As regular readers know, we go to Broad Haven a lot. Surprisingly we’ve never been on the Broad Haven Board Walk Nature Trail before. Spotting this stunning walk on a friend’s Instagram (thanks Leanne!) was all the inspiration we needed to plan a visit here. Read on to find out more about “Support The BoardWalk” Nature Trail in Broad Haven, Pembrokeshire:
Visiting Broad Haven Boardwalk Nature Trail
Broad Haven Boardwalk Nature Trail (Sat Nav Postcode: SA62 3JU) can be found just behind Broad Haven’s seafront. Turn off the main road at the Galleon Inn and head away from the beach. There is free parking (with a donation box for local causes) at the Trafalgar Terrace car park.
The donation suggestions started from 50p for an hour and £1 for two hours, so we popped our money into the honesty box.
Broad Haven Boardwalk Nature Trail
Before visiting Broad Haven Boardwalk nature Trail you may like to pack some binoculars, a pond dipping kit (or just a jam jar but a fishing net and magnifying glass would be handy too) and a picnic as there’s a lovely picnic area at the end. A free Nature Trail Quiz Leaflet is available from the Post Office at the Londis (and other local retailers, restaurants and bars) or you can download and print from the link above. If you’re bringing a pond dipping kit print out the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s Pond Dipping Leaflet too. Twinkl also has Printable Pond Dipping Identification Sheets available for members to download.
From the car park, you come straight to the Dipping Deck, but this isn’t actually the start of the walk, and as we were doing the nature trail quiz we wanted to start at the beginning so we walked back upon ourselves to get to the entrance.
Broad Haven Boardwalk Nature Trail Entrance
At the start of the trail, there are information and safety boards and a lifebuoy.
The Bird Hide
The walk begins with a bird hide and lots of information about the birds that can be spotted on this walk.
The robin didn’t want to be seen through the bird hide, he posed in the hedge instead!
I took a few snaps of the robin and then he flew away, I didn’t have time to change my settings so only managed a blurred capture but using an artistic license (haha!) I’m going to include it in this post as I quite like it.
The Dipping Deck
We made our way back to the dipping deck. This is a lovely spot just to take in the view of the Slash Pond. As it says on the sign, this area is for pond dipping or relaxing.
It’s gorgeous!
We continued along the boardwalk. As you can see this walk is suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs and those with mobility problems, as there are plenty of benches for rest stops. A lot of the board walk is surrounded by hedging so look out for insects, birds and squirrels along the way. Below and to the left of this part of the boardwalk there are wader scrapes for breeding birds.
My lovely mum on one of the lovely arched benches.
At one point we missed a few boards for answers so Caitlyn had to go back to find them!
There were buds and hopeful signs of Spring along the way.
Viewing Platform
We came to another viewing platform (these are great passing spaces too). The weather is very changeable at the moment, one minute we’re cold and the next warm again. We were packing our raincoats, hats, and gloves in case it was cold and wet. Once we arrived at the walk the sun came out. The girls and I actually found it really warm and felt quite lethargic. It was the shortest walk we’ve been on during the holidays but the kids were laying down resting on the benches. We obviously need more practice for the warmer sunny weather!
A spot of sunbathing!
We continued onto the picnic area.
On the way, we spotted a squirrel. Can you find it in the photo above?
Broad Haven Boardwalk Picnic Area
The end of the walk leads to a lovely picnic area and wildflower meadow.
There are established bug hotels to encourage minibeasts to the area, which in turn encourages more birds and other wildlife.
After the picnic area, you can choose to walk the roadway back to the car park or go back along the boardwalk. As it was quiet we decided to walk back along the boardwalk.
We had a lovely time during our visit to Broad Haven Boardwalk and will definitely be back again. As well as being a nice quick walk to do as a family, I’m sure we adults will come and walk here during our coffee and lunch trips to Broad Haven in the future.
A Longer Walk
The boardwalk is about 275metres (or half a mile) so only a short (but lovely) walk. If you want to walk further you could blow the cobwebs away walking across Broad Haven Beach, walk the coastal path to Newgale or Martin’s Haven or try the Broad Haven/Haroldston Wood woodland walk behind Broad Haven Caravan Park.
Support the Boardwalk
Support the Boardwalk (STB) is an independent voluntary association established in 2014. The STB group is a sub-group of the constituted Havens Community Forum that continues to fundraise and apply for grant funding to further enhance the boardwalk and widen its appeal for all visitors. Donations are welcomes and can be placed in the donation box or handed in at the Londis Post Office (cheques made payable to “Support The Boardwalk”).
Thank you “Support the Boardwalk” for all you do, this walk is very much appreciated.
Find out more about Support the Boardwalk here.
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