Stackpole Estate clifftop walk

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A `must visit` place in Pembrokeshire is the NT Stackpole estate which has some of the most stunning coastal views to be found anywhere. It’s difficult to imagine the many buildings that may have graced the Stackpole Court site over the centuries. Occupied since Norman times, the Stackpole Estate has seen its fair share of boom and bust over the centuries.
The Campbells built the early Georgian mansion of Stackpole Court in the Palladian style in the 1730s on the site of the earlier fortified house.
Two world wars heralded a century of decline at Stackpole. Half of the estate, around 6,000 acres, was requisitioned by the Ministry of Defence to form Castlemartin Range in 1938.
Sir John Campbell II inherited the estate in 1777 and began landscaping work on a grand scale. What was once a valley was later flooded to create the Bosherston Lakes, as part of a designed landscape, and thousands of trees were planted.
Thirteen years later, what was left of this historic estate was broken up and the farms were sold. Thankfully the coast, woods and lakes passed to the National Trust and were saved for the nation.

Stackpole Quay - the start of our walk



The first sight of Barafundle Bay and its magnificent sandy beach. Barafundle is a jewel of a beach set between limestone cliffs and backed by dunes and woods. This secluded bay can only be reached by a cliff path walk from Stackpole Quay, with steep steps at either end.


Looking back along Barafundle Beach.



The far end of the bay before you head into the trees to continue your walk.



More of the Stackpole coastline


Church Rock


And the small bay just beyond.


The famous Bosherston Lakes were created 200 years ago to provide a backdrop to Stackpole Court. Sadly, the house was finally demolished in 1963. The bridge is usually called the Eight Arch Bridge. I wonder why?
From the bridge we walked back toward Stackpole Quay and the chance to get a coffee and something for lunch. I believe that you can go on a slightly longer route than we did but ours was about 4 miles and was long enough for us today.
Location: Stackpole Park, Pembroke SA71 5LS

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