Late September 2023 marks the beginning of another exciting road trip, this time taking me beyond the English border into the enchanting landscapes of Wales. The journey unfolds along the stunning Pembrokeshire coastline, promising a visual feast of nature’s beauty. But that’s not all; as I return, the rugged allure of the Brecon Beacons awaits exploration. Join me on this picturesque adventure, capturing moments that will forever etch themselves into the frame of my memory

Roundway Hill Wiltshire

On my road trip from Hastings to Pembrokeshire, I decided to break the journey in two, making Chippenham in Wiltshire my interim destination. That evening, I embarked on a long-anticipated adventure to Roundway Hill, nestled on the edge of the Wessex Downs in Wiltshire.

Roundway Hill had held a coveted place on my bucket list for some time, and I couldn’t resist including it on this road trip. The landscape offered an excellent composition, with the layers of the Wessex Downs escarpment and the trees atop Roundway Hill serving as a captivating focal point. I had high hopes for the evening golden hour, but alas, thick clouds to the west obscured the sun.

Navigation Challenges

Getting to the parking spot at the summit of Roundway Hill was an adventure in itself. The route led along narrow country lanes and dirt tracks, where I found myself following another car for guidance. However, the real navigation challenge came on the return journey. Google Maps seemed to have a mind of its own, leading me along an “optimal” route that turned into a bit of a nightmare, winding through miles of narrow roads with gaping holes before finally connecting to a B road.

Little Haven Haverfordwest

My Pembrokeshire journey kicked off at a converted barn in the serene countryside just outside Haverfordwest. This rustic haven served as my base for exploring the captivating Pembrokeshire coast over a delightful 5-day stay. On my first afternoon, the weather smiled upon me, prompting a visit to the charming Little Haven nearby, nestled in the heart of St Brides Bay.

Little Haven offered a perfect introduction to the beauty of the Pembrokeshire coast. A leisurely walk along the coastline revealed stunning vistas and the soothing rhythm of the waves. As I strolled, I couldn’t resist the allure of a friendly pub in the lively Little Haven village. A pint in this coastal haven was the ideal way to round off a serene afternoon.

Newgale Beach

Leaving behind the charm of Little Haven, my journey continued towards St Davids to catch the approaching sunset. However, the beauty of Pembrokeshire’s coastline is that it beckons you to pause and capture its essence. One such moment occurred as I had to pull over to photograph the striking Newgale Beach.

Upon arrival, Newgale Beach greeted me with blustery weather, a reminder of the area’s quick-changing temperament. With high tide in full swing, the beach itself remained somewhat hidden. Yet, the expansive stretch of Newgale Beach was an awe-inspiring sight, even in these conditions. It’s a reminder of nature’s boundless grandeur.

St David’s Sunset

My first day in Pembrokeshire concluded along the picturesque coastline of St David’s. Late September meant that the sun would soon dip below the horizon, setting the stage for a mesmerizing sunset.

Navigating a new location can be an adventure in itself. With St David’s, I found myself in uncharted territory. Uncertain of the best compositions, I ventured along the rugged coastline, my camera in hand. While seascapes were a goal, my expectations were tempered. The true joy lay in the exploration and the thrill of discovering new sights. A stunning photograph would be a welcome bonus to an evening well spent. Followed by fish and chips in the city of St David’s and some beer.

Marloes Sands

On the second day of my Pembrokeshire adventure, I woke up to a rainy start, a reminder that in such trips, timing is often beyond our control. Nevertheless, I embraced the weather and headed to Marloes Sands. Marloes Sands presented itself with blustery, overcast weather that coincided with high tide. It was a fleeting visit, a reminder of the limited time in new locations. In these moments, there’s no room for retakes or capturing the perfect light. You simply immerse yourself in the moment.

As I bid farewell to Marloes Sands, nature’s unpredictability took center stage. The clouds parted, and the weather improved, guiding me towards the next destination. I did return to Marloes sands that same evening hoping to catch a sunset on the eve of Storm Agnes.

Being a repeat visit within the same day I had some idea where to go but was very short of time. No time to make it down to the beach as the sun set behind the rugged coastline.

Musslewick Beach

Every mile of the Pembrokeshire coast seemed to reveal photographic opportunities. Instead of embarking on all-day hikes, my approach was to drive to different coastal locations and embark on shorter walks along the coast. Some of these hidden gems were discovered through Google Maps rather than guidebooks, and one such treasure was the stunning Musslewick Beach.

Musslewick Beach is a well-kept secret, a place only accessible when the tides permit. The walk along the cliffs, though, was a canvas for photography, offering a chance to capture the untouched beauty of this hidden corner of the Pembrokeshire coast.

Wooltack Bay

A rewarding yet relatively short walk, spanning a good few miles, takes you around Wooltack Point. Along the Pembrokeshire coast, finding your bearings can be a bit bewildering, given the numerous headlands and peninsulas that offer different viewpoints in every direction.

Wooltack Bay greets you with its rugged coastline and the presence of small islands, creating a striking vista. Although I thought it would be an ideal spot for a sunset, I never had the chance to return.

Freshwater West

On the third day of my Pembrokeshire journey, I was greeted by the tempestuous presence of storm Agnes. It seems that road trips often coincide with storms, as I’d previously experienced on trips to the Isle of Wight and Dartmoor. However, I’ve come to appreciate that storms can unveil the potential for breathtaking seascape photography, so staying indoors was never an option.

My morning began at Freshwater West, a vast expanse of beach, with the howling winds of storm Agnes as my companion. Despite the challenging conditions, I embarked on a rewarding walk along Freshwater West Beach, seeking to capture captivating compositions amidst the tempestuous beauty of nature.

Broad Haven South

A scenic drive across Pembrokeshire brought me to Broad Haven South on the south coast. Despite the initial heavy rain and the persistence of storm Agnes, some sunshine managed to break through.

Late in the afternoon, as the sunlight bathed the rugged coastline of Broad Haven South, numerous compositions unveiled themselves. Church Rock, standing proudly in the sea, became a captivating focal point.

Observation and Reflection

It’s easy to fall into the trap of capturing hundreds of images, often leading to increased post-processing work. I am learning to value the importance of slowing down and observing. Experimenting with compositions, perhaps even with a mobile phone, can be more rewarding. While portfolio-worthy images are desirable, I’ve come to appreciate those that can find a place on stock sites and be shared on social media and my website.

Saint Govan’s Chapel

Continuing my journey along the Pembrokeshire coast from Broad Haven South, I was drawn to the intriguing Saint Govan’s Chapel. This historic site holds a unique charm, and what sets it apart is the opportunity to descend into the chapel itself.

Upon arrival, I explored the interior of Saint Govan’s Chapel and was instantly captivated by the sense of history that envelops the place. Afterward, I ventured to the small beach cove just beyond the chapel. This peaceful spot allowed me to capture the ageless beauty of this remarkable site. Saint Govan’s Chapel is believed to date back to the 13th century and is steeped in folklore and legend. It’s said that Saint Govan himself took refuge in a cleft of the rocks here, and the chapel was built in his honor.

Elegug Stacks

As I ventured farther along the Pembrokeshire coast to Elegug Stacks, I found myself amidst the resurgence of storm Agnes. The afternoon sun gradually surrendered to overcast skies and relentless rain, accompanied by the howling gales of this tempestuous storm.

The conditions grew increasingly challenging for photography, and I had to resort to holding my camera steady in the relentless wind. The gusts demanded a very fast shutter speed and the use of continuous burst mode to seize the moment amidst the tumult. Reflecting on this experience, I realized the value of reviewing online images of each location before venturing there. It provides a valuable prelude, offering insights into the best compositions and perspectives to strive for.

The Green Bridge

My day-long journey along the Pembrokeshire coast reached its climactic end at the breathtaking Green Bridge of Wales. With the expectation of witnessing the grandeur of large crashing waves courtesy of storm Agnes, I embarked on a venture into the unknown.

The relentless power of the storm was on full display, with the wind howling fiercely. I was fortunate that the gusts blew inland, allowing me to continue my walk to the Green Bridge. The sheer strength of the winds was unlike anything I had ever experienced. Reaching the best viewpoint of the Green Bridge, I clung to a platform with all my might as the storm battered the coast. In such conditions, holding my camera steady and shooting in continuous mode was the only option. I could only hope that amidst the fury, I would capture an image that did justice to this magnificent natural wonder. In the final moments of my encounter with the Green Bridge, I managed to frame two hikers on the cliff top. Their presence provided a vital sense of scale and emphasized the colossal size of the Green Bridge, bringing the full scope of its magnificence into perspective.

The Preseli Hills

As my final full day in Pembrokeshire unfolded, the landscape shifted dramatically to the enigmatic Preseli Hills. Storm Agnes had passed, leaving behind an overcast sky that cloaked the terrain in a moody hue.

Here, in the Preseli Hills, one encounters a desolate and remote moorland, a landscape that can be both stark and captivating. My quest was to uncover rocks or elements that would add a touch of foreground interest and depth to the otherwise expansive and empty spaces that define this terrain. The Preseli Hills are shrouded in history, with their most famous claim to fame being the source of the iconic bluestones at Stonehenge, which were transported hundreds of miles from this very region in ancient times. The hills offer an opportunity for solitude and introspection amidst the unique character of this ancient land. This shift in landscape, from the coastal drama of Pembrokeshire to the rugged beauty of the Preseli Hills, provided a fitting finale to my exploration.

Dinas Head

Having journeyed from the Preseli Hills to the north coast of Pembrokeshire, I embarked on a scenic walk around Dinas Head. The day’s weather offered nothing but overcast skies, presenting a challenge to find decent compositions, but I continued to press that shutter button.

As I wandered the trails of Dinas Head, I couldn’t help but reflect on the vastness of this coastal region. With its multitude of little coves and beaches, it became evident that it would take years to fully explore the Pembrokeshire coast, all of which would require plenty of healthy walking. Amidst these reflections, the idea of using a campervan as a means of exploration crossed my mind. With numerous campsites dotted along the Pembrokeshire coast, a campervan would indeed provide a more convenient and flexible way to uncover the treasures of this captivating region. The freedom to navigate its diverse landscapes, from moorlands to cliffs to coves, all while carrying one’s accommodations, would be an alluring prospect.

Porthgain West

My final exploration on the last full day in Pembrokeshire led me to the captivating coastline of Porthgain West. The walking guide I had consulted had described this area as having some of the most dramatic coastal landscapes. However, the promise of a vibrant golden hour remained unfulfilled.

The day had settled into a relentless overcast and gloomy disposition, with no sunshine to be found. The landscape, no matter how dramatic, appeared muted beneath the veil of gray. I ventured forth, undeterred, wishing for the magic of golden hour to illuminate the rugged beauty of Porthgain West. While the sun might have remained elusive, the walk itself became a testament to the resilient spirit of exploration, finding beauty even in the absence of ideal conditions.

Pembrokeshire Journey’s End

My road trip along the Pembrokeshire coast was an immersive exploration of both natural beauty and the realities of travel. It underscored the importance of adaptability, where changing weather and lighting conditions often dictated the outcome of my photographs. I learned to embrace the unpredictable and be patient, understanding that the perfect shot doesn’t always come easily.

Another crucial takeaway was the value of thorough preparation. Researching locations in advance, as well as understanding their unique characteristics and the best times to visit, can significantly enhance the quality of your photographs. Additionally, the thought of using a campervan for future trips emerged as a practical way to maximize exploration and photography opportunities. While Pembrokeshire’s landscapes were awe-inspiring, the journey also offered valuable insights for future adventures, reminding me to be flexible, well-prepared, and open to new ways of experiencing and capturing the beauty of our world.