At 2.15pm on Sunday 22nd
April 2012 members of Llanteg Community Association arrived at the carpark in
Bosherston for a pre-arranged walk. We were
met by Paul Calyer, Senior Reserve Manager from the Countryside Council for
Wales. From the outset, it became obvious that Paul, with his pleasant attitude
and very knowledgeable and enthusiastic approach was going to ensure that this
was going to be a most enjoyable and informative walk. The weather was dry with long periods of warm
sunshine with the occasional strong windy blast.
Paul commenced by explaining that the
area of our walk could be traced back to the Stone Age and that it escaped much
of the imposition and rigors of the last Ice Age some 15,000 years ago. We walked down to the first of the impressive
and imposing ‘man made’ lakes, constructed when the whole area was privately
owned, and one was left to wonder on the tremendous amount of labour and basic equipment
which must have been used. The National
Trust became owner in 1976.
The narrow yet solid lengthy walkways
across the lakes were negotiated with care and upon looking into the crystal
clear waters the lilies could be seen pushing their way towards the surface
with an eagerness to burst into bloom at the first opportunity. The lakes are also the habitat of fish such
as pike, tench, roach and perch.
We made our way across an area known as ‘The
Bluff’ and headed towards ‘The Warren’.
As we did, an otter could clearly be seen in the lake below us jumping
and playing happily in the water. The
sound and sight of birds such as willow warblers and oyster catchers, herring
gull and robins was very evident and as we approached Stackpole Head the views
and natural sculpture of the rock formation can only be described as
spectacular and breath-taking. Also
Broad Haven beach with its beautiful expanse of sand and undisturbed natural vegetation
and surroundings is a privilege to view and to appreciate the wonderful
coastline of the area.
This was a truly magnificent and
worthwhile experience during which we covered some 3 miles of beautiful scenery
which was further enhanced by the enthusiastic knowledge and explanations of
Paul, our guide.
Walk around Bosherston and Stackpole - 22 April 2012
Images by John James
The Lakes
The Walkway
Rob and Jill Chatwin, Andy and Ruth Webb, Sue James and John James
Sue James, Andy and Ruth Webb, Rob and Jill Chatwin and John James
The Lakes
Stackpole Head
Stackpole Head
Stackpole Head
Wild Orchid
The following are Jill Chatwin's pictures:
Bosherston Church
Church Rock - Rob Chatwin
Sue James, John James, Ruth and Andy Webb, Rob Chatwin and guide Paul Calyer.
Group at Saddler Point
Trig - Saddler Point
