Location
Dale Fort
Duration
6 days
Date
Wed 20, May 2020 17:00 - Mon 25, May 2020 10:00
Level
Walking 2
Tutor
John Archer-Thomson
Price
£450.00 – £575.00
Course details

Dates are being revised due to Covid-19

All aspects of Pembrokeshire’s diverse natural history will be explored, especially the seabirds and wild flowers. Weather permitting, one day will be spent on Skomer Island (boat and landing fees included) usually at its very best at this time of year, looking at breeding seabirds and other aspects of the island’s natural history. The other 3 days will be land based and will involve walking a stretch of the beautiful Pembrokeshire coastal path looking at all aspects of this unique landscape.

As a great deal of the week is spent walking members should be fairly fit, however this is not a walking course and the pace will be leisurely. There are opportunities for stretching the legs a bit, but seven miles in a day tends to be the absolute maximum. On the last morning there may be an opportunity to visit the world famous gannetry on Grassholm, weather permitting. Boat fees for Grassholm are not included in the course fee, additional costs apply and are payable on the day.

Walking Levels information

Tutor: John Archer-Thomson

For many years John Archer-Thomson was Assistant Head of Centre at FSC Dale Fort. He is now working as a freelance coastal ecologist, writer and photographer and runs a number of courses at Dale Fort each year. He co-wrote Rocky Shores, Volume 7 in Bloomsbury’s British Wildlife Collection.
  • The Gwaun Valley, Preseli Hills
  • Dale Peninsula
  • Skomer from Wooltack Point
  • Sea Campion on cliffs
  • Sea Campion and Thrift
  • Eight-Arch Bridge, Bosherston

Example Timetable

Wednesday: Intro to the course and coastal Pembrokeshire.

Thursday: Mid Pembrokeshire: A coast walk around the Dale peninsula, 7 miles approx. Evening, short walk or slide show to suit.

Friday: North Pembrokeshire: Pentre Ifan burial chamber. Walk and tea stop in the Gwaun Valley. Evening, short walk or slide show to suit.

Saturday: Mid Pembrokeshire: The natural history of Skomer Island. (Boat and landing fees included) A circular walk of approximately 4 miles. Evening short walk or slide show, Skomer above and below the water.

Sunday: South Pembrokeshire: Bosherston Lily ponds and a walk around Stackpole Head via Barafundle Bay, 6 miles approx. Tea at Ye Olde Worlde Cafe. Free evening to pack, review etc.

Monday: On the morning of departure we organise an optional trip to Grassholm, weather permitting (Boat fees not included, an additional £40 is payable on the day.)

What's Included
  • Expert Tuition
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Full Board Accommodation
  • Hot and Cold Drinks
  • In Course Transport

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 or at lunchtime for those opting for the Grassholm trip. Non-resident guests are asked to arrive in time for the welcome talk at approximately 5.30pm.

What to Bring

  • Warm 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 suncream for sunny days.
  • Water bottles and/or thermos flask and packed lunch box

 

Sorry this course has ended