Skrinkle to St Florence Saturday 15th January 2022
There was a cool breeze blowing across the car park at Skrinkle Haven as 21 walkers set out along the Coast Path towards Lydstep, although overcast no rain was forecast so that was a positive.
The first obstacle on the walk was the steep decent to the beach when approaching Lydstep Point.
The path becomes narrow in places and is quite rocky, good balance and walking poles were needed to reach the bottom. Once at the bottom you needed good legs again to climb to 90 plus steps to Lydstep Point.
After following the cliff tops around the Point, we headed inland to the village and across the main road to the path leading to the rail crossing.
We had a short coffee break before we crossed the rail line, then headed up hill, over several challenging stiles to The Ridgeway.
Once over The Ridgeway it was downhill and through the mud to St. Florence.
We made good use of the ample seating beside the river for our lunch break before heading back uphill, through more mud, to The Ridgeway.
Once across the road it was a welcome mud free road walk down passed Manorbier station to the main Pembroke / Tenby road. From here it was a straightforward walk across fields and farm tracks to the beach car park at Manorbier.
This walk had been fully booked and as there was a waiting list of ten walkers June Howell had offered to lead another walk for those not on the first walk. Thanks June.
As we were approaching the car park, we met June and her group heading in the opposite direction.
After leaving the car park we did not take the Coast Path but took the back lane through Manorbier which led us back to Skrinkle and the cars just before 3.30.
Our custom of having a drink after a walk was almost thwarted as most of the pubs in the area were not yet open so eight of us eventually took our refreshment at the King’s Arms in Pembroke.
As is now usual some of our ladies chose to take an open water swim after the walk. I thanked them for the invitation to join in but no thanks.
Many thanks to all the walkers and to June for leading an alternative walk.
Walk leader
John Reeves
