, Skokholm & Grassholm Islands
The rocky islands that lie in the turbulent, tide-ripped waters at the south end of St Brides
Bay are one of the richest wildlife environments in Britain. In the nesting season, Skomer
and Skokholm Islands are home to more than half a million sea birds, including guille-
mots, razorbills, puffins, storm petrels and a significant colony of Manx shearwaters.
These unusual birds nest in burrows and after a day spent feeding at sea return to their
nests under the cover of darkness. Grey seals are also plentiful on Skomer, especially in
the pupping season (September).
