Abermawr, near Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, Wales

Abermawr

Beach

Place photograph

7.2

Wildland

1–2 hours

Time

Check

Cost

Secluded

Feel

CoastalWoodlandWalkersPhotographersDogsHistory lovers

Why it's Wildland

7.2

At low tide, the beach’s sandy expanse can reveal the preserved stumps of a forest drowned by rising seas thousands of years ago. Above the cove, woodland bluebells bring a very different kind of seasonal spectacle.

Abermawr pairs a secluded Pembrokeshire cove with an unusual low-tide discovery: the preserved remains of an ancient forest beneath the beach. Its woodland setting and access via a steep Coast Path approach give the visit a more exploratory feel than an easy roadside stop.

Secluded · Atmospheric · Ancient-feeling

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Abermawr, near Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, Wales

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The experience

Take the Coast Path down to the cove, explore the pebble-and-shingle shore, and check the tide before looking for the preserved forest stumps. The surrounding woodland is noted for its spring and early-summer bluebells.

Things to do

Look for the drowned forest

At low tide, the sandy beach may reveal preserved tree stumps from a forest engulfed by rising sea levels thousands of years ago. Check tide times before your visit.

Allow time within your beach visit

Explore the cove and woodland

Visit the pebble-and-shingle shore and its wooded surroundings. The woodland is noted for its bluebell display in spring and early summer.

1–2 hours

Continue on the Coast Path to neighbouring coves

The guide describes two smaller coves beyond the headland as accessible from the Coast Path. Check route conditions and access before continuing.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · 1–2 hours

Quick Escape: Cove and ancient forest

01
Reach the beach via the Pembrokeshire Coast Path and the relatively steep access path.
02
Explore the shore, checking the tide before looking for the preserved forest stumps.
03
Return by the same access route.

Half day · Half day

Make a half day of it: Cove, woodland and Coast Path

01
Visit Abermawr at a suitable low tide and look for the ancient forest remains.
02
Allow time to explore the cove and surrounding woodland, especially during the bluebell season.
03
Continue along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path towards the two smaller coves beyond the headland, then return; check the route and conditions before setting out.

Verified history

The Abermawr woodland is thought to be at least 8,000 years old. A forest once covered the area before rising sea levels engulfed the trees; their remains are described as preserved and sometimes exposed by the sea. In the 1850s, track was begun for a proposed railway terminal intended to serve people travelling to Ireland. Isambard Kingdom Brunel had considered the area suitable, and plans included piers around the cove, but the project was abandoned.

Hidden details

A forest beneath the tide — The beach guide describes preserved ancient forest stumps that become visible at low tide—a detail easy to miss without checking the tide and knowing what to look for.

The railway that never reached Ireland — Look beyond the natural history of the cove to its abandoned Victorian railway-terminal plan: track was started in the 1850s, but the scheme did not proceed.

When to go

April · May · June · At low tide for the forest remains; in the morning or during quieter conditions for a more peaceful visit.

The woodland is noted for bluebells in spring and early summer. The ancient forest remains are revealed by low tides, so tide timing matters in any season.

The access path is relatively steep, and the beach is coastal. Check local conditions and tide times before visiting; take care on the path and shore.

What to look for

At low tide, look for the stumps of the ancient forest preserved beneath the beach. In spring and early summer, look for bluebells in the surrounding woodland.

The story

Archaeology, Industry

Best time to go

Spring to early summer for the woodland bluebells; visit at low tide if you want to look for the exposed forest remains.

For the forest remains, time your visit around low tide and check local tide times before setting out. For bluebells, aim for spring or early summer.

How long to spend

1–2 hours

Perfect for

Walkers · Photographers · Dogs · History lovers

Before you go

Website Google Maps

Address

Haverfordwest SA62 5UX

Website

beachesofpembrokeshire.co.uk

Listed hours

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Check before visiting.

Google rating

4.8 · 90 reviews

Practical information

Opening & access

Reached via the Pembrokeshire Coast Path by a relatively steep path. The source describes the beach as private and secluded; check current access arrangements before visiting. Beach access is very limited. Access arrangements are unconfirmed. Check before visiting; do not enter private land or restricted structures.

Check before visiting

Parking

No beach car park. The source reports limited spaces at the end of the road and roadside parking; park responsibly.

Toilets

No toilets at Abermawr. Public toilets are available at nearby Abercastle; check current opening arrangements before travelling.

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Food & drink

Check before visiting.

Check before visiting

Dogs

Dogs are allowed all year round, according to the supplied beach guide.

Accessibility