Day 20 Dale to Milford Haven

Saturday 11^th December

Walk distance 15 km

Height  900est

5 hours

1km walk back from Milford Marina

Total coastal distance walked 14 km

Running coastal total distance 278.45km

Running height climbed 9211m

I stayed at the Heart of Oak Inn, an old pub on the harbour at Milford Haven.  I caught the bus from Milford Haven and asked to get off at Pickleridge.  I started to walk the ridge, under dark skies. Within minutes the heavens opened and cold rain fell, so I put on waterproof trousers and gloves.  I had time the walk just right and it was possible to cross the small bridge across the estuary. At high tide this bridge is under water.  I was aware there were lots of wading birds here, but the rain deterred me from looking too hard. I followed the route up fairly steep and very muddy paths. This would be the trend of the day, with feet sliding much of the time. Thankfully the rain stopped and eventually I removed layers as I warmed up.

A small ruined tower with Norman looking doors and windows turned out to be a Victorian folly. Monk Haven is green, lush with ferns and sycamore. Beyond I passed lots of ruined WW1 gun emplacements. I pass a surprising number of beautiful beaches, many of them inaccessible. At great castle head an impressive iron-age fort rampart is clearly visible. 

Beyond a radar tower, the path winds down to Sandy Haven, where another bridge fords the river at low tide.  I was so pleased by now as the sun had finally come out.  The bright light on the red Jurassic rocks pebble beeches was very beautiful.

The path now skirts the first refinery – now used for liquid natural gas.  Off shore is an impressive fortress, on stack rock, which housed 168 men.  Along the cliffs another fort and WW1 defences can be seen.  Unfortunatly they are beyond the long security fences.

Passing another pipeline Gelliswick beech is reached.  Here, sheltered, I finally sat down for my lunch. Walking on through the residential area of Hakin, Milford Haven is reached.

The marina, with its new shops and restaurants is impressive. On the Friday night I ate the Harbourmaster and bought nice Christmas presents at a small shop. The harbour full of boats, including large fishing boats. This is the first large scale port I have reached and visited. Further out are numerous tankers and large vessels at anchor.  Near to the Oak are lots of warehouses and the area seems alive.  There are a few too many areas of concrete and not all parts of the town connect easily for pedestrians. 

The main street is a bit run down and along with vacant shops, betting shops, cheap shops and charity shops it had the feel of decline. The ugly theatre at the end of the street hardly helps. On the cliff top is a row of older properties, including the Lord Nelson Hotel.  Here I ate on the Saturday night.