Walk 5 covers the coast between Trewent Holiday Park at Freshwater East and heading eastwards to Manorbier Village.

Trewent Park is a pleasant holiday chalet village nearby the Freshwater East Bay, which has a superb wide arc of sandy beach flanked on each side by sloping hillsides.

This walk begins from the old stone bridge over the freshwater stream near to Trewent Park. As usual, the coast path is clearly way marked by posts with the familiar acorn icon directing the way across the dunes behind the beach. The path climbs steadily uphill with a great view of the series of headlands which gradually “step” towards Manorbier in the distance.

Continuing to climb uphill and through woodland, a clearing with a viewpoint overlooks the beach and provides a fine view of the natural arc of the bay and the Trewent Point headland opposite.

Continuing onwards the wooded hillside soon gives way to open fields as the path trails along the top of gently sloping cliffs and there are outstanding coastal views to Freshwater East in the far distance.

There are occasional surprises too as the path skims near the edge in places, above some steep cliff sides with dramatic sheer rock features which contrast with the lovely turquoise hued waters.

As the walk continues along the cliff tops, Swanlake Bay comes into view and with the backdrop of countless farm fields into the distance it’s stunning scenery of both coast and countryside.

At Swanlake Bay we headed down onto the deserted beach with the only sound being the waves gently breaking on to the shore.

Back on the path there’s a gradual climb across a sloping hillside (the track can be seen on the photo above) to reach a headland. Take the opportunity to pause here and appreciate the views of stunning coastal scenery.

We soon reach another headland and Manorbier Bay comes into view, albeit obscured by a mid morning mist rolling in low over the sea for a dramatic effect. The path meanders steeply on a zigzag track downhill.

From here the path trails along sloping ground high above the rugged and rocky coastline.  There are open views on the approach to Manorbier Beach with fine views of the headland known as “Priest’s Nose” on the opposite side of the bay.

We follow the path across the cliff side on a gentle incline until reaching the magnificent Manorbier Beach. It’s a popular spot during the summer when on a fine day the beach scene is perhaps as good as any in the med!

From the beach we made our way uphill along the roadside below Manorbier Castle into the village for the customary end of walk refreshments. The Beach Break Tearooms is a lovely quaint place with a fine range of food and drinks and a great place for a stop off at the end of a coast walk. A short distance up the road is the local pub, The Castle Inn which has snug bars and a fine beer garden.

Route Recap

Distance – A return back along the coast path makes an ‘out and back’ walk of about 5 1/2 miles.

Time – allow about 2 1/2 to 3 hours to include time for a wander on the beach and a refreshment break in the village.

This is a very enjoyable short walk along a beautiful section of the Pembrokeshire coastline, the raised aspect offering some wonderful wide views along the way.