You may have noticed the picture of a boy from a long gone age as you walk along the Strand in Saundersfoot or by the font in Amroth.

We have called him Tomos, and he was one of the young boys growing up in Saundersfoot Bay when it looked quite different from the way it is known and enjoyed today.

Over the last two and a half year, the Saundersfoot Bay Heritage and Regeneration Trust have worked to revive the bay’s local history and heritage, initially focusing on the vast industrial wealth and development of Saundersfoot and its bay, created by the mining of coal.

Coal seams can still be seen on the beaches, especially on the stretch between Amroth and Wiseman’s Bridge. This precious commodity in its day, was formed millions of years ago from forests which are now submerged by the sea. The remains of these forests can still be seen at low tide on Amroth beach.

The story of coal and its impact on Saundersfoot Bay is a fascinating and interesting one. There are several projects planned in Saundersfoot to promote and safeguard the area’s industrial past, and one way we have begun to capture this particular period of history is through an informative walk which takes in the key sites (still very evident today).

The long circular walk - Black route (about nine miles), begins at Saundersfoot Harbour and takes the walker on an interesting and varied route around the bay. Our character Tomos, shows you the way, and helps to create a picture for you of the Saundersfoot Bay as it was in his lifetime, in the late 1800s.

For those of you preferring a shorter, easier walk, simply follow the Green route. (This one is also accessible for wheelchairs or pushchairs).

We are planning a permanent exhibition to be housed at Colby Woodland Garden (above the Bothy tea-room), which will promote the history of Colby, in particular the significant impact of the coal industry both at Colby and the surrounding area. If you have any information/stories from grandparents or family/artefacts or anything that you feel may be of interest that could be included in the exhibition, we would love to hear from you.

Please contact: email:[email protected] or phone: 07966792752.