Yesterday was a shock to the system after a mince-pie-filled festive break; I slept from 9pm to 8am. I’m glad it’s a short walk today.
The path winds down to the pretty harbour at Lower Town before climbing up to a fort at Castle Point. There’s a sheltered grassy area within the old walls that would make for a wonderful wild camping spot.
The fort has an interesting history. In 1779 an American privateer, the Black Prince, captured a local ship and demanded a ransom of £1,000 from the townsfolk. The Black Prince was commissioned by the US government to attack British targets, as part of their efforts to gain independence. The ransom was bravely refused and the Black Prince responded by bombarding the town. The fort was built to prevent similar attacks in the future.
It’s breezy but dry and not as wild as yesterday.
The trail provides gorgeous views, skirting dramatic cliffs and passing through several valleys covered in crisp copper ferns. Two guys approach from the opposite direction, buffeted by the wind. They walk a section of the coast every Friday, which is a nice way to do it.
Dinas Head is gloriously windswept with fine views in all directions.
The remains of the medieval church of St Brynach at Cwm-yr-Eglwys are a perfect spot for lunch.
Turning into Newport Bay, it’s nice to finish comfortably in daylight and grab a bus back to Fishguard.
Walk distance: 12 miles.
Total distance: 2,521 miles.
🚶♂️🤙🤗