Looking for somewhere to enjoy the changing season?
Autumn Woodland Walks
Who doesn't love the crunch of leaves underfoot, the changing colours of the trees and that unmistakable feeling of autumn in the air?
Pembrokeshire has plenty of lovely places to enjoy the season, from peaceful woodland trails and riverside paths to walks with a little local history along the way. If you're staying with us at Swallow Tree Gardens or exploring the area around Saundersfoot, here are a few local options to get you started — along with some useful information to help you plan your autumn wander.
Swallow Tree Gardens woodland
You don't always have to travel far to find a woodland walk. Here at Swallow Tree Gardens, woodland borders parts of the park, bringing a little seasonal colour right to our doorstep. For guests staying with us, it's a lovely part of the setting to enjoy during your stay. Local residents who can reach the park on foot can also enjoy the surrounding area. Please note that the woodland isn't a public visitor attraction and there is no visitor parking.
Minwear Woods
Minwear Woods is a good option if you're looking for a defined woodland walk with a viewpoint along the way. The trees include beech and red oak, which bring some particularly striking colour in autumn.
The waymarked circular trail takes you through the woodland to a viewpoint overlooking the Cleddau Estuary. There are also picnic areas along the route, making it a good place to take your time rather than rush through the walk.
The walk: The Minwear Walk is around 1.6 miles (2.6 km) and takes approximately an hour. It's graded easy, although the path narrows in places, can become muddy and includes some steps.
Parking: There is a free car park at Minwear Forest, managed by Natural Resources Wales. The trail starts from the car park.
Worth knowing: Keep an eye out for woodland birds, including long-tailed tits and great spotted woodpeckers. The viewpoint over the estuary is a lovely place to pause.
Canaston Woods
Canaston Woods offers a different feel, with a network of woodland tracks and a long history stretching back through the centuries.
The woods are part of an ancient woodland landscape. They were once used for timber, charcoal and other industries, and the area has links to the historic Knight's Way, an old route through Pembrokeshire.
There are a number of paths to explore, so it's worth choosing a route that suits the time and distance you're looking for.
The walk: The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park's Canaston Wood route is around 2.3 miles (3.7 km). It follows woodland tracks and is described as reasonably level, with no stiles or gates.
Parking: The National Park's route begins from the Blackpool Mill area. Check the route map and local parking information before setting off, as parking arrangements can vary.
Worth knowing: Canaston and Minwear are close to one another, so you could explore both areas during a visit. The woods also have a fascinating industrial past, including an iron furnace built in the 1630s.
Minwear Woods, Pembrokeshire
Pleasant Valley, Wisemans Bridge
Pleasant Valley is a lovely choice if you'd like a walk with a little history along the way.
The wooded valley follows the route of an old colliery railway, which was originally a horse-drawn dramway. Today, the path runs alongside a stream and leads towards the remains of Stepaside Ironworks.
It's a walk that combines woodland, local history and the coast. You can explore the valley inland from Wisemans Bridge, or make a longer outing by linking it with the coast.
The walk: The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park's circular route is around 3.5 miles (5.7 km), taking approximately an hour and a half. The route includes woodland, lanes, fields and coastal sections.
Parking: There is very limited roadside parking at Wisemans Bridge. Another option is to start from the Ironworks car park at Stepaside and follow the Dramway Trail through the valley.
Worth knowing: The old railway route is a popular shared path, so expect to encounter other walkers, cyclists and dog walkers. The National Park advises taking care in wet and windy conditions and supervising children and dogs.
East Williamston Jubilee Park
East Williamston Jubilee Park offers a slightly different kind of outing. Alongside its nature trails and open space, the park has a children's play area, picnic benches and areas of wildlife interest.
It's a handy option if you're looking for somewhere to stretch your legs without committing to a longer woodland walk. The paths, open field and play area make it a useful choice for families, while the nature trail offers an opportunity to explore the surrounding landscape.
The walk: The park covers around 15 acres, with paths leading through different areas of the site, including wildflower meadows and a boardwalk over a marshy area.
Parking: The park's main entrance is on the outskirts of East Williamston, near the bus stop. Check local information before travelling for the latest parking arrangements.
Worth knowing: There are information boards around the park highlighting local birds, insects and flowers. The children's play area and picnic benches make it easy to combine a short walk with a little time outdoors.
A few things to remember before you set off
Autumn is a lovely time to explore, but woodland paths can be muddy and slippery after rain. A few simple preparations can make your walk more comfortable:
- Wear suitable footwear, particularly if you're heading onto woodland tracks.
- Take a waterproof layer and check the weather forecast before setting off.
- Keep dogs under close control and follow any local guidance.
- Allow yourself enough daylight, especially if you're planning a longer route.
- Check parking and route information before travelling, as facilities and access can change.
Whether you're looking for a short wander close to Saundersfoot or a longer walk through the woods, there are plenty of places around Pembrokeshire to enjoy the changing season.
5 STAR HOLIDAYS IN PEMBROKESHIRE
Contact Us
Our family would love to welcome your family to SWALLOWTREE. Come and enjoy our unique location, superb indoor facilities and high-quality accommodation with delightful sea views. We look forward to seeing you soon.