Marloes Peninsula Circular
About
This is a beautiful heathland peninsular trail, with amazing views of the coast and teeming with wildlife. There are several rugged islands off the coast such as Skomer and Grassholm, which house major seabird colonies so look out for Puffins, Guillemots, Gannets, Razorbills and other seabirds during spring and summer. Chough can be seen all year round. The trecherous waters of Jack Sound, lying between Deer Park and Midland Isle, are a popular haunt for Porpoise. The area is also excellent for cliff top seal watching.
Start the trail from the south side of Marloes Sands car park, turning right by the emergency phone and heading down the lane towards the YHA youth hostel and some public toilets.
Shortly after, turn left through a gate sign posted "to the beach". When you reach the coastal path you can see Marloes Sands down to the left, however turn right here and head towards Gateholm Island following the coast path.
After crossing a stream, pass through big earth mounds which are the old defences from an Iron Age fort. When you reach a footbridge, shortly before a white cottage, take a left fork entering the Deer Park and follow the path around the coastline. Stop here for lunch and you may be lucky enough to see a kestrel looking for his too.
From the former coastguard hut (now used by the National Coastwatch Institute) head down the path exiting the Deer Park through a gate and turn left down to the small beach of Martin's Heaven (more public toilets here). Just before the beach the coast path continues up some steps to the right, continue to follow the coastal path for approximately one mile before turning right through a gate signposted National Trust West Hook Farm.
Following the hedge bank up through three fields, you'll reach the road. Here turn left and walk past Trehill Farm, roughly 400m after the farm, turn right by two cottages down the track leading down to Marloes Sands car park.
This trail includes rough and narrow paths beside steep cliffs where great care is needed, especially in wetter and windy conditions. There may also be livestock along the paths so take if out with dogs.
Appropriate footwear, warm layers, and sun protection are required for this trail.