Dale Peninsula Circular

This is a wonderful trail around the Dale Peninsula in Pembrokeshire National Park, offering spectacular views of the Old Red Sandstone cliffs juxtaposed against the shimmering blue waters below. You’ll also have the chance to explore some interesting historical sites, including Victorian forts, historic landing places, and WWII gun emplacements.

The trail starts in the village of Dale, which was once one of Pembrokeshire’s most important ports, and is now a popular place for water sports, particularly sailing and windsurfing.

As you follow the trail along the tree line, you’ll reach Dale Fort, where you’re treated to an excellent view of the Haven Waterway. Dale Fort was built in the latter half of the 19th century to defend Milford Haven against a French invasion that never came. These fortifications were later named Palmerston’s Follies, after the Prime Minister at the time. Dale Fort is now a Fields Studies Centre.

From this viewpoint, you’ll be able to see the Angle Peninsula and Milford Haven across the water and the Victorian fort on Thorn Island, another one of Palmerston’s Follies.

Continue tracing the coastline and descend to the tranquil woodland along Castle Beach. Follow the path up to Warwick Bay, where you’ll find an inviting sandy beach where you could dip your toes into the water before rejoining the path.

A little further, you’ll pass the West Blockhouse, another Victorian structure which now offers holiday accommodation. Nearby, you’ll find the remnants of the concrete gun emplacements of World War Two.

Continue along the grassy tracks, eventually reaching Mill Bay, a site of historical significance where King Henry VII landed in 1485 before the Battle of Bosworth.

Make your way to St Ann’s Head, where you’ll encounter the lighthouse end helicopter pad. Along these rugged rocks, an environmental disaster happened, causing the Sea Empress to spill 72,000 tons of oil into the sea. It took a decade for the area to recover from this event.

On clear days, you’ll have amazing views of Skokholm Island and Skomer further north. These islands are recognised for their abundant bird species, including puffins, gannets, guillemots, and kittiwakes.

You’ll pass Frenchman’s Bay and Welshman’s Bay as you steadily make your way north to Westdale Bay. From here, you’ll head back down to Dale. One back in the village, you could stop for some well-deserved refreshments at the cafe or pub.

This well-marked pathway offers breathtaking views and a delightful array of wildflowers and wildlife to discover along the way. St Ann’s Head is an excellent place for birdwatching, with numerous birds flocking to the area. It’s an undulating path with some steep sections but nothing too strenuous. Keep in mind that some sections may be narrow and slippery, especially after rain, so come equipped with appropriate footwear.