2024 Walking South Pembrokeshire - Day 3

Saturday 27th April

Manorbier to Bosherston via Freshwater East and Stackpole Quay

Only once before on my 10 previous walks have I had to contend with such rain!! We woke up today to fairly heavy rain and a bit of a blow from the east. Still, I couldn't let a drop of rain stop play!! 

We arrived at Manorbier castle where it was still raining so waterproof jacket plus a very lightweight, fetching, blue 'poncho' was dress-order for this walk. The castle was the birthplace of Giraldus Cambrensis (Gerald of Wales; 1146–1223), one of Wales's greatest scholars and patriots. Initially it was a motte-and-bailey castle which had a wooden keep defended by a palisade and earthworks embankments. In the early part of the 12th century, William de Barri used locally quarried Limestone to strengthen the fortification. 

 I think the Number 5 sign refers to the Mental Age of anyone mad enough to walk on a morning like this!!

The rain stayed with me down to near the beach and back up beside what I used to know (in my childhood - many moons ago) as the Dak Café. I think its a private house now. This was where a decision had to be made. Take the Coastal Path or the road? I decided that, given the weather, the rough terrain, my less than youthful legs plus my newly discovered "Old Codgers!" sense of unbalance, I had better stick to the road. 

It was, for the most part a fairly quiet, narrow tarmac 'track' rather than road. The route followed the kind of Pembrokeshire lane that terrifies most tourists given its narrow, high-banked, twisting nature. 

As I climbed back up, heading for Freshwater East, I could admire the view and the ever lightening sky. 

Maybe the rain would ease? 

I could but hope.

The going was good if a little wet and muddy and I was soon at the start of Freshwater East. 

Down the hill to the Park where our chalet is situated and then back up the lane to Trewent and onwards to Stackpole Quay. 

I had thought to bag another Iron Age Fortified Promontory Fort between Trewent Point and Stackpole Quay. 

Even though I wasn't on the Coastal Path I thought I could get to it down a farm track; the farmer had other ideas. 

A barbed-wire wrapped gate with a heavy locked chain proved my undoing!! 

Soon I was heading down to Stackpole Quay which is probably one of my favourite swimming spots locally. There is a small quay in a little cove carved out by limestone quarrying in the past. When the tide is in it proves the ideal swimming pool; calm, sunny (when it's shining!) and usually child/dog free. 

The 'masses' head for Barafundle Bay in the summer which, when I was young, would be blissfully people-free even in the height of the season! People generally didn't walk back then (in the Dark Ages!!)

I met up with Denise in the NT café and we had an excellent cup of coffee each & I had the obligatory Bacon Roll!!

From there it was across the fields to Bosherston Lily Ponds on the NT property that was Stackpole Court. I wanted to visit because it tied in with the first day of my Scotland walk in 2022 when I roamed around Cawdor Estate woodland. 

The Cawdor's owned and lived at Stackpole Court after marrying a 'local' girl. They were mainly responsible for extending the Lily Ponds, a playground for the rich & landed gentry. 

The Court was requisitioned during the War and, according to local legend, was so badly trashed that the Cawdor's decided to demolish rather than refurbish the main house. 

I think it more likely that it was demolished to avoid Death Duties on a property that was surplus to requirements as the family had moved back up to Scotland. 

The land and remaining 'service' buildings were sold/gifted to the National Trust who keep it as an area to be enjoyed by everyone. 

The area around the Lily Ponds was another of my favourite haunts growing up. 

Little did I know, as a young teenager charging around the ponds and playing on the cliffs overlooking the ponds, that I was playing on Fishpond Camp, a promontory fort dating from the prehistoric era!!

After negotiating the last of the little footbridges across an arm of these extensive lakes I was able to make my way up to the car park where Denise was waiting. 

Another day done. 

Another 10+ miles completed.

No interviews today but the Milford Mercury has written an article about my walk. Please feel free to follow this rather lengthy link to the article: https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.milfordmercury.co.uk/news/24278737.pembroke-dock-veteran-72-sets-off-100-mile-solo-walk/&ct=ga&cd=CAEYACoUMTcyOTc2NDI1NzU4NTM4OTEwNDMyGjZjOTJhMzkwMTQ5Y2ViMjc6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AOvVaw0sQR2WVqSoY7uWTktfkj6v

Also, if you would like to donate to my two charities, The WRAC Association (which is free to join for all Female Military veterans and serving personnel) and the VC Gallery (Pembroke Dock) combating loneliness & social isolation for veterans and the community please follow the link:

 https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/fundraising/margs-pembrokeshire-100-mile-2024

2024 Walking South Pembrokeshire - Day 2

 Friday 26th April 2024

Tenby to Manorbier (& Beyond!!)

Tenby War Memorial

The day started with Denise trying to get herself run over taking a photo of me at the gates of Tenby War Memorial. 

The gates are on a very busy corner with a narrow pavement in front. The only place for the budding photographer to stand is right in the middle of the road. 

My wife is my hero - the things she does for me!! 

My reason for starting there is that the gate arch has two plaques, one either side at knee height. As you look at the gates the one on the left is to the ATS and the one on the right to the WRAC. 

A very misty Tenby in the background

You can probably guess from my clothes that the weather was not so good today. Mostly mizzle, some slightly heavier rain and the very occasional dry-ish spells. Needless to say, every time I decided it had stopped it started to rain even heavier!!

After Tenby my next point of interest was Penally Camp and Range (the coastal path has to take a detour away from the range Danger Area) 

Once I'd turned towards the sea opposite the camp I noticed an information panel explaining that the area had been used during WW1 to train soldiers for Trench Warfare.

I had another interview today with Richard Hatch of BFBS Radio. That's the second one! They go out at around 1.30pm on BFBS Afternoon. Even though I'd mentioned yesterday that Membership of the Association is now free for all female military, both veterans and serving, that had been edited out. 

More steps down &
hazardous limestone
path up again!

My next fortification was after I had climbed up the track from Lydstep Bay and then climbed back down . . . and then up again!! 

Oh Goody I heard myself mutter . . . . More steps!

Actually climbing down wasn't too bad even if it was a bit hard on the knees.

The problem I had already had and was about to have was clambering up (or down) a very worn, lumpy, wet pathway on limestone. Trip hazard nightmare. Poles were no use - it was back to baby-crawling up and bum-sliding down!!

After my scary ascent and once I'd rounded the corner and crested the headland I could see Skomar Defended Enclosure on the next headland an Iron Age structure. 

It certainly was well defended from the sea although I suspect much of the original enclosure on that side had crashed into the sea over the years. 

From the land side the mounds and ditches that would have protected its inhabitants were still visible although much diminished over time. 

I tried to take photos but my photography isn't good enough to show what my eye could see.

All I managed to convey was a rather pleasant green field with a few slopes. 

Never mind - at least I was aware of what had been there. Definitely something that I would have quite happily walked past previously without realizing what that little word "fort" on the map really meant.

Onwards I went towards my next 'goal' which, unfortunately, is on MOD land and not accessible during the week due to Live Firing! 

Old Castle Head Promontory Fort is on the headland to the south of Manorbier Camp. As its name suggests it was another fortified enclosure constructed on a headland. The cliffs around this part of Pembrokeshire are about 200 feet high so the sea was Iron Age inhabitants best defence. 

From here it was a brisk walk to Manorbier castle only stopping to say hello to the two MOD Guard Service personnel 'manning & womanning' the gates to Manorbier Camp.

We had a good chat & I forced my calling cards on them. 

I was so busy chatting to Kirsty & ?Steve? that, I'm sorry . . . . I think I've mis-remembered your name!! 

Put it down to senility!!

Manorbier was a welcome stop. I went into the castle but didn't need to pay the entrance fee as I only wanted a cup of coffee from the café. Well, I thought that was all I wanted until I saw the cheese scone. I explained to the lovely lady behind the counter that I was intending to stop my walk at the castle today and gave her my calling card. She very kindly only charged me for the Yummy Cheese Scone and also generously gave me £5 towards my walk. 

Another day under my belt. Another 14.7 miles under my belt (well, feet!!)

Tomorrow is Manorbier to Bosherston. Only 2 Iron Age fortifications to see or not see on the way. 

I'm going to be able to visit possibly my favourite part of South Pembrokeshire, Stackpole Quay. I do hope the café is open!!

If you  would like to sponsor me please follow the link to my Give as you Live page: https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/fundraising/margs-pembrokeshire-100-mile-2024

2024 Walking South Pembrokeshire - Day 1

Thursday 25th April

Llanteg (near Amroth) to Tenby

We thought we were up early enough (I hadn't slept much - too much going through my mind!) but but tomorrow I think we'll set off a bit earlier to miss the "rush-hour" traffic around Tenby!

We arrived at Llanteg and Denise dropped me off at the end of the lane by Trelessy Farm. I walked up the hill in search of my first "Fortification", a fortified enclosure overlooking the sea. I managed to get a good photo of the view from the field before and then carried on down the lane to the next gate!

Uh-oh!! A field full of very young, very inquisitive, cattle - my worst nightmare. 

I could just about see a ridged mound that might have been the enclosure (arrow marks the spot). I certainly wasn't going to get any closer!!

Once in Amroth I walked westward on the promenade with the sea to my left. There was a useful lo stop and then I had to do a little climb. I'd already dropped down over 400ft and now I had to climb back up again but only 250ft - up an almost vertical path. Well, that tested the lungs. 

Once up I knew two things:

 

1st - although the light breeze was cool I had too many layers on for such climbing

2nd - I was going to be going up & down like a fiddlers elbow today.

The views were good though.

The going was fairly good and, before I even realised it, Wiseman's Bridge and Saundersfoot hove into view. People and dogs were enjoying the sunshine. It all looked idyllic. 

And then I had a Zoom Interview with Richard Hatch of BFBS Afternoon Radio. I think I plugged the WRAC Association being available for free for anyone who had served, even 1 day, in the WRAC. Of course the interview had to take place at a tricky part of the walk when I had to hold my phone and open gates and avoid buses and cars.

Fortunately the interview finished before I had to attempt another massive, lung-busting climb as the original lower level path had been obliterated by a landslide. That was lung-buster/knee cruncher number 2 and I was still standing. 

Once I'd clambered down to Coppet Hall I could then walk the short tunnel that connects to Saundersfoot. Tunnels would make coastal paths much easier on the knees & hips!!

I took a break by the harbour but forgot to take a picture as I had to swap the battery on my Gizmo. The local seagull thought I was opening something edible I discouraged him from getting too close.

I phoned Denise, very pleased with myself at the pace I was walking. "I'll soon be with you in Tenby" I foolishly said. Little did I know.

Although, as a family, we have walked much of the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path. I realised that we had never tackled Saundersfoot to Tenby. So it was definitely on my "Bucket List". I now know why we'd never walked it - It's a bloomin' nightmare.

Down & Up over a hundred feet each time. Doesn't look much i the photos - but it is!!

Fabulous views, walking on the edge of the world sometimes, the path had crashed to the sea in some places and it had been re-routed. 

My legs turned to jelly not just from fear of heights but sheer exhaustion from clambering uphill and thumping downhill. it was lovely seeing all the wild flowers and the amazing views but, by around 2 miles from Tenby I decided that continuing along the Coastal Path would do too much damage so I took the decision to head up the lane towards the A478 and then took the Cycle Route 4 into Tenby. 

Denise met me at the edge of town and walked with me to Castle Hill where she took a photo of me by the remains of the medieval castle. 

I reciprocated with a selfie of the pair of us with St Katherine's Island Fort in the background.

The Fort was built between 1867 & 1870 in case invaders should attempt to land and march on the dockyards at the Milford Haven Estuary. It wasn’t fully armed until 1886. 

We then headed back up form the Quayside to where she had parked the car and she drove me back to our chalet accommodation.

So, first day over and everything aches!!

But, at least my feet are ok . . . . it's just the rest of me falling apart!!

I'm hoping that tomorrow will be a little easier on my hips and knees.

Looking at the map I seem to have done a fair bit of Ascending and Descending.

Also, according to the App I only stopped moving for 3 minutes!! Well that's a great big whopper!!

Looking at my Steps App I did 20,886 Steps!! Yes my hips would definitely agree with that - 10,000 upwards and 10,000 downwards!! 

If you would like to sponsor me please follow the link to my Give as you Live donation page:

https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/fundraising/margs-pembrokeshire-100-mile-2024

 

2024 Walking South Pembrokeshire - Day Before Start

Wednesday 24th April 

Today we motored down to our chalet accommodation, Stella Marina, Trewent Park, Freshwater East via two very important stops.

Firstly at Cardiff West Services to meet Debbie Amphlett of South Wales Branch WRAC Association. I had to hand-over two raffle prizes. One had been won by Kath Smith of the same branch and the other was for Debbie to work her pyrography magic to make it presentable as a raffle prize at the Area AGM.

Can't eat till I've finished my blog!!

That done we headed for north Pembrokeshire, to Solva to pick up a delicious Seafood Platter from Mrs Wil the Fish. Yummy - a great start to my walk. 

Having driven to Solva we then had to head back south to Pembroke Dock for a grocery shop and on to Freshwater East to our accommodation. Denise took a lovely picture of Newgale beach and St Bride's Bay - taken from a moving car!!

I have been quite busy on the PR front (thanks to WRACA & Curios PR). I am apparently going to do some "live" interviews on BFBS Afternoon Radio with Richard Hatch. Tomorrow, (Thursday 25th) will be the first of possibly several interviews. Richard's programme goes out between 1300 - 1600hrs on Weekdays.

Richard Hatch, BFBS Afternoon 1300-1600hrs

For those wishing to meet up with me during my walk I have the following suggestions:

Monday 29th Apr @ 1100hrs - VC Gallery PD NAAFI Break

Wednesday 1st May @1000hrs - VC Gallery PD (calling briefly as I pass)

Thursday 2nd May @ 3/4pm - Lawrenny Quayside Tearooms (where I finish my walk)

If you would like to sponsor me please follow the link:

https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/fundraising/margs-pembrokeshire-100-mile-2024

2024 Walking South Pembrokeshire - Heading to the Start

Tuesday 23rd April

Tomorrow we head down the M50 & M4 to South Pembrokeshire to start my 11th Solo 100 Mile Charity Walk.

All my kit is packed ready to put into the car. It comprises a large and a small suitcase packed with multiple changes of clothes, a couple of pairs of boots, several changes of wet weather gear and loads of pairs of socks. I'm also taking a couple of back packs and all my navigation "gizmo's" and other electrical gear. I'm hoping that being well prepared for rain might keep it away. The weather forecast is not looking good but it is what it is. I've been very fortunate on all my previous walks so can't really complain.

Today was supposed to be a day of comparative ease but, like all plans, didn't quite work the way we'd planned. We found that the beans we'd started a few weeks ago needed to go into the ground. That meant the veg patch needed weeding and we needed to construct a couple of wigwams for the plants to grow up. Then we had to plant the beans and wrap some netting around temporarily to keep the rabbits off! There was still time to enjoy the peace and quiet of the garden and the beauty of the wild spring flowers.

Back home it was time for a hot bath, hot meal and then Dr Denise had her annual job of taping up my feet ready for the 100 Miles. 

Tomorrow we drive down to our rented chalet via Mrs Will the Fish in Solva.

She prepares the best seafood platters ever. Possibly not the best nutritional start to my walk but certainly the tastiest.

You can support me and my two charities by clicking on the link below which will take you to my fundraising page at Give as you Live Donate:

https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/fundraising/margs-pembrokeshire-100-mile-2024

2024 Walking South Pembrokeshire - Walk Dedication

 Each year I try and dedicate my walk to someone or something. This year, with permission from his daughter, Alison, I am dedicating it to her late father, Mauvan Jenkins, MM who was brought up in Pembroke Dock.

Mauvan was the son of the late pastor of Bethany Baptist Chapel, Rev. Evan Jenkins. His mother died and Rev Jenkins married my great-aunt Alicia Maud Stephens.

During WW2 Mauvan was in his early twenties. He joined up and served with the 4th Battalion, Wiltshire Regiment.

79 years ago, on 14^th February 1945, No. 6030531 Corporal William George Mauvan JENKINS, The Wiltshire Regiment (Duke of (Edinburgh's) (Pembroke Dock) was awarded the Military Medal.  

Cpl W G Mauvan Jenkins, MM receiving his medal from Field Marshall Montgomery

As a family my generation knew that Uncle Mauvan had been awarded the MM and were told it was because he had carried a wounded comrade back to safety under fire. That this quiet, un-assuming, gentle, man had  done this was accepted as a very “matter-of-fact” event. His picture, being awarded the medal by Field Marshall Montgomery, had pride of place on in my great-aunts home but nothing was ever spoken about.

Recently I started to do some research and came across his entry in the London Gazette dated 24^th May 1945. I continued my research and finally discovered on a website called WW1.Wales, under Pembrokeshire WW2 Heroes  https://ww1.wales/west-wales-gallantry-awards/pembrokeshire-ww2-heroes/  an entry for one, William Mauvan Jenkins, MM, Corporal, 6030531, Wiltshire Regiment.

I read on and was completely astounded by the magnitude of his bravery. None of my generation, including his daughter, had any idea of the circumstances and what he must have gone through then and even the possibility of how it affected his later years.

This was the citation for the Military Medal recommended and written by his CO, Lieutenant Colonel Corbyn, MC.

'South of Cleve on 14 Feb 45 the Company to which this NCO belonged attacked by night a number of buildings which proved to be held by the enemy in some strength. The leading Platoon was stopped by enemy MG fire and suffered a number of casualties. Cpl Jenkins Platoon was then ordered to move to the left of the main road and attack the buildings from a flank. The Platoon Commander took forward one section with him, with Cpl Jenkins in charge. They encountered very heavy automatic fire at extremely close range. Rushing the first enemy post Cpl Jenkins took two prisoners. Almost at once his Platoon Commander was wounded and his Platoon Sergeant killed. Moving close to the buildings, Cpl Jenkins, despite the fact that his Sten carbine refused to function, disarmed 3 further prisoners and captured a fourth. Very heavy enemy fire continued to be directed at his section and an enemy SP gun opened fire at point blank range. By this time almost every man in his section was either killed or wounded. Finding his original route was swept by enemy fire Cpl Jenkins skirted the buildings to find an alternate route. While he was doing so one of his prisoners was killed and one of his own section wounded in the head. Taking his wounded comrade with him Cpl Jenkins successfully brought him to the safety of the Company area of the adjoining unit. The behaviour of this NCO was of the highest order. His example was a magnificent encouragement to his men in the most difficult circumstances.'

The purpose of me writing this dedication is firstly to honour my uncle but, more importantly to highlight the importance of reaching out and getting the right support and help to aid mental health. His daughter said that she knew nothing of this event and, knowing it now, makes a lot of what she saw and experienced in her (very happy) childhood make sense. 

This is part of the reason I am fundraising for the VC Gallery, Pembroke Dock while they support local veterans and the community in general. 

RIP Uncle Mauvan and your lovely wife, Aunty Megan, who supported you and Alison un-complainingly over the years.

2024 Walking South Pembrokeshire – The Build-Up

 14th April 2024

In less than two weeks I’ll be starting my eleventh 100 Mile Solo Charity Walk for the Women’s Royal Army Corps Association and this year also for the VC Gallery (Pembroke Dock). Ten walks under my belt, getting on for £40K raised for charity and . . . . . . . I have never felt less prepared!!

 

I’m happy with my planning and admin; each day’s route has been drawn, drop-offs, pick-ups and stops organised. We have booked a lovely, ‘Stella Marina’ chalet accommodation, hosted by Donna Fracchiolla, at Freshwater East, about the geographical centre of my walk.

 

But . . . . . .  I really don’t feel at all prepared!! The weather has put a real damper on my preparations. The rain & flooding in my part of UK has made most of my training routes impassable. There’s no pleasure slipping, sliding & wading in mud and it’s potentially an injury waiting to happen. Also, the continual grey, wet, miserable days have taken their toll on us all. It’s been weather to sit on the sofa, stuff myself silly with delicious food & drink and watch mind-numbing TV!! It’s hard to get motivated when everything around is wet & miserable.

 

Having said all I am going to finish my walk as planned. I’ll be taking my un-fit, over-weight carcass around the nearly 100 mile route no matter what it takes. I have no doubt that my chauffeuse, nurse, cook and general life-saver (Denise) will be tending my wounds, feeding me up and egging me on until I finally finish.    

 

Half-Platter, Mrs WtF, Solva

I’m hoping to complete the walk in 8 days (it takes me longer each year!!) but, I have an extra day’s grace just in case things go a bit awry. I’ll also be celebrating with wonderful fresh seafood from Mrs Will the Fish, Solva and The Quayside Tearooms, Lawrenny – yummy!!

 

Crab Sandwich, Lawrenny

You can support me and my two charities by clicking on the link below.

It will take you to my fundraising page at Give as you Live Donate:

https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/fundraising/margs-pembrokeshire-100-mile-2024

2024 Walking South Pembrokeshire - History

 The Historic Sites of South Pembrokeshire

I will be starting my latest 100 Mile Solo Walking Challenge on Thursday 25th April 2024. 

I thought it might be a good idea to tell you a little more (Well, probably a lot more!!) about the Historic sites of South Pembrokeshire that I will be visiting along my way. I looked up as many Castles and Fortifications as I could find, all 22 of them! I've probably missed a few out as well as it's been a heavily defended part of United Kingdom since at least the Iron Age. Before trackways and roads the main form of transport was by water whether that be rivers or the sea. Nearly all of the sites I'll be visiting used the proximity to water as their main defence.

1. Start - Near Llanteg
2. Trelissey/Treleesy Enclosure - A circular enclosure with the site of a Roman villa inside it’s circular banks.
3. Amroth Castle - was rebuilt in the 18th and 19th centuries on a 12th century site. It was a feudal residence in the early medieval period. It was acquired by the Elliott family in the 14th century. There was an earlier castle half a mile to the north of which little remains.
4. Tenby Castle - Separating North Beach from Castle Beach, this modest headland is capped by the scanty remains of Tenby's 11th-century Norman castle. The remaining stone structure dates from the 13th century but there are mentions of the castle from as early as 1153. On the very top of Castle Hill is a large memorial to Prince Albert (captioned 'Albert Dda', meaning Albert the Good).
St Katherine’s Island Fort was built between 1867 & 1870 in case invaders should attempt to land and march on the dockyards at the Milford Haven Estuary. It wasn’t fully armed until 1886.

5. Skomar Defended Enclosure - The defended enclosure is on the headland between Lydstep Haven and Skrinkle Haven.
6. Old Castle Head Promontory Fort - This is on the headland to the south of Manorbier Camp and is restricted access.
7. Manorbier Castle - Craggy, lichen-spotted Manorbier Castle was the birthplace of Giraldus Cambrensis (Gerald of Wales; 1146–1223), one of the country's greatest scholars and patriots. It was founded in the late 11th century by the Anglo-Norman de Barry family. The land was granted to Odo de Barri, a Norman knight, at the end of the 11th century. Initially, he constructed a motte-and-bailey castle on the site which had a wooden keep defended by a palisade and earthworks embankments. In the early part of the 12th century, William de Barri, Odo's son, used locally quarried Limestone to strengthen the fortification. The 12th to 19th century castle buildings are grouped around a pretty garden (where they serve nice coffee!!).

My South Pembrokeshire Route - each day's walk a different colour

8. Greenala Camp - On a headland between Trewent Point and Stackpole Quay is Greenala coastal promontory fort, a prehistoric fortified camp.
9. Fishpond Camp - Sited on a cliff overlooking Bosherston Lily Ponds is Fishpond Camp, a promontory fort dating from the prehistoric era.
10. Buckspool Down Fort - Not far from St Govan’s Chapel (thought to be a hermit’s site) is the first of many prehistoric forts on this southern plateau, Buckspool promontory coastal fort.
11. Promontory Fort - Iron Age but I can find no information
12 & 13. Crocksydam Camp & Flimston Bay Camp
The forts are Iron Age promontory forts in spectacular locations on a high cliff overlooking Flimston Bay, near Castlemartin, just east of the well-known sea stack known as the Green Bridge of Wales.
Crocksydam is to the East and Flimston is to the west of the bay. The forts were probably erected sometime between 600 BC and 43 AD. Flimston fort is defended by a series of three earthen banks and ditches on the landward side, enclosing an area of roughly 1.6 hectares. Within this space the ground slopes dramatically. On the eastern side of the fort interior are a number of shallow hollows that may represent platforms for supporting huts.
14. Merrion Camp - Not far from St Twynnells, on the southern slopes of the ridge above the Castlemartin peninsula, is Merrion Camp fortified enclosure. It also gives it's name to the present day Military Training Camp situated beside the B4319.
15. Castlemartin Castle - The village of Castlemartin was in the ancient Hundred of the same name, once centred on a prominent Norman motte-and-bailey castle giving, with the church dedicated to St Martin, the origin of the name.
16. Freshwater West Memorial - The memorial cross, situated on the north western headland overlooking Freshwater West Bay, commemorates the sinking of LCG 15 and LCG 16 a pair of ‘Landing Craft’, swamped and sunk in a severe storm en-route from the H&W Yard, Belfast to Falmouth. The tragedy took place on the night of 25/26^th April 1943 with the loss of 85 lives. Most of the victims were from the LCG’s but also included 6 crew from the fisheries protection vessel, HMS Rosemary, who attempted a rescue using their ship’s lifeboat.
17. West Pickard Camp - The first of the prehistoric promontory coastal forts on the Angle peninsula is on the western side of Pickard Bay. It is a scheduled ancient monument.
18. Sheep Island Fort - The promontory coastal fort at Sheep Island is also a prehistoric scheduled monument.
19, 20 & 21. East Blockhouse, Thorne Island and Chapel Bay Fort
Henry VIII issued an order, called a "device", in 1539, giving instructions for the "defence of the realm in time of invasion" and the construction of forts along the English coastline. Soon afterwards work began on the East Blockhouse near the village of Angle it overlooked the mouth of Milford Haven harbour.
The Thorn Island Battery was built during 1852-4 to provide the first forward defence for the Haven waterway, coupled with West Blockhouse, Dale and Stack Rock forts. 
Chapel Bay, one of a series of forts built as part of the inner line of defence of the Haven following the Royal Commission on the Defence of the United Kingdom, it is a Grade II Listed Building and is also known as Chapel Bay Battery. Construction began in 1890, and was completed in 1891. The battery was the first fortification in the area to be built of mass concrete. It could accommodate 91 men, and had a mess room and sick bay facilities. Its initial armament was three ten inch rifled muzzle-loading guns. There were twelve forts constructed to protect the Haven and Royal Dockyards.
22. Angle Tower House
Angle Tower was constructed in the 14th century by the Shirburn family. With 3 foot thick walls, a drawbridge and a moat, it had enough fortification for the family to feel a moderate sense of safety if threatened, particularly by seaborne raiders. It is thought to be the only Peel (Pele) Tower in Wales.
23 & 24. Popton Fort & West Popton Camp - The former continues the fortifications built in the late 1800's. West Popton Camp is a prehistoric fortified enclosure on the southern shore of the Haven.
25. Pembroke Castle - This spectacular and forbidding castle was the home of the earls of Pembroke for over 300 years and the birthplace of Henry VII, the first Tudor king. A fort was established here in 1093 by Arnulph de Montgomery, but most of the present buildings date from the 13th century.
The oldest part of the complex is the looming keep, dating to 1204. Next to the keep is the Dungeon Tower, where you can peer into a dank, dark prison cell. Nearby, with access through the Northern Hall, are steps to Wogan Cavern, a large natural cave that was partially walled in by the Normans and probably used as a store and boathouse. According to research carried out in 2022 the cave was occupied by residents as far back as the Palaeolithic and Mesolithic Periods
In the room in which he is believed to have been born, in 1457, a tableau commemorates Henry Tudor (Harri Tudur), who defeated Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485 to become Henry VII.

Shipbuilding began on the northern shore of the Haven near the village of Hubberston on land owned by diplomat and politician Sir William Hamilton. The town of Milford grew up around this new facility leased to Harry and Joseph Jacob. When they became bankrupt the navy took over the lease. In 1809 a naval commission recommended purchase of the Milford Haven facility and formal establishment of a Royal Navy dockyard.  After failing to agree a purchase price for the existing Milford shipyard the Admiralty agreed to purchase land 5 miles across the haven, in a district called Pater (village) or Paterchurch. The town of Pembroke Dock was founded in 1814 when Pembroke Dockyard was established.

26 - 29. Pembroke Dock Fortifications - 

The Defensible Barracks is a Grade II* listed, Victorian-era fortification and barracks built between 1841 and 1846 to house the royal dockyard's garrison of Royal Marines and to cover the landward side of the dockyard from an infantry assault. It was probably the last trace bastion fort built in Europe.
The gun towers, one to the west of the dockyard and the other in Front Street (1851), were commonly referred to as ‘Martello towers’. However, when they were built they were known as Cambridge Gun Towers. Construction was started in 1844 and no fewer than 12 fortifications were built along the shores of the Milford Haven Estuary.
The Royal Dockyard (1815 – 1926) built many ships including Royal Yachts. When it was closed in 1926 it remained redundant until 1930 when the RAF took it over as a seaplane base.
RAF Pembroke Dock (1930 – 1959) became the largest Flying Boat station in the world and at one point during the Second World War it was host to 99 aircraft.
Llanion Barracks. In the 1850s a hutted encampment was established on Llanion Hill. In 1904 this was replaced by four brick-built barrack blocks, designed to house a thousand troops. The new barracks, the first to be constructed with a separate area for cooking and ablutions, was one of the most modern in the country at that time.

Pembroke Dock Military Cemetery is a burial ground for military personnel and is the only dedicated military cemetery in Wales.

Bush Camp, Pembroke Dock was where 102nd (Pembroke & Cardiganshire) Field Regiment, 405 (Pembroke Yeomanry) Field Battery were mobilised a few days before the outbreak of war in September 1939. It was where my father and his friends enlisted just before war was declared.
30. Upton Castle - Upton Castle is a 13th-century castle or fortified manor house with an associated chapel, located near Cosheston. It was built on land owned by the Earls of Pembroke.
31. Carew Castle - The rambling limestone ruins range from functional 12th-century fortifications to Elizabethan country house. The castle was built by Gerald de Windsor (Henry I's constable of Pembroke) and his wife, the wonderfully named Princess Nest (daughter of the Welsh king of Deheubarth), on the site of an ancient Celtic fort. It was abandoned in 1690.
Near the castle entrance is the 11th-century Carew Cross. Covered in intricate Celtic carvings and standing 4m tall, it's one of the grandest of its kind.
32. Park Camp - Park Camp is a prehistoric enclosure that is east of Whitehill, near Carew.
33. Cresswell Castle  - Situated half a mile north of the village of Cresswell Quay on the banks of the River Cresswell in what is currently private land. The buildings were originally a 13th-century stone fortified manorial complex, founded by the Augustinian Priory of Haverfordwest.  It is thought to date back to the thirteenth century but has seen many alterations since, particularly in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. It originally had some defensive adaptations but in its later guise had a more domestic function. It seems to have been abandoned in the latter part of the seventeenth century.
34. Lawrenny Quay - Situated about half a mile from the village it played a role in the World War II as a base for Supermarine Walrus seaplanes and a training centre, known as HMS Daedalus II, operated by the Fleet Air Arm. It was operational between 1941 and 1946, being used by the Royal Navy, 1941 - 1943 and then put into a Care & Maintenance status.

This is where my walk finishes hopefully with a fresh crab sandwich at the Lawrenny Quayside Tearoom.

  

2024 Walking South Pembrokeshire

Marg Davies' Solo 100 Mile Charity Walk 2024

In the end of April I’ll be embarking on my 2024 solo charity walk. It’ll be my 11^th year and I’ll be doing my walk in Wales, returning to my home-county, to walk around & between the castles & fortifications of South Pembrokeshire. I’m planning to complete my 100 miles between Thursday 25^th April 2024 and Thursday 2^nd May 2024.  

My Route during the Walk

Each year my supporters amaze and humble me with their generosity and again I’m raising funds for two charities. The first is the Women’s Royal Army Corps Association, the only veteran’s charity set up specifically to cater for the needs of female veterans. Females are often the forgotten ‘heroes’ - forgotten by society in general but also frequently under-resourced by ‘Veteran’ society as well. The WRAC Association gives not only financial support to female army veterans but also provides emotional support to a section of our community that often suffers isolation and loneliness. The WRAC Association is a safe haven where female veterans can find the support and friendship that is often all that is required to overcome their difficulties. 

East Gun Tower Pembroke Dock

My second charity is a local Pembrokeshire charity, the V C Gallery, CEO Barry John MBE who served 20 years as a soldier and set up the charity to combat loneliness and social isolation for veterans & community. As a veteran myself I am only too aware of how fortunate I am and how difficult and lonely it can be to transition from military to civilian life. You can support me and my two charities by clicking on the link below which will take you to my fundraising page at Give as you Live Donate:

https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/fundraising/margs-pembrokeshire-100-mile-2024

This year I am returning to my usual plan of starting at point A (near Amroth Castle) & finishing, 8 days later, at point B (Lawrenny Quay) I hope to be able to call in to the VC Gallery, Pembroke Dock on the 7^th day. 

47 Years Later
Remembrance 2023

In 1976 with 22LtAD Regt, RA
(The Welsh Gunners)