32. to Cwm-yr-Eglwys

Dinas Isalnd OS sheet 157, Grid ref 866029

P

Cwm -yr - P Eglwys

Bryn Henllan

Leave Fishguard on the A487 towards Cardigan. About 3 to 4 miles from Fishguard, in Dinas village, (grid ref. 012388) is a left turn signposted 'Pwllgwaelod'. Follow this road to the sea inlet. There is a car park, cafe, public house, and toilets with no 'disabled' facility. There is a ‘disabled’ toilet near the school in Dinas.

The entrance to the path at Pwllgaelod is behind the Old Sailors inn. It is a pleasant ride on a good, fairly level surface. The sheltered marshy valley that almost cuts the land in two has varied plant and 1 bird life. The path is flat and about 1 /4 km long. It eventually leads to the little fishing hamlet of Cwm-yr-Eglwys. page 72 The path runs behind ‘Dinas Island’, which is not actually an island. It is a large headland separated from the ‘mainland’ by a low, marshy strip of land. The ride is interesting for the contrast between the two inlets. Pwllgwaelod faces into the stormy Irish Sea, while Cwm-yr-Eglwys is in the more sheltered lee of the Island. Binoculars are useful for the views over from Pwllgwaelod and from Cwm-yr-Eglwys.

Cwm-yr-Eglwys translates into English as 'Church Valley', but there is little left of the church of St Brynach that gave the place its name. In the terrible storm of 1859, which did immense damage all round the Welsh coast, the main body of the church was washed away. Another storm in 1979 reduced the church to a remaining gable end.

There is a small harbour, with a stone causeway built above the sea, where you can sit and admire the view or enjoy a picnic. Car parking is more restricted at this end.

It is not a good idea to complete a round trip by following the narrow lanes back to your starting point. These byways are busy in summer and the strife involved is probably not worth it, so you must retrace your path.

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