Strumble to Pwllgwaelod
This could be described as The Last Invasion Trail, as it’s where the last invasion of Britain took place.
Between Strumble and Pwllgwaelod
This could be described as The Last Invasion Trail, as it’s where the last invasion of Britain took place.
At Carregwasted Point you’ll see a stone commemorating the landing of French troops on the 22nd February 1797. This invasion was rebuffed by local woman Jemina Nicholas who, armed with a pitchfork, captured the soldiers and held them in St Marys Church. The whole story has been depicted in a 30-meter Bayeaux style Last Invasion tapestry in the town hall.
This route can be quite taxing as it’s both rugged and undulating, but there are plenty of opportunities to take breaks. A detour into Fishguard to see the last invasion tapestry is well worth it.
Route data:
200 ft
Grass & SandLocation A
Location B
Key information
Route:
- Leave your car at Pwllgwaelod and take the Strumble Shuttle to Strumble lighthouse
- Walk eastwards over some pretty rugged and undulating cliffs. One bay named Aber Felin Bay is particularly popular with grey seals. You can see as many as a dozen lounging about on a sunny day
- After about 2 miles, you come to a monument on Caregwastad Point. It commemorates the failed last invasion of Britain when a force of French conscripts scrambled ashore in 1797. A more difficult landing place would be hard to find!
- Another 2 miles brings you into the cliff top village of Goodwick, overlooking Fishguard Harbour. Follow the road down to the village centre
- Proceed along The Parrog or seafront and head up the steps on the far side
- The Coast Path bypasses Fishguard town centre, by following the cliff edge, but take time out to explore the town. Turn inland after you pass the cannons
- The recently refurbished Town Hall has a special gallery that houses the Last Invasion tapestry. It’s fascinating and free too
- Once you’ve thoroughly explored Fishguard, head down the hill to Lower Town
- This quaint old harbour was where Dylan Thomas’s ‘Under Milk Wood’ was filmed in 1971
- Walk up the hill, alongside the main road, until you get to the car park
- A short distance from here is Fishguard Fort, complete with the cannons that fired on the French ships, forcing them to land their troops at Carregwastad
- After a few miles, you reach a caravan park. Walk straight through the middle
- Before you reach Pwllgwaelod, there’s a lovely little secret beach with steep paths down and up again the other side
- Pwllgwaelod is a nicely enclosed, gently shelving beach. The refurbished old pub behind the beach is a perfect place to end the walk
- If in doubt, follow the acorn symbols that indicate where the route goes
Accessibility
While Pembrokeshire offers a range of scenic walks for all abilities, not all paths are guaranteed to be fully accessible. If you or someone in your group uses a wheelchair, mobility scooter, or pram, there are still plenty of accessible routes, viewpoints, attractions, and beaches to enjoy.
For the best experience, plan ahead by checking accessibility guides or contacting local organisations, such as the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and the Walkability Project. Many beaches also offer concrete ramps and Beach Wheelchairs for easier access.
Please ensure you gather relevant information in advance to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
