Walk 16 started on the western side of Sandy Haven, our previous walk having reached the eastern side of this tidal inlet.

There’s very limited parking on this side of the Haven, a layby on the country lane near Skerryback Farm provides a safe space only a short distance uphill from the lane which leads down to the inlet.

A short distance down the lane past some quaint mariners cottages leads onto Sandy Haven. At low tide on a cloudy day the west side of the crossing was less sandy, more a stony and algae covered surface. The crossing linking both sides is accessible only for a few hours each day so if your coast walk includes crossing this area then it’s important to check tide times to avoid a lengthy detour inland.

After a stroll around the Haven, we returned up the lane and headed westwards, following the coast path waymarkers to a set of steps leading through woodland. It was a pleasant walk along the top of tree lined slopes above the waterway and then along the edge of farm fields.
As the path opens up along low cliff tops, it’s welcome that the industry seen on the previous walks is now behind us as more familiar Pembrokeshire coastal scenery comes into view above the secluded cove at ‘Sleeping Bay’.

The path drops and climbs between headlands which are the sites of 2 ancient Iron Age promontory forts, Little Castle Head and Great Castle Head. The coastline on this stretch has numerous red and darkened craggy rocks, such as those seen at Butt’s Bay.

The scenery becomes more impressive as huge sandstone cliffs contrast with gorse and heather covered headlands, the coast path passing above the jagged rocks of Rooks Nest Point before overlooking the wide golden sands of Lindsway Beach.

A steep set of steps lead down to the beach, which may have been an option to explore on a better day. However due to the inclement weather and driving rain we decided against venturing down onto the beach and continued along the coastal path.

A short distance ahead is the ruin of an ivy covered gothic tower. The structure is a listed monument a ‘picturesque castellated folly in a prominent clifftop location’. Folly towers were fashionable in the 1700’s on the estates of landed gentry, usually built on prominent ridges with romantic aspects and commanding views of beautiful surrounding landscape. So this one fits the bill nicely in this clifftop setting.

After passing the tower the path descends into an ancient woodland valley leading to a secluded and sheltered pebble cove with a high walled entrance.

Monk Haven is said to be so named as a monastery was once established in the nearby valley and the cove provided a safe landing point for early Christian pilgrims.

It’s a secluded spot, with only the sound of waves upon a richly coloured pebbled beach breaking the silence.

A footpath leads inland, away from the Coast Path and we later discovered this is an access path to the Monk Haven Manor estate which offers a range of holiday accommodation and looks ideal for a short peaceful break in this area. Perhaps we’ll be tempted back.

We continued on the coast path as it winds its way along the lightly wooded slopes flanking the tidal estuary at Musselwick before emerging on to pebble covered banks where a Coast Path way-marker lets you know you’re ‘Ar Y Traeth’ , On the beach.

As The Gann will be the start point of Walk 17, to complete this walk we headed inland at this point, returning to Sandy Haven via country lanes, passing character cottages and the small village of St. Ishmael’s.

In summary, Walk 16 was an easy going circular route covering a distance of 7.1 miles, which includes 4 miles of Pembrokeshire Coast Path.

Join us again for the next stage of our walks on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.