Walk 3363 - printer friendly version

Swanlake Bay from Manorbier Walk

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 4.8 miles / 7.8 km

Ascent - 800 feet / 242 metres

Grade - easy/mod

Start - OS grid reference SS064977
Lat 51.6446830 + Long -4.7995523
Postcode SA70 7SZ (approx. location only)

This walk from Manorbier explores a section of beautiful coast using the Pembrokeshire Coast Path for much of the way. The route includes dramatic rock formations, the headland of Priest's Nose, Manorbier Beach and Swanlake Bay. The walk is easy to follow with clear paths. There are places with unprotected steep drops off the path to the sea. You can also combine this walk with a visit to Manorbier Castle.

The start is the pay and display beach car park opposite the castle (grid ref. SS064977). After parking exit the car park and turn right passing the walls of the castle on your left. Continue uphill into the centre of Manorbier to reach the B4585 where you turn right. Just past the Castle Mead Hotel, turn right again and continue along the lane. Where the lane bears right, continue straight ahead onto a track which is a signed footpath (grid ref. SS069977). After 200 metres take the signed footpath, crossing the stile on the right. Pass Hill Farm on your right and continue along the clear footpath to reach the sea.

Turn right through the gate and join the Pembrokeshire Coast Path (also the Wales Coast Path). The path climbs to the cliff top with the near vertical beds of sandstone making an impressive sight. The path continues close to the cliff edge where care is needed. The view ahead includes Stackpole and Trewent Point. Continue past the head of two rocky chasms cut into the cliff. Continue around the headland of the Priest's Nose Manorbier Beach comes into view.

Continue down some steps and cross the back of the beach to cross a small footbridge over a stream. Follow the path head which climbs up below a road. Continue past the parking to follow the onward path. You soon reach a tarmac drive. Continue ahead keeping to the left of the building. Pass through a gate and take time to look back to the Priest's Nose. Ahead is a pleasant but less dramatic section of coast. The path soon climbs a small ridge at the end of which you have a wonderful view of Swanlake Bay.

Pass through a gate with the beach to your left (grid ref. SS046980), fork right and follow the path as it turns sharp right. The path bears left following a hedge on your right. Turn right through a gate to East Moor Farm where you bear right past buildings to another gate. Cross a track and continue along a clear path with a high hedge on your left. Follow this path to reach a road. Turn right and continue above the beach to the car park used at the start of the walk.

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