Some of the finest landscapes in Britain will this month be just a short bus ride and a walk away as the first-ever St.. David's Walking Festival is staged.
Over five days - starting on Monday, June 23 - the National Park Authority and several partner organisations will be linking up to provide unforgettable walking experiences, mostly on the lovely St.. David's Peninsula.
Walk leaders are from the National Park, National Trust, Countryside Council for Wales and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution - all organisations which, with others, care for the Peninsula and its varied and special wildlife. The leaders will pass on their knowledge, enthusiasm and sheer enjoyment of these outstanding stretches of coastline.
Four of the walks are along sections of the Coast Path on the Peninsula and the fifth takes in the spectacular geology and scenery of the Strumble headland, above Goodwick.
All start from the National Park's award-winning Visitor Centre at The Grove, St.. David's, and make full use of the coastal bus services which link all along the north and west Pembrokeshire coastline. Walk charges include the bus fares.
Walking Festival details:
Monday, June 23: 10.30 am - 6 pm. Porthgain to Abereiddi, five miles, looking at traditional Pembrokeshire architecture and local industries which have shaped the coastline. Leaders: Rob Scourfield and Clarissa Wells (National Park), £6 and £4 (concessions).
Tuesday, June 24: 9.45 am - 5.30 pm. Whitesands to Abereiddi, eight miles. Industry, farming, flowers and wildlife along a superb stretch of coastline. Leaders: Haydn Garlick (National Trust) and Richard Saies, £6 and £4 (concessions).
Wednesday, June 25: 9.30 am - 6 pm. Newgale to Caerfai, 10 miles. Experience some of the county's exuberant wildlife, from squills and sea pinks to peregrines and pipits. Leaders: Debbie Kearsley (National Trust) and Ian Meopham (National Park), £5.50 and £3.50 (concessions).
Thursday, June 25: 9 am - 6 pm. Pwll Deri to Harbour Village, eight miles. Where hot rocks meet the sea - the geology and scenery of the Strumble Peninsula. Leaders: Sid Howells (CCW) and Ian Meopham (National Park), £7 and £4.50 (concessions).
Friday, June 27: 10.30 am to 6.30 pm. Porth Clais to St.. Justinians, seven miles. St.. David's Lifeboat Coxswain leads a walk along a coastal stretch which has been a graveyard for ships. Sea cruise return. Leaders: Malcolm Gray (RNLI) and Ian Meopham (National Park), £13.50 and £12 (concessions). Booking essential on (01437) 721911.
The Walking Festival is part of the National Park's Activities and Events programme of around 200 items, ranging from walks, slide shows and boat trips to island visits and canoe trips.
The Programme is included in the National Park's Coast to Coast newspaper, available at information centres and many outlets throughout the county, and can also be viewed on the National Park website www. pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk