Now that we’re allowed to travel more than five miles again there are so many of my favourite walks and places that I want to visit again. I also want to visit new places again of course although I’m not planning to go far yet! One of the places I’ve missed visiting was Carew Castle Millpond Walk. It’s such a beautiful walk with stunning castle views. I particularly like to visit on a crisp, icy day, but it’s a joy to visit all year round. It was actually closed during our visit and the “bridge” was closed for maintenance but we still managed to walk the route by walking into the middle from both directions, rather than our usual more natural circular walk. Take a look at our photos from our day at Carew Castle Millpond:
Visit Carew Castle Millpond Walk
Carew can be found off the A477 between Pembroke Dock and Tenby. Carew Castle (Sat Nav Postcode: SA70 8SL) is situated on Castle Lane, just off the A4075. We usually park in the free car park adjacent to Castle Lane (opposite the toilet block). There is ample room and also an overflow car park when needed. There is also another car park on the other side of the castle, Butts Lane.
The castle and mill are currently closed but the free walk can still be enjoyed. As I mentioned above the walk was partially blocked during our visit but we still had a pleasant walk.
Visiting Carew Castle
Carew Castle will be reopening on 12th April. All outdoor areas of the Castle and its grounds will be open, including the Walled Garden and play area. You must book your tickets before visiting and adhere to the new coronavirus guidelines (such as wearing a mask indoors).
Tickets cost £2.50 (adults) and £1.50 (4-16 year olds).
Snapshots of Carew Castle Millpond Walk
Carew Mill Bridge Closed
As you can see the Mill Bridge was closed so we walked as far as we could before heading back and then walking the other side, rather than a circular walk.
Carew Mill
Carew Tidal Mill, also called the French Mill, is a corn mill, powered by tidal water. It was built around 1801 just west of the castle, and replaced a much older mill in the same location. The mill pond fills through open flood gates as the tide comes in. It will be open again soon and is interesting to have a look around.
Carew Mill Pond Castle Views
We could still walk around far enough to enjoy views of the castle on the water from the bridge. Some days the reflection is crystal clear.
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
Carew Castle is still owned by the Carew family and they lease it to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park for administration.
Walking Back
Although I prefer a circular walk having to walk back the way we came meant we got to enjoy views of the castle from another perspective.
Carew Cross
Carew Cross (sometimes known asThe Carew Cross) is an 11th-century Grade I listed monument in the village of Carew, Pembrokeshire, Wales. The cross is an important example of an 11th-century memorial Celtic cross and is believed to commemorate the brother of Hywel ab Edwin, Maredudd ab Edwin of Deheubarth, who died in 1035.
We walked around the front of Carew Castle and towards the bridge to enjoy the walks from the other side of the Millpond.
Carew Bridge
We measured ourselves before crossing the bridge. Apart from Izzy, we’re all around the 5ft mark!
A “Rebecca bun” adds more height- I should try that trick!
There isn’t a pavement on the bridge but there is a marked walkway and passing space.
“For a man’s “caravan” is his castle.”
When the water levels are high this area often floods so wellies can be needed! We were lucky to visit on a dry day.
Butts Lane Carpark
As mentioned above, there is also a car park on Butts Lane (what a name!).
Caitlyn made a noise and all the sheep came towards her. She said “Uh-oh! What have I done?!”
We continued until we arrived at the other side of the closed bridge, then made our way back again.
As we got ahead, Izzy looked out for her sisters.
It was a lovely walk. We left early so it was nice and quiet and easy enough to keep socially distanced when we did pass people (isn’t it sad that we have to think like that now but in my opinion, even with vaccinations, keeping a distance is the safest option for all).
We’re looking forward to the circular walk reopening and visiting Carew Castle in the future too. The last time I went was with Izzy’s school trip so I didn’t have a chance to take photos for a blog post.
Have you visited Carew Millpond or Carew Castle?
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