Pembrokeshire Coast Path – Day 8 – Goodwick to Ceibwr Bay

Day 8: Goodwick to Ceibwr Bay
Distance: 33.1km
Ascent / descent: 1161m / 1111m
Weather: overcast and rainy

After a wonderful night’s sleep, and now in freshly washed clothes, we helped ourselves to the free hostel breakfast and coffee, before ordering a taxi to take us back to where we left the trail outside the Tesco in Goodwick. We felt refreshed but nervous after reading that this stage was supposed to be a tough one.

Lower Fishguard

Aber Grugog

It was certainly up and down, but then again, everyday had been! At least it was overcast and cool today which was a refreshing change. However, because of the overnight rain and having to walk through quite a few sections of overgrown trail, my shoes and socks were soaking very early on. This wasn’t a problem in itself, except that both feet were covered in tape (little toe blisters + heel blisters + a few more blisters) and now the tape had slipped off and was squishing around inside my socks. The trail cut through Fishguard Bay Resort which had a few conveniently placed benches, so I took the opportunity to sit down, take my shoes and socks off and reapply all the bandaids.

Aber Bach

I caught up with KC at The Old Sailors for a drink and short break. We weren’t quite hungry enough to make it a lunch stop, but the menu and all the dishes coming out from the kitchen did look very good.

The Old Sailors pub in Pwllgwaelod

All smiles at Dinas Head… am I convincingly masking the pain?!

Dinas Head

Cwm yr Eglwys

A highlight of today was passing through a very quaint village called Cwm yr eglws (meaning ‘Church valley’) with church ruins by the sea. There were just a few houses but the gardens were immaculate with all sorts of flowers in bloom. It was picture postcard.

The trail then continued cliffside with stunning coastal and beach views.

Cottages in Cwm yr Eglwys

Church ruins in Cwm yr Eglwys

Following the acorns

Aberfforest Beach

Easy to follow paths on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path

Finally reaching the outskirts of Newport, we took the detour into town for a late lunch / early dinner at the first pub we came across that was serving food, The Royal Oak. I had curry and it was delicious. We rehydrated and left with plenty of water knowing there would be nowhere to refill until we finished the trail in St Dogmaels tomorrow (a further 16 miles away).

Dinner in Newport at the Royal Oak

The trail continued up and down. The hills were bigger, steeper and more slippery now so we were definitely more cautious with each step. Being so close to the end, this was no time to put a foot wrong!

The sunsets on this trip have been amazing!

Sunset on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path

KC watching the sunset on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path

Once again, on our last night we were treated to a spectacular Pembrokeshire sunset that we’ll never forget. We really have been spoilt with the weather, views, trail conditions and wildlife. (We certainly weren’t expecting to leave Wales with a tan!)

Now all we have to do is get up one more time and convince our tired feet and bodies to carry us 9 miles to the end!