Marloes and Dale peninsulas 31 km

Beautiful hike around the Marloes and Dale peninsulas which largely follows the Pembrokeshire Coast Path and crosses inland between Musselwick Sands and Gann Estuary. The walk offers steep cliffs, beautiful beaches, an estuary, quiet countryside, the picturesque village of Dale, views of several offshore islands, lighthouses, moors, a disused airfield and much more. Be aware this hike takes you along steep cliffs: be careful and stay away from the edge. The route crosses a bridge in the Gann estuary which is only accessible 3.5 hours either side of low tide (see waypoint). Choose your starting point and direction in such a way that you can make this crossing. As the beaches are better visible and more beautiful at lower tide, it is best to plan your hike in such a way to make most of the low-tide anyway. Do not forget your binoculars as I saw gannets diving for fish, raven, egrets, and seals, among others. Hiking times Martin’s Haven-Marloes 1:10 hours; Marloes-Gann Estuary 1:05 hours; Gann estuary-Dale 0:30 hours; Dale-St. Ann’s Head 1:40 hours (incl. visit to three beaches); St. Ann’s Head-Westdale Bay 1:05 hours; Westdale Bay- Martin’s Haven 2:15. Hiking times are approximate and include some time for taking pictures, etc.
The hike starts at the parking lot at Martin’s Haven, which is where the ferry to Skomer leaves, but you could alternatively start e.g. at Marloes, Dale, or Pickleridge. You follow the Coast Path along St Brides Bay towards Musselwick Sands, where you could go down to along some black rocks. Here you leave the coast path and go to Marloes and then follow public foot paths through the fields towards Mullock bridge passing by Winterton farm. Here there were some stretches through fields with young cattle very interested in me, following me closely to the stiles at the edge of the fields (not suited for dogs). At Mullock bridge you get to the asphalt road and follow this to Mullock, where you go south towards the Gann estuary. At the mouth of the estuary you find the bridge (see waypoint) you can only cross at low-tide. After the bridge you follow the Pickleridge dam to the asphalt road taking you to Dale. From Dale, you follow the small asphalt road towards Dale Fort Field Centre (private property) and a about 200 hundred meters before the Fort you turn right on the Coast Path which you follow all the way to the lighthouse at St. Ann’s Head. On the way, I visited 3 beaches, at Castlebeach Bay, Watwick Bay and Mill Bay. At St. Ann’s Head there is a short path taking you to some awesome rock formations (mind the drop) and back. From there you follow the coast path towards Westdale Bay. Here you have a great view of Skokholm Island, and later also of Skomer and Grasholm in the distance. Near Westdale Bay you have a good view of Dale and Dale castle. You can descend to the beach at Westdale Bay and then continue on the Coast path. After climbing up the cliff you take a small detour to the disused airfield (see waypoint), and afterwards continue on the coast path towards the beautiful beach at Marloes Sands. I took a swim here, and then continued past Gateholm Island towards Martin’s Haven. Near Martin’s Haven you take a detour to Wooltack Point where I saw gannets diving for fish close to the coast, and to a lookout point where you have a great view of Skomer, St Brides Bay and Marloes peninsula.
The only places where you can find something to eat and drink are Marloes and Dale, and a kiosk at the ferry in Martin’s Haven. If you have less time you could skip the Dale peninsula and turn inland at Dale past the castle on the public footpath towards Westdale Bay. This would save you about 9.5 km or 3 hours.