It's good to walk, so why not step out and sample some of the walks your locality has to offer. This pleasant and interesting walk which starts and finishes at the car park of Salem Chapel, near Spittal Cross, is one of a number of town and country walks which have been produced by Pembrokeshire County Council.

Enjoy this fairly strenuous walk which begins and ends at Salem Chapel car park and takes in a wide variety of scenery on the way - from rolling, open Pembrokeshire landscapes to beautiful enclosed woodland, both deciduous and coniferous in Treffgarne Gorge.

This two and a half hour walk on the eastern side of the magnificent Treffgarne Gorge encompasses open farmland with spectacular views as well of sections of enchanting woodland, both coniferous and deciduous.

There are wide varieties of flora and fauna to be seen at all times of the year. The path passes the location of Brunel's intended rail link with Ireland which was abandoned in 1851 on account of the potato famine.

Near Spittal Cross, just beyond a magnificent railway tunnel, there is a small car park beneath Salem Chapel where the walk begins.

Walking: The walk begins and ends at the small free car park of Salem Chapel, near Spittal Cross.
Bus: T5 (Haverfordwest-Fishguard-Cardigan). Alight at Treffgarne and walk to start point. Bus timetables (opens in a new tab)
Train: Nearest station is at Haverfordwest. National Rail Enquiries: 08457 484 950 National Rail (opens in a new tab)
Road Map: Search for "Wolfscastle, Pembrokeshire".
Parking: There is a small, free car park below Salem Chapel, near Spittal Cross.
Toilets: None.
Refreshments: None.

Start/Finish: Salem Chapel car park, near Spittal Cross.
Distance: 3.8 miles (6.15 kilometres), 2 ½ hours
Terrain: Strenuous walking on lanes and paths. The latter are grassy, stony and can be muddy and slippery at times. Some very steep sections. Come prepared.
Stiles: 3
Gates: 4
Steps: 18
Bridges: 2
Car Park: 1
Views: several
Car Park: 1

Turn left onto a tree lined bridleway, bear left where it forks and follow the lane past a stables as it ascends steeply.
Near the summit there is a gated, waymarked path on your left.
This leads you into beautiful deciduous woodland and later into a coniferous plantation.
Take care as the path is narrow and there is a steep slope on your left to the river below. There are remains of Iron Age earthworks hidden in the trees to your right.
Eventually the path descends very steeply towards the river. Instead take the waymarked path to the right to ascend slightly once more.
Turn right just before a small bridge and climb a few steps up to a gate into a field. Cross the field to a gate and continue into and along the next field keeping the hedge just to your left. Join a surfaced lane (leading into Little Treffgarne) and turn right.
Follow the lane south and admire the marvellous views westwards across Treffgarne Gorge towards Treffgarne Rocks and Maiden Castle.
After just over hlaf a mile this lane descends steeply to a hairpin bend, and across a mill bridge before climbing to a T-junction. Turn right here, climb another hill and turn right again onto a path signposted ‘Wood Park' just before you get to a house. This leads you down behind a small cottage and onto a narrow path that eventually exits onto a further small lane. Turn left here and follow the lane back to Salem Chapel car park, bearing left at the bottom of the hill.
It is worth climbing up to the chapel - a fine well preserved Georgian building constructed in 1827 and renovated in 1874 and 1909.

ID: 237, revised 28/11/2023