Days Out from Manor Bedw – Marloes & Skomer Island

Marloes SandsIf you head west to the village of Marloes you can explore Marloes Sands or do a lovely circular walk around the peninsula.

Marloes Sands is a huge expanse of sand at low tide with rocks and interesting cliff formations. Rockpools can be found at the western end of the beach. At high tide the beach can disappear altogether, but at low tide, there’s plenty to explore. Climb over the rocks at the western end to discover Albion Sands, a perfect little sandy beach. At low tide you can see all that’s left of a wrecked ship sticking out of the sand; its prop shaft. Scenes from the Hollywood film “Snow White and the Huntsman” were shot here. If you’re planning to visit, check out the tide times to make sure you’ve plenty of beach to play on and that you don’t get cut off by the incoming tide!

There is a is a short but spectacular walk around the end of the Marloes Peninsula, the Deer Park walk. No deer to see, but lots of seals (pups in autumn), heather and wildflowers, spectacular rocks and sea views. You’ll see most of Pembrokeshire’s islands from here. Skomer Island

Close to Marloes you will find Martins Haven – from here you can take the 15 minute boat ride to Skomer. The island is well known for its puffins, but you can also see manx shearwaters, razorbills, gannets, dolphins, harbour porpoises and seals. In spring the island is carpeted with bluebells and pink campion.

Boats run from Martin’s Haven between Good Friday or 1st April (whichever is earlier) and 30th September. They run Tuesdays to Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays and leave from Martin’s Haven at 10am, 11am and 12 noon with return sailings from 3pm onwards.

Boat to SkomerAs trips to Skomer are very popular (particularly in peak season May-July), to avoid disappointment it is recommended you arrive as early as you can to queue for tickets. Tickets are offered on a first come first served basis, and during peak times can sell out within the first hour/hours of Lockley Lodge opening. Sailings may be disrupted by the weather – check by calling Lockley Lodge, an information point and gift shop run by the Wildlife Trust, or Pembrokeshire Islands Boat Trips. Parking is available in a National Trust car park at Martin’s Haven.

Puffins on SkomerDistance from Manor Bedw: 28 miles