Llanstadwell - history and murder mystery.
This was a longer version of a walk I led last November but with a new start and finish point.
Leaving the layby beside Lewis’ Garage near Neyland the 21 walkers proceeded along quiet lanes to the entrance of Scoveston Fort. The site looks as if it is a wooded hillside but is in fact a 19th century fortification now obscured by trees and scrub.
From here it was through fields, with inquisitive cattle, to Waterson and the entrance of the old Gulf Oil Refinery. Here I explained the history of the site to the group, several of whom had moved to the area since the closure of the refinery.
It was threatening rain so we donned our wet weather gear before walking the stretch of road that connects with the Coast Path at the entrance to Venn Farm.
Once on the Coast path it was through fields and woodland to the shoreline of Milford Haven. The weather had not improved and a damp lunch was taken beneath trees beside the refinery perimeter fence. After lunch the rain soon ceased and we removed our waterproofs when we reached Hazelbeach.
From Hazelbeach it was away from the Coast Path and along the bridleway to Hazel Hill House.
I explained the areas connection with the notorious John Cooper who had carried out several burglaries here in the 1980’s and 1990’s, we then retraced our route via the field of cattle encountered that morning, to Leonardston.
From here it was a straightforward walk back to the start.
The weather was still kind to us and we managed to grab a drink in the garden of the Rose and Willow before heading for home.
Many thanks to all who attended.
John Reeves
Walk leader
