Pembrokeshire Park Life
One of the most popular routes for walkers in Wales, the Pembrokeshire coastal path skirts some of the country's most spectacular scenery We take a look at what makes it so special...
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Skirting the edge of the county's coastline, the National Park-maintained coastal path was opened in 1970, and offers those who traverse its 186 miles a unique opportunity to come face to face with the areas spectacular scenery and diverse wildlife. With an estimated one million days a year spent walking it, the path is one of 13 long-distance trails in England and Wales.  Each June in a two-week organised walk, committed trekkers tackle the trail from south to north, starting at Amroth on the Pembrokeshire - Carmarthenshire border, and working their way to Poppit Sands.
The National Park
Created in 1949 by an Act of Parliament, the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is renowned for its rich diversity of habitats and species, and joins ten others across England and Wales. Created to safeguard the nation's finest landscapes, the Parks were introduced simultaneously with the Access to the Countryside Act, one of the most important pieces of legislation which recognised the need to protect the countryside and ensure people could enjoy it.The Park was 'designated' in 1952 on February 29th, meaning that its 'true' birthday can only be celebrated every four years. It remains one of the smallest National Parks, and is the only one that is predominantly coastal. Despite its size, however, the Park is home to a huge variety of wildlife.  The Park is home to internationally important colonies of Gannets, Manx shearwaters, Storm petrel and Chough, and the Peregrine Falcon, the second fastest bird in the world, who can dive for prey at speeds of up to 120 miles per hour. The islands of Skomer, Stokholm and Midleholm hold the world's largest breeding population of Manx shearwater, while the Puffin is arguably one of the most famous island residents of all. Steering clear of the mainland, Puffins congregate on islands where their burrows can be free from attack by rats, foxes and stoats.
Next we'll meet the bird who the Park liked so much, they made it their logo. Then we'll journey off into the water ...
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We feature many of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park walks in our walks section - why not have a look around! More ...
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Find out more about the species of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park in our Species section. More ...
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