This circular walk heads north on the coast path from the beachfront at Broad Haven to Nolton Haven, returning to the start via quiet country lanes.

Heavy overnight rain had given way to a much fresher day with sun and light cloud cover, very pleasant conditions for a coastal walk in November.

We parked near Broad Haven YHA (car park at Millmoor Road, SA62 3JH) an access path leads directly to the beachfront road where we began this walk. Broad Haven is a popular holiday place in summer, but at this time of year it’s more relaxed and much quieter.

We walked to the end of the elevated footpath alongside the beach, where at the far end there’s an interesting rock formation which has eroded to a sphinx-like profile.

The coast path leads uphill to reach the headland with some fine views back across the golden sands of Broad Haven with the low tide waters glistening in the low winter sun.

The path leads across gently undulating terrain, set back from the sloping cliffs for some easy walking with clear views in all directions.

The earlier heavy rain had left large puddles along sections of the path which became heavy going and slippery in parts. The cliffs along this section have some peculiar names, a ‘Settling Nose’ leads on to heavily eroded and crumbling cliffs at ‘Haroldston Chins’.

A section of surfaced path has been made accessible for wheelchair users with a link path from a convenient parking bay off Welsh Road. A viewpoint overlooks the coastline near Haroldston Chins and there’s a splendid view of the coast towards Druidston Haven.

The coast path continues but takes a detour inland around the Druidston Hotel, which is in an outstanding elevated position high above the beach. It’s a popular spot particularly on summer evenings when visitors can sit in the grounds with drinks to watch amazing sunsets over the bay. If you’re just walking by though, the many ‘no access’ signs let you know that if you’re not a customer then keep going by the less scenic, long way around! A wonderful setting though and a place to note for a future visit.

After a short section of road, the path heads down through a pretty valley alongside a stream which gently flows on to the beach at Druidston Haven.

When the opportunity presents itself, it’s always worthwhile taking a stroll on a beach, particularly in winter. So we enjoyed a short detour out on to the sloping bank of pebbles which hems the wide golden swathe of sandy beach.

Returning to the path, a set of steep steps set into a hillside stretches the hamstrings on the way up to the headland above the beach. The path meanders along the clifftops, providing a spectacular view as the late afternoon sun reflects off the sea.

As the path turns, a look back inland reveals one of the landmarks along this section, an ‘eco-house’ nestled into the surrounding landscape. Colloquially known as the ‘teletubbies house’ it’s certainly an interesting property and a head-turner.

The path continues above clifftops at ‘Big Boulder Gully’ with more magnificent views back towards Druidston from the headland above Madoc’s Haven North.

The path climbs a headland and at the turn there’s a wonderful first view of the cove at Nolton Haven. The walk downhill from here was a very muddy affair as the path was waterlogged with run off from adjacent fields making it a hard slog, albeit for a thankfully short distance.

With our mud-soaked boots requiring some drying off before walking back to Broad Haven, we made our way to the beach to sit on a bench facing the sea. We had the place to ourselves, not another soul about and the only sound from waves rolling in at the mouth of the bay.

Our boots a bit drier we set out walking back along Welsh Road, a quiet country lane leading directly into Broad Haven. We reached the town just as the sun was setting on our final coast walk in Pembrokeshire of 2021.

Route Recap

> Walk distance ~ Coast Path 3.8 miles (7.7 miles / with return to start).

> Time ~ 3 + hours to allow for beach strolls, viewpoints and photography.

> Rest Stops Information ~ Some facilities along this section ( not used so no recommendations):

~ The Druidston ( bar and restaurant) access for customers only;

~ At Nolton Haven:

Mariners Inn pub – important to note the bar is only open evenings during winter;

The Haven Brasserie (smart restaurant pre- booking advised);

Car park opposite the beach with toilets block;

~ At Broad Haven – a good choice of Cafes and pubs along the beachfront road.

Thanks for reading, have a Happy New Year and join us again for more coast walks in 2022.