Monk Haven/St Ishmaels

Short Walk

DISTANCE/DURATION: 2.2 miles (3.6 km) 1 hour.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Service bus St Ishmaels 315/316, *Puffin Shuttle 400 (*seasonal, hail & ride)/
CHARACTER: Fields and livestock, rugged coast, cliff edge.
LOOK OUT FOR: Wooded valley, ponds and Church.

A beautiful wooded valley leading to the secluded cove of Monk Haven.

Look for amphibians like frogs, toads and newts, and invertebrates and insects like pond snails, water spiders and pond skaters in the pond.

Dragonflies and damselflies will hunt near the water, as will many birds, like heron, and small mammals like water voles.

Pond plants include the parrot’s feather with feathery leaves which provide dense cover on the pond margins; golden creeping Jenny, an evergreen with glossy round golden yellow leaves; and the common water lily which likes sunshine and rich soil. Water mint, water forget-me-not, irises, spearwort, ragged robin and marsh marigold are commonly found at the margins of ponds.

The tiny church at St Ishmael has an unusual bell tower and dates back to 940 AD.

Text provided by the BBC

Find this Walk

Grid ref: SM825065

SAFETY FIRST!

  • Take great care when on the Coast Path
  • Stay on the path and away from cliff edges
  • Wear boots and warm, waterproof clothing
  • Take extra care in windy and/or wet conditions
  • Always supervise children and dogs
  • Leave gates and property as you find them