Nuclear Bunker and Medieval Trails
The abandoned 1980’s Nuclear Bunker at Tempelton Airfield was the start point for 17 walkers on a nine-mile circular route going east in the direction of Folly Farm and returning through Templeton.
After a short walk inside the airfield perimeter fence it was a longer walk by country road to Reynalton to connect with the Landsker Borderlands Trail. This is a 60mile walking trail that meanders through south Pembrokeshire and parts of Carmarthenshire.
Heading east from Reynalton along the sunken bridleway, festooned with fox gloves and other wild flowers, the Landsker joins the route of the Miners Walk trail as you approach Thomas Chapel. At this point both trails head north through woods and farmland to the main road just north of Folly Farm. (Many thanks to PCC Countryside Access team for recently clearing some overgrown sections of this path).
The weather was warm and sunny so before crossing the busy main road lunch was consumed on a sunny meadow slope looking back towards Templeton.
After crossing the busy main road, the route continued along Ryelands Lane and over the rail bridge. From this point it was down a farm access track to the north edge of Kilgetty Woods, here the Miners Walk splits off south to Kilgetty and the Landsker Trail continues north past Pen-y-cwm-slack to the road.
On reaching the road the Landsker continues east to Ludchurch but this walk was west along the quiet country road to Mabes Mill. Approaching Mabes Mill there is a wide track on the right into the plantation, after a brief stop for water it was uphill through the plantation then descending along the sunken lane to the ford below Rowson. It was at this point that the route connected with the Knights’ Way which is a medieval trail between Amroth and Blackpool Mill.
The walkers proceeded along this route into Templeton then north on the sunken lane to a path junction for Templeton Airfield. From here it was a straight forward walk downhill away from the Knights’ Way back to the start point at the bunker, arriving just after 4pm. Those who did not want to rush home and see the result of the tennis at Wimbledon headed for the Boars Head for an enjoyable drink.
Many thanks to all who attended and, in their words, enjoyable walk.
John Reeves - walk leader
