AMC trip to South Pembroke 27 – 30 August, Alastair Kelleher
A bit late in the organising but 7 AMC members headed west to make the most of the Bank Holiday weekend with a few days in South Pembroke. Arriving late on Friday, we all managed to find each other on a busy Bosherston campsite with limited, intermittent mobile phone coverage. With climbers and walkers keen to get going in the mornings, we sorted out into teams; Maria and Alys walking, James, Mark and I climbing as a 3, and Jake and Lizzie starting a bit later due to night shifts.
Jake and Lizzie went up to Flimston Bay and enjoyed some great routes on Bow Shaped Slab, particularly Bow Shaped Corner then trying Saddle Head on the way back to the campsite. Maria and Alys walked the cliffs in Castlemartin Range taking some stunning photos of Green Bridge and the various bays, before Maria drove over to Freshwater West. James, Mark and I got through a few routes on Saddle Head, notably getting on Sea Mist and Blue Sky without any queuing on a fairly busy day.
Lizzie on Bow Shaped Corner 
The iconic Green Bridge 
James getting started on Sea Mist
With the pub fully booked for food for a week, we managed a few beers before getting back to the campsite for a late supper and a campfire. Commitments at home took Alys away Sunday morning, so I dropped James and Maria over to Manorbier for Maria to walk and James to run back to Bosherston; James got back in time for a swim in Broad Haven South beach with Jake and Lizzie, and Maria took some stunning photos of all the numerous bays Swanlake Bay, Freshwater East, Greenala Point, Stackpole, Barafundle Bay, Broad Haven and the Lily ponds in Bosherston. Mark and I failed to get into Range West due to restrictions on numbers, before baking on Stennis Head getting a few routes in before withering and giving in early. Food in the pub for all rounded off a great Bank Holiday Sunday.
Elegug Stacks 
Mark on Sea Mist 
Glorious evening on Stennis head
Monday saw Jake and Lizzie dodging the queues and getting on Blue Sky first thing before heading back home and Mark and I successfully got into Range West and walked in to Western Walls. Very atmospheric, quiet climbing, with some great positions at low grades, while Maria visited Pembroke Castle, then headed over to North Pembroke to visit the St David’s cathedral Caerfai bay and Whitesands beach.
We were lucky with the weather and enchanted with the rugged beauty of the area; I think we’re all keen to return soon.
