The next stage walk 13 is from the Pwllcrochan Church to Pembroke town, a distance of 6.6 miles on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.

From Pwllcrochan Church we headed east along a country lane and then followed the coast path way-markers around the boundary of the power station. The large site is surprisingly well hidden from the path, being mostly out of view apart from a series of tall chimneys and pylons, as woodland screens it very well.

After the power station we crossed some fields and at one gate encountered a beautiful sight, a protective mare with a very young foal.

The open fields provide some nice views across the Pembroke river as the path heads inland following the line of a tidal inlet.

At a number of places the path winds it way through natural native woodland glades, as in the photo below the track is flanked by banks of white flowering wild garlic and wildflowers attracting many butterflies.

Back in open countryside and crossing fields the path joins a quiet country lane. As we walked along this lane, accompanied only by the sound of birds chirping merrily in the hedgerows, suddenly from nowhere we were startled as a Sparrow Hawk swooped onto the hedgerow alongside us and in an instant seized a young sparrow in its talons and then took flight above our heads. It was over in seconds but our close up view brought to mind the old saying “Nature in the raw is seldom mild”.

Turning off the lane we headed back into countryside and a tranquil walk across  farmland and fields, before the track winds through a pleasant woodland valley.

Occasionally there’s a fine view such as the tidal mudflats at Goldborough Pill and a glimpse into the past with the remains of an old ivy covered lime kiln.

From here on it’s a walk through bland streets at Hundleton, around a tidal inlet known as Quoits Mill before more highway through Monkton, and down “The Awkward Hill” with its row of quaint old cottages.

A short walk downhill and directly ahead is the magnificent Pembroke Castle one of the most impressive and largest Norman Castles in Britain.

The path runs below the ridge on which the Castle was built, it’s walls and towers high above you on one side. the calm waters of the Castle Mill Pond on the other side.

The Castle holds a place in British history as the birthplace of Henry VII and the Tudor dynasty. There’s an impressive statue on the bridge of Henry Tudor.

On crossing the bridge we finished the walk at The Quayside Cafe a great little place with plenty of choices for snacks and drinks. Pembroke is an historic town and it’s worth finding time for a wander around the ponds either side of the bridge, Main Street and a visit to the castle.

Our accommodation for this and the previous walk was The Connaught Guest House, convenient for all amenities on Main Street and ideal as a base for walkers and visitors looking to explore the wider area.

This walk was over 6 miles one way, 13 miles in total with the return. With sections of woodland, countryside and fields along the way it was a very pleasant easy walk. With this section done we’ve completed 56 miles on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.