One of our regular local walks is from Havenshead, through Goosepill Woods and onto Lower Priory. We went there again with the kids while Ceri was home. Here are some snapshots from our stroll:
Parking at Havens Head
This route is fairly central so most locals can walk from home or catch the bus to Tesco Milford Haven. Alternatively, there are some free spaces close to the walk entrance behind Tesco (Sat Nav Postcode: SA73 3LD will get you close enough). To extend your walk you could park at Milford Marina. This can be a circular walk too but we usually walk to Lower Priory and back as it’s a safer traffic-free route, perfect for walking with the kids.
It’s such a pretty walk all year round. I always think that each current season is my favourite! The hedgerows are green and bursting with life at the moment. They’re so bright and colourful, just look at this Common Foxglove (or Lady’s Glove, Digitalis Purpura).
Goosepill Farmhouse Ruins
During every walk and blog post, I’ve mentioned the intriguing remains of the old farmhouse and buildings. Recently, a local (and coincidentally my mum’s neighbour) has been clearing the overgrown areas on this walk. These remains were beginning to be hidden and they’ve tidied them up along with the overgrown path and the stream. They’ve done a great job- thank you!
However, I was surprised to see part of the remains for the first time ever (at least as far as I can remember!). It was amazing to see a new part of the remains after all this time. Chatting to (my) Dave later that evening, he knew they were there. He tidied up this area over twenty years ago and laid the tarmac path (not singlehandedly, of course!).
The kids love playing in the farm buildings. They’ve always made up games here or served us food and drinks through the little windows.
Look at how Goosepill used to look in the past- fascinating!
So much the same and also yet so different. Apparently, having two buildings showing on a historic chart next to the riverbank suggests a landing place. The OS 1st Edition 25 inch suggests a small dock was associated with one of the buildings. Predating the farmhouse this may have even been a stop for Pilgrims on their way to or from St Davids.
Izzy sits on the horse mounting block. Imagine this now fairly quiet walking path instead filled with horses and carts and landing boats.
Izzy also found a great tree stump to sit on. I captured a similar photo on my Instagram with “the best places to sit are never actually ‘proper seats’, are they?”
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Flora and Fungi
A walk through Goosepill Woods makes a great nature walk. You could bring a book or use an app and identify the wildflowers and fungi.
Towards the end of the walk, you walk alongside a private garden and then the gardens of the Priory Inn Pub.
I love this pretty bridge. During a previous visit, the ducks were just swimming underneath it as we passed – it was a beautiful moment.
We walked to the end of the woodland walk, carefully crossed the road, and looked for ponies in the field. We couldn’t see them during this visit, so we made our way back the same route. You can walk through Lower Priory, along Priory Road and back to Haven’s Head to complete a circular walk.
Walking Home
As you can see, parts of the wood are right next to the water. Danny used to love coming down here in his wellies. He also used to choose the longest stick and pretend to fish in the pill. Oh, I miss those days!
Sisters!
Can you spot the swans in this photo? Usually, we get closer to them.
We didn’t see the robin during this visit, which is unusual. Keep an eye out as it’s very tame. You may also hear a woodpecker and see a jay too.
Have you walked through Goose Pill Woods?
Read more posts about Lower Priory.
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