Last week we were a family of three! The older girls were off at Guide Camp and Danny was busy with friends so we only had Izzy to entertain. It was lovely to have the time to go on some adventures with her as a trio We missed the big kids, but love it when we get the chance to have one to one time and this time it was Izzy’s turn. After we dropped the girls off, our first stop was to Nant-y-Coy Mill, a beautiful place to visit with a working water wheel and woodland walk:
Visiting Nant-y-Coy Mill
Nant-y-Coy Mill (sat nav postcode: SA62 5LR) is a ten minute drive from Haverfordwest on the A40 road to Fishguard and St Davids. We parked in the layby just outside. More parking is available if you take the left turning before you reach the mill. Opening times are currently 10am – 5pm.
Nant-y-Coy costs just £2 to visit or free with every purchase of a drink from the cafe. £2 for entrance and a drink is very reasonable. It is free for under 4’s. Food is also available and you can even order picnics to enjoy on the day (with vegan options available). There is an optional Woodland Nature Hunt available which costs £5.50 and includes a Nant-y-Coy Nature Nuts booklet and a chance to win prizes.
The Woodland Walk
We followed the signs for the woodland walk. The signs are handmade which enhance the rustic look of the place, some of the signs are even made from old waterwheel planks- a great use of recycling! There are lots of information boards along the way.
The relaxing sound of the trickling water makes the walk very peaceful.
We spotted sculptures and interesting ornaments along the way too.
The Water Mill
We found this amazing horse sculpture. Izzy wanted a photo pretending she was about to get on it.
We came to a fork and had to choose our route. One route followed the leat, man made to supply water to the mill.
We chose to follow the babbling brook. Izzy said we’ll go on the Leat walk next time.
The Brook Walk
Toby dog would love walking alongside (and within of course) the brook.
The Hay Meadow
We then got to the hay meadow. Along here you can find picnic benches to enjoy your bought from home or ordered picnic.
At the end of this walk, you could turn left and return to the cafe or to your car. Or you can walk onto Maiden Castle Rock and the Iron Age Enclosures.
We walked past the car park and crossed the road to the next path. To be honest, we weren’t quite sure where we were heading as we hadn’t looked at the map before setting up. Izzy was our “Izzie- ana Jones” and enjoying leading the way. With three older siblings she had to make the most of her time as “the boss”.
Footpath to Maiden Castle Rock
We made our way up a hill.
Looking back there were stunning views.
We soon saw our destination- Maiden Castle Rock and made our way there.
Can you spot the mountains?
Maiden Castle Rock is also known as Lion Rock. We call it Wolf Rock as it reminds us of a wolf howling. I think possibly from the other side it does look more like a lion but from this side we could see mainly howling wolf. The village of Wolfscastle’s claim to fame is that it is allegedly the place where the last wild wolf in Wales was slain.
Izzy has fun howling like a wolf on “Wolf Rock”.
Warning: you may spot strange people taking photos of rocks! 😉
If you walk further on you can get to Poll Carn, a larger crag that is good for abseiling. Head back down to the fork and you can visit an iron age fort, marked by a flag (the one that can be seen from the road).
Head back down the road and you will return to Nant-y-Coy for refreshments. This is a lovely, interesting circular walk and we can’t wait to revisit with the rest of the kids and family.
Driving home, we once again spotted the Iron Age Fort from the road.
Treffgarne is an interesting place to visit. It is also thought to be the birthplace of Welsh hero Owain Glyndŵr. Nant-y-Coy Mill was rebuilt by the Evans family of Treffgarne Hall. The mill stayed in their possession for many years before it passed to the Higgons family of Scolton Manor and then into private hands some years later. It’s lovely to see the renovated mill wheel now turns once more after more recent work.
Wolfscastle gets its name from the motte and bailey castle erected by the Normans on what is called the Landsker Line. This was a line of forts stretching from Roch near Newgale to Amroth and was a dividing line between The Normans and The Welsh in the north. Part of the Bailey is cut through by the A40 but some of it remains and have recently been cleared and opened to the public.
Keep an eye on Nant-y-Coy Facebook page for updates and news as they have big plans for the future. I think it will possible to camp there at some point which will be amazing.
When visiting in summer remember suntan lotion and insect repellent. I don’t usually find horseflies a problem but Izzy and I received numerous bites during our visit as we hadn’t prepared (they left Dave alone!).
Have you visited Nant-y-Coy Mill? I used to go there as a child but haven’t revisited in many years apart from to pick up “Pembrokeshire Tea” when it was still being sold. We can’t wait for our next visit!
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