West Wales -
A GREENER Destination
PEMBROKESHIRE, an unspoilt corner of south west
Wales, is encouraging visitors to go green on
holiday and experience the county’s concepts
of ‘slow tourism’ and ‘slow food’ savouring
everything it has to offer at a gentler pace.
Its accommodation and attractions are also
introducing numerous sustainable measures.
Slow tourism suggests that visitors should
adopt a more laid back lifestyle while on
holiday nurturing the local scenery, its inherent
wildlife and the people they meet. The slow
food movement’s philosophy is similar and also
promotes the greater enjoyment of fresh, locally
produced food and drink, so reducing the miles
food must travel before reaching the plate.
Pembrokeshire is well qualified to meet the
criteria for a greener holiday destination.
Explore on Foot or Hire a Bike
Visitors are encouraged to walk or hire a bike
once they reach their hotel or self-catering
cottage; numerous scenic waymarked routes are
available for all levels from circular strolls for the
family
to long distance rides for the experienced
cyclist such as the Celtic Trail which crosses the
county.
A new 9-mile off-road track for cyclists and
walkers has just opened between Haverfordwest
and Johnston linking up with the existing Brunel
Trail that follows an old railway line to the
marina in Neyland.
The best way to explore the Pembrokeshire
Coast National Park is to walk the 186mile
(299km) coastal path which would take around
two weeks in total
from Amroth to Poppit Sands
staying at various B&Bs, inns and
guesthouses on
the way.
Mainline train services split into two lines once in
Pembrokeshire taking passengers to some of the
key holiday areas including the coastal resort of
Tenby in the south and Fishguard to the north;
while and on arrival there is a good choice of
coastal bus services specifically designed for coast
path walkers. St Davids Eco-City
Britain’s smallest city, St Davids, which
has a population of around twothousand,
is hoping to become the
first carbon neutral city in the world
(www.eco-city.co.uk).
Examples of renewable energy technology and biodiversity can be seen on the ecotrail around the city. Now open this summer will be Bluestone (www.bluestonewales. com), a new short-break destination within the heart of the Pembrokeshire National Park with self-catering timber lodges, cottages
and studios set around a traditionalWelsh village.
Facilities at the 500 acre holiday
village will include the Blue Lagoon
indoor waterpark, sports club, bike
hire, crèche, restaurants and a
grocery.
Principles of sustainability are
central tothe Bluestone ethos
from powering the site with
locally grown biomass crops
to environmental policies
which will enhance its
ecologybyincreasing species
and their habitat. Timber for
the lodges has been sourced
from sustainable, managed
forests in Europe; most have
solar panels and the insulation
does not emit HFCs or CPCs; local
produce will be offered wherever
possible and local businesses used to
supply services and activities.
Pembrokeshire is known for the
high standards and cleanliness of its
many beaches – it currently holds 11
Blue Flag awards, 32 Seaside Awards
and 14 Green Coast Awards, the
latter is a symbol of environmental
excellence. For details visit www.
thegoodbeachguide.com Dolphins, Seals and Bird
Colonies
Pembrokeshire is one of the prime
locations to see wild dolphins, whales
and porpoises. During the summer
huge super-pods with hundreds,
even thousands, of common dolphin
have been seen in recent years.
The
best places to spot them from the
shore between April and October
are Cemaes Head, Ceibwr Bay, Dinas
Head, anywhere with a good view
above Fishguard and Strumble Head.
Around a third of the world’s
population of grey seals also live
on the Pembrokeshire coast – the
best time to see them is between
September and November when
they give birth to pups on isolated
beaches. Ramsey Island, which
boasts the second largest grey seal
colony in Britain, is also famed for
its wonderful spring flowers.
Visitors can take boat trips to view
the outstanding birdlife on the
islands; Skomer and Skokholm have
the world’s largest colonies of Manx
Shearwaters, which can be seen in
the spring along with thousands of
puffins (both depart by early July).
Grassholm is home to one of the
largest, 65,000 strong gannet colonies
in the North Atlantic which are best
viewed in June, July and August.
In addition to its resident wildlife,
Caldey Island, off Tenby, has a small
community of monks living in the
Cistercian Monastery – visitors can
see the 12th century priory, perfume
shop, post office/museum and walk
to the lighthouse viewpoint.
More Information:
For a free copy of the
2008
Pembrokeshire Holiday Guide
call 0844
888 5115
Details can also be found on
www.visitpembrokeshire.com while
for leisure activities and attractions
visit www.activitypembrokeshire.com
