Southwood Estate coast to coast walk
Enjoy sweeping coastal views, wildlife-rich farmland and charming woods on this 2.5-mile circuit around Newgale beach.
Total steps: 10
Total steps: 10
Start point
Maidenhall Car Park, grid ref: SM 85800 20135
Step 1
Starting from Maidenhall car park, cross over the road and turn left through the field gate, following the edge of the field. The farmland here is managed for farmland birds and scarce arable flora, as well as being grazed by cattle and ponies.
Step 2
Continue through the metal inset gate and along the edge of the next field, following the waymarkers. The large farm in the distance to the right is Southwood Farm. At the bottom corner of this field is a wooden hand gate – pass through this and follow the edge of the lower field round to the left.
Step 3
Follow the waymarkers to reach a wooden hand gate in the fence. The path descends down the bank of bracken and bluebells to reach a bridge across the stream at the bottom. You're now crossing onto Southwood Farm. Cattle and ponies may be present in this field.
Step 4
Drop down a small bank and through the gate by a shallow stream, entering the woodland and turning left to head towards the sea. Beside the stream crossing is a magnificent ash tree, coated with moss, ferns and lichens. It's one of many characterful trees in these woods.
Step 5
Follow the waymarkers across the field beyond the woodland, crossing a small stream valley before climbing into the next field, passing through a marshy area to reach a metal inset gate in the field boundary. The path then heads towards the coast along a fenced corridor.
Step 6
As you cross onto Pinch Hill you're leaving National Trust cared-for land. Skirt round the edge of a small quarry site and follow the path north, to the right, descending the coastal slope to reach the middle car park immediately behind Newgale beach.
Step 7
Head back along the road or, subject to tide, along the beach or pebble bank.
Step 8
Take advantage of the café and public toilets at the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park car park at the south end of Newgale beach before climbing the hill using the road.
Step 9
Follow the coast path off this road. You re-enter National Trust cared-for land at the next hand gate. The clifftop land around Maidenhall Point is occasionally grazed by our ponies and cattle to keep the coastal vegetation in good shape.
Step 10
Continue along the coast path, heading south, before taking a left turn inland. The coastal slope here is peppered with small hollows – the remains of Victorian coal workings. Pass through a wooden hand gate and cross the wildflower meadow to return to Maidenhall car park.
End point
Maidenhall Car Park, grid ref: SM 85800 20135
Trail map
More near here
Southwood Estate wildlife walk
Enjoy a stroll through the farms of Folkeston and Trefrane, at the centre of the estate, where the fields are carefully managed to support wildlife biodiversity.
St David’s Head coastal walk
Follow a trail along Pembrokeshire’s most dramatic coastal headland, just a few miles from St David’s, to discover prehistoric monuments and plentiful birdlife.
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