The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority is urging players of the popular smartphone game Pokémon Go to take care if they are playing the game while walking on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail.

The authority is asking people to respect the safety advice given to all people who walk the popular Path, as the 186-mile route is marked on the map used by players of the hit-augmented reality game.

National trail officer Theresa Nolan said: “We would urge anyone who walks the coast path to read the Coast Path Safety Code to ensure they are prepared for the challenges the route presents.

“Those who are distracted by games such as Pokémon Go or use the path for other activities such as running may not be aware of the difficult terrain, cliff edges, livestock and any other hazards they may encounter. It’s also important to be aware of other walkers as you may need to stop to let others pass.

“The coast path and the extensive network of inland paths in the National Park provide a great opportunity for people to discover a new adventure, but we would encourage people to take time to appreciate the amazing scenery around them, especially as the maps on Pokémon Go don’t do the Pembrokeshire coast’s world-class landscape justice!”

The National Park Authority’s sites and centres are also featured in the game with the Oriel y Parc Gallery and Visitor Centre site in St. Davids being home to both a Pokéstop and a Gym, with the Newport National Park Visit Centre, Castell Henllys Iron Age Village and Carew Tidal Mill are also points of interest on the map.

The Coast Path Safety Code states: take care on the coast path - it’s rugged, natural terrain; keep to the path, away from cliff edges and overhangs; always supervise children, especially near cliff edges; walking surfaces can vary considerably with the weather. Always wear strong footwear with a good grip and ankle support; wear or carry warm and waterproof clothing; cliff-top walking can be dangerous in high winds; beware of taking shortcuts across beaches - you may be cut off by the tide. Swimming can also be dangerous; do not sit under cliffs or climb them; keep dogs under close control; the coast path is managed for walkers; it is not safe or lawful to ride horses or cycle along most of the coast path; leave gates and property as you find them.

Note that mobile ’phone coverage is unreliable on the coast.

To see more information on walking in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, including the Coast Path Safety Code, visit www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/walking.