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A footpath overlooking Freshwater West
See the sea from a different angle on this wildlife walk | © National Trust/Drew Buckley
Wales

Freshwater West wildlife walk

Enjoy a scenic circular walk around the dunes and farmland behind Freshwater West beach. Along the way, observe local flora and fauna and how our restoration work is delivering for nature, while admiring the sea views from an alternative angle.

Dogs

Please note that dogs aren't allowed on these permissive paths to minimise disturbance to the wildlife and vegetation.

Total steps: 9

Total steps: 9

Start point

Freshwater West car park, SA71 5AH

Step 1

With your back to the beach, turn left and head towards the toilets where you will see a map of the two routes around Gupton. It's at this point that you'll pick up your first way marker.

Step 2

Follow the path through the dunes, bearing right and entering the bridleway via the gate. Immediately turn left and leave the bridleway to enter the dune grassland restoration area.

Step 3

Follow the fence line on your left until you come across a right-hand arrow. Turn right and walk along the side of the dune with the seasonally wet area to your left.

Step 4

In the distance you will see Starman's Hall – head straight for the gate in the far left-hand corner of the field. A way marker is placed at the gap in the fence to help you on your way.

Step 5

Go through the gate to Starman's Hall track. If you would prefer a shorter version of this walk, turn right here and follow the track up the hill to join another track at point 9. To your left you will see a gate, walk through the pedestrian gate and turn right, following the fence line through the hay meadows.

Step 6

Turn right and head up the track until you reach the junction at the top track.

Step 7

After the third gateway you will see a track to your right. Walk through the gate and head up the hill until you reach a Bristol gate (field gate with built-in pedestrian gate). To take a short diversion to the bird hide, ignore the track on your right after the third gateway and continue straight through another gateway and turn left, crossing a narrow bridge over a ditch. Follow the hedgerow on your left until you reach another small bridge through a gap in the hedge to reach the hide.

Step 8

Continue through the gate and turn right at the top of the track. Follow the track, passing the farmstead on your left, and continue past the first track on your right (Starman's Hall track).

Step 9

Continue until you reach a junction and turn right down the bridleway. Walk down the hill until you reach your starting point.

End point

Freshwater West car park, SA71 5AH

Trail map

Freshwater West wildlife walk map
Freshwater West wildlife walk map | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey

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