Dates are being revised due to Covid-19

This is a chance to sample some of the delights of the county at a leisurely pace with an expert tutor from Dale Fort; waterways and seabirds, cliff-tops and wooded valleys, natural history and ancient history all rolled into one. Weather permitting, we plan to include a visit to Skomer to look at its ecology and natural history (boat and landing fees included). Other visits may include walking the Dale peninsula, St David’s and its Cathedral, exploring the ancient history in the north and the dramatically different limestone scenery of the south of the county. This is in effect a level 2 walking course and requires a moderate level of fitness to get to the best sites.

Walking Levels information

Tutor: Steve Morrell

Steve Morrell is a Senior Tutor at Dale Fort with an eclectic range of interests including ecology, local history, painting, amateur dramatics and playing the guitar.
  • Puffin
  • Deer Park
  • Skomer from Wooltack Point
  • Eight-Arch Bridge, Bosherston
  • Dale Peninsula

The Five Ways to Wellbeing is a set of evidence-based public mental health messages aimed at improving the mental health and wellbeing of the whole population. They were developed by NEF (the New Economics Foundation). The Five Ways to Wellbeing have been used across the UK since their launch in 2008. This provides a common language for FSC to communicate our contribution to Wellbeing.

  • Keep Learning
    Learning about urban and natural environments.
  • Connect
    A shared experience. Developing new or better relationships in the outdoors. Seeing others in a different way and meeting new people.
  • Being Active
    Being outdoors in the fresh air, walking and doing practical activity from ecological surveys to adventure activities or conservation.
  • Take Notice
    Being in the natural environment with opportunities for awe and wonder from the smallest creatures to the largest landscapes.
  • Give
    Working together in groups, learning ecological skills and contributing to our sustainable Centres.

Example Timetable

Monday: Introduction to the course; what we might do and when we might do it. Followed by Steve's tour of Dale Fort

The following days are planned (not necessarily in this order as it will be weather and tide dependent):

  • The Dale Peninsula: A seven mile circular walk taken at a leisurely pace with plenty of stops and lots to look at.
  • Skomer Island: To look at the island’s ecology and history and hopefully some puffins, porpoises and seals (About 5 miles).
  • St. Justinian to St. Nons (where St. David was born). Start at the point where Justinian came ashore carrying his own head, finish where St. David was born (approx. 6 miles). Visit St. Davids and the Cathedral in the afternoon while Steve walks back to fetch the bus.
  • South Pembrokeshire: Bosherston Lily Ponds to Stackpole Quay and back to Bosherston via Barafundle Bay and Broadhaven. Tea (if you want) at the famous Ye Olde Worlde Café in Bosherston (approx. 6 miles).
  • Across the Preselis to Carn Ingli where St. Brynach spoke to angels, followed by visit to Nevern to see bleeding yews and a desecrated fertility symbol. Stop off on the way home to see one of best cromlechs in Wales.
  • Sandy Haven to Monkhaven in the morning (about 4 miles). Then in the afternoon another shortish walk yet to be decided upon. Alternatively, we might sample plankton from the Dale Fort boat (5.4m Avon Searider).

Evenings will involve short local walks, slide talks and some free evenings.

What's Included

Before You Attend

Start and Finish Times

Resident visitors are requested to register at the main office between 4.00 – 5.30pm. Dinner will be at 6.00pm. An introductory talk will follow. Breakfast will be at 8.00am. Departure will be after breakfast on the last day. Non-resident guests are asked to arrive in time for the welcome talk at approximately 5.30pm.

What to Bring

  • Cold and warm weather clothing
  • Waterproof jacket and trousers (can be borrowed from Centre.)
  • Outdoor footwear – sturdy shoes or boots
  • Day rucksack
  • Warm hat and gloves for inclement weather and sunhat and sun cream for sunny days.
  • Water bottles and/or thermos flask and packed lunch box

 

Sorry this course has ended