We Must Be Mad: Day 72: Freshwater East to Lydstep

We had hoped to continue along the coast from Castlemartin to Bosherston however the weather was so atrocious that we took the day off. As the firing range is only open in the weekends and the month of August we had to wait two days before we could continue the next stage of our walk. As such, we jumped ahead and began today’s walk at Freshwater East.

It was another rainy start to the as we made our way from the sand dunes at the back of the beach and headed up and round the headland at West Moor cliff and round to Swanlake Bay, which is apparently one of the quietest beaches along this coast.

Another rainy start to the day!

Freshwater East

Looking east towards East Moor Cliff

Swanlake Bay and West Moor Cliff

The path continued around East Moor Cliff towards a vast sandstone pavement leading into Manorbier Bay, set in a hollow beneath the village and its Norman style castle (actually a grand fortified manor of the De Barri family). The twelfth century scholar Gerald of Wales was born in Manorbier and said of it, ‘in all the broad lands of Wales, Manorbier is the most pleasant place by far’.

Manorbier Bay

Manorbier Beach

As we had planned only a short walk today, we took the opportunity to explore the castle and also St James Church which is a Grade I-listed parish church in Manorbier. The church dates from the 12th century, and has been considerably altered over the years, though medieval ceiling paintings in the porch survive.

Manorbier Castle

Steps inside the tower, Manorbier Castle

Great Hall and Chapel, Manorbier Castle

The Chapel, Manorbier Castle

Second storey fireplace

Stone walls, Manorbier Castle

St James Church, Manorbier

Back on the path we continued around to the far side of the bay to reach the Neolithic burial chamber of King’s Quoit.

Manorbier Beach

King's Quoit Burial Chamber

The path continued around the Priest’s Nose staying low along the rocky shore. The cliffs along this section were formed of regular vertical lines. Beyond Skrinkle Haven, the vertical layers were formed of limestone creating numerous arches like that of Church Door’s, as well as a series of high tors that looked like giant church organs.