Walking Pembrokeshire

Stepaside Ironworks Walk (Tenby - Saundersfoot)

It's good to walk, so why not step out and sample some of the walks your town or village has to offer. This pleasant and interesting walk which starts and finishes in the Ironworks car park, Stepaside, is one of a number of town and country walks which have been produced by Pembrokeshire County Council. 

Enjoy this walk which mixes scenic coastal walking with an enclosed inland  woodland walk in a quiet valley. The route follows the old railway line built in 1835 to link Saundersfoot Harbour with Stepaside Ironworks. 

The walk is quite short and flat and therefore suitable for walker of all ages and abilities. 

Coal has been mined in Pleasant Valley since the 14th century and by the early 19th century there were over 12 collieries around Stepaside; the ironworks was onstructed nearby in 1848. A railway was built to link these industrial activities with Saundersfoot Harbour in 1835 and this short, flat walk follows the route of that line. 

Walking: Stepaside Ironworks is a short walk from Stepaside village.
Bus: 350 (Tenby-Amroth-Tenby) and 351 (Tenby-Pendine). Alight at Pleasant Valley. Bus Timetables (opens in a new tab)
Train: Nearest station is at Kilgetty. Arriva Trains Wales (opens in a new tab)
Road Map: Search for "Kilgetty"
Parking: Stepaside Ironworks is served by a large free public car park
Refreshments / Toilets: These are available at both Wisemans Bridge and Saundersfoot. Wisemans Bridge is at the halfway point of the walk.

Start / Finish: Stepaside Ironworks
Distance: 1.9 miles (3.6km) - 2 hour (approx)
Terrain: Flat tarmaced or similar roads, paths and lanes. Suitable for all ages and abilities.
Stiles: 0
Gates: 2
Steps: 0
Bridges: 0
Car Park: 1
Views: 3

• Begin the walk in the car park at Stepaside Ironworks and take some time to admire the buildings.
• Of particular architectural note are the remains of the Engine Blast House and the Casting House which has a striking three bay gabled front of dressed stone with three arches.
• Leave the ironworks, turn right onto the road and, shortly after passing the old mill, right again through a gate and onto the newly refurbished old railway route.
• This route takes you through the lovely old woodland of the aptly named Pleasant Valley. Depending on the time of the year you walk this route, there will generally be an abundance of plant and wildlife to observe.
• This new path ends at a gate with Tramway Cottage on your right.
• Turn left onto a lane and follow it down towards Wisemans Bridge.
• Just before the coast is reached the lane divides. Take the right fork and at the beach there are some excellent coastal views along Wisemans Bridge beach towards Amroth.
• Both beaches were used for the D-Day invasion rehearsals in 1944.
• When you reach the beach, cross the road and bear right following the old railway line.
• Eventually you reach a tunnel. A bit further along there is a second tunnel, cut into some spectacular sedimentary rock bedding planes, which takes you out onto Coppet Hall beach.
• Follow the path around towards the toilets. Unusually, on the wall of these modern toilets is a remarkable frieze by the artist Simon Hedger, commemorating the area's industrial heritage. Ahead of you is a third tunnel.
• When you exit this tunnel you are in the coastal resort of Saundersfoot. Walk on towards the harbour where there are plenty of opportunities for refreshment before retracing your steps back to Stepaside.