Porth Clais – St. Justinian’s 

15 members assembled in Porth Clais National Trust car park for a 10.30 start and were treated to bright sunshine which promised to be with us for the duration of the walk. A warm welcome was extended to everyone and the introduction of 3 new faces to the group, Michael a newbie and a couple having recently move to Pembrokeshire, Stephen and Di, already members. After a briefing of the route and conditions to be expected the group set off with enthusiasm.

Turning immediately right out of the car park we headed up hill along a quiet country lane heading inland toward Treginnis. With the elevation, there were wonderful views across and down the valley toward St Davids and the coast. At the crossroads we turned left again along a narrow country road turning right at Pencnwc Farm and taking the bridleway immediately on the left. The start of the path can at times be very wet and muddy, but fortunately, we were spared this due to the recent dry spell. Arriving at the gate at the end of the path we continued to skirt around 3 fields and onto a further wide pathway.
From here we had our first real view across Ramsey Sound toward the Island and beyond. Today’s view was exceptionally stunning clear.

Following the lane, we past below Carn Rhosson turning left onto the road leading to St Justinian’s and the RNLI Lifeboat Station and left again onto the Coast Path. We stopped for a coffee break above the new lifeboat station and were once again able to enjoy the stunning views.

Following the coast path, we pass one of the tidal energy schemes sited in the sound before skirting around the disused Cuba Copper Mine. We stopped for lunch around 12.30 above Porth Henllys bay with views across to the Southern tip of Ramsey Island and Ynys Berry and the pond inland from the path. Whilst there we were treated to several flypasts by the local duck “squadron” keeping formation as they wheeled their way over and around us and the nearby pond.

Once suitably fed and watered we continued our way to scramble to the top of Porth-henllys descending past the second tidal energy site and onto Porthlysgi Bay. A quick water break and an invite to anyone to “skinny dip”. Thankfully there were no takers. On once again to the top of the cliff and out along the peninsular looking back toward Ramsey Island with Carreg yr Esgob and Carreg Fran below us.

Where the path separated above Ogof Lle - sugn, Helen kindly volunteered to take some of the group along the upper, safer path to the final gate before dropping down and into the harbour at Porth Calis

Safely back with all our numbers intact by 2.30. Some of us lingered before heading home to enjoy a cuppa or ice cream from the kiosk and to soak up the sun’s rays.

An enjoyable and leisurely walk with wonderful views and weather, the pace allowing everyone to take in the magnificence that is Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

Thanks to everyone for turning out but a special thanks to Helen for volunteering to lead the alternative route and for Tony and his excellent back marking.

A very good day indeed.

John