Magical woods and beach of Abermawr walk
A circular walk through bluebell woods and meadows, shingle beach and marsh. Abermawr offers a gentle interlude on one of the most rugged sections of the coastline. Brunel wanted to create a port and cable terminus here, but his plans never left the drawing board.
Map
Start:
Abermawr beach turning circle, grid ref: SM 884347
1
Take the left hand exit from the turning circle, signposted 'Abercastell 3 miles'. Go down the path towards the beach.
Abermawr Beach
The shingle beach at Abermawr is being steadily rolled back by the sea. Eventually it will breach, letting the sea into the marsh and woodland behind.
2
At the start of the shingle beach turn left inland, through a kissing gate into a field alongside the marsh. The marsh gives way to woodland with an overgrown wall to your right.
3
Continue walking round the end of the field until you come to another kissing gate and a path into the wood.
4
Walk along the woodland path until you reach a gate into a field.
Volunteer help
Woodland paths like these require constant maintenance. Why not become a National Trust volunteer and help us look after them?
5
Carry on, heading for the five-barred gate ahead of you. Go through this gate and over the stream, then turn sharp right and head back towards the beach.
6
At the next gateway, go through the kissing gate into the field (the bridleway continues along the woodland edge to your right without going through the gate). Cross the field to the gate you can see on the far side. Here the footpath and bridleway join up again.
7
About 20yds (20m) past this gate go up the steps to your left. Bear right and follow the woodland path towards the beach. You'll see the marsh coming into view on your right.
8
The path brings you out onto the shingle beach, with superb coastal views towards the rocky headland of Penbwchdy. The sea here is gradually pushing the shingle beach back into the marsh. Enjoy a picnic here before walking back along the beach to the road.
Shoreline
On your right as you reach the sea the shore stretches away north to the rugged coast of Strumble Head. The beach here is being chopped back quite rapidly by the sea.
End:
Abermawr beach turning circle - grid ref SM 884347
