Freshwater East to Manorbier

Despite some very poor weather conditions there was a good turnout with 11 ramblers braving the floods and rain to do a nine-mile walk in the Freshwater East - Manorbier area.

The intrepid group started off from the main car park at Freshwater East and enjoyed a short stroll across the beach before taking the steep path up the cliffs and then on to the little car park.

They made their way to Hodgeston via a 'green lane' which at that point was more of a 'brown river'!  Worse was to come as they negotiated some deeply flooded roads en route to the pretty village of Manorbier Newton where a much needed coffee stop was taken.

 From Manorbier Newton the group went along Haylands Lane through a field system that dates back to medieval times before arriving in the old mining village of Jameston.  They then took some paths across the fields and eventually dropped into Manorbier, passing by the old Dovecote at the bottom of the village and enjoying fine views of the castle.

 At this point the rain eased up and the ramblers were able to enjoy a lunch stop on Manorbier beach.  The route back was along the coast path.  Again the weather was kind and everyone was able to enjoy fine views over to Stackpole Head and beyond.

The Longhouse at Freshwater East provided a very welcome finishing point and much needed refreshments after a very memorable (and very wet!) day out.