St Brides Castle

St. Ishmael's walking and hiking route

Start/Car Parking - Informal parking area close to the church at St. Ishmael's, grid reference 831068.

From St. Bride's Castle head for St. Ishmael's: Turn right towards the village at a bend, passing the garden centre in 300m. Continue along the very minor road, descending steeply towards the signposted church. The parking area is on the left at the bottom.

This short circular walk is based on the rather scattered village of St. Ishmael's, including Monk Haven and a delightful length of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, with a return through part of the village.

St Ishmael's has an interesting old parish church, a shop and an inn.

Walk Instructions

Turn left from the car park, passing through the gate-way to Monkhaven Manor.

There is a 'to the coast path' sign. Pass the church and continue straight on and round the back of the manor house, which is close on the left. The woodland in this lovely little valley is carpeted with the flowers of ransoms and bluebells in early spring.

1) Reach the coast path at the back of Monk Haven, a pebble beach protected by a huge, formerly battlemented, wall at the back. Turn left to cross the stream and ascend steadily along the path, with ever-improving views, soon including the St. Ann's Head peninsula and the village of Dale. Pass a ruined stone structure and through a little gate.

The path continues behind Watch House Point, where there are the remains of World War II structures, and along the tops of impressive cliffs. Great Castle Head is the headland prominent ahead. Go through a waymarked gate.

2) At a signpost turn left to leave the coast path along a tarmac surfaced path at the right edge of a huge field. Pass along the edge of the village sports field and through a play area, with public toilets, to join a road.

3) Turn left, along the second road, not the cul de sac, to walk by the roadside towards the village centre. Pass the school and go straight ahead, downhill, at a junction to reach The Brook Inn, to the right.

4) If not visiting the inn, turn left at the nearby junction to continue along the road, with a stream on the right. Go straight ahead at the next junction, uphill, away from the village.

5) Turn left at a 'T' junction to follow the access road back to the car park.

Disclaimer: This route was correct at time of writing. However, alterations can happen if development or boundary changes occur, and there is no guarantee of permanent access. These walks have been published for use by site visitors on the understanding that neither HPB Management Limited nor any other person connected with Holiday Property Bond is responsible for the safety or wellbeing of those following the routes as described. It is walkers' own responsibility to be adequately prepared and equipped for the ‎level of walk and the weather conditions and to assess the safety and accessibility of the walk.