PEOPLE are being urged to take special care when using the Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail as work continues by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority to repair storm damage.
The Park Authority has issued safety advice for visitors to the National Park, and in particular users of the Coast Path which bore the brunt of last week’s severe weather.
The Authority advises that:
• The access path from Caerfai car park to Caerfai beach is closed after a land slip.
• The boardwalk at Penally (at the top of South Beach, Tenby) is closed because of flood damage and the viewing platform has had to be removed.
• The footpath to the Dak Cove from the Coast Path at Manorbier beach is currently closed due to storm damage.
Charles Mathieson, the Authority’s Head of Park Delivery, said:
“The combination of heavy rain and high tides has resulted in disruption along sections of the Coast Path and to some inland parts of the National Park. There are a handful of locations where there is significant damage and where we have had to temporarily close or divert footpaths.
“We are doing our utmost to keep the 186-mile Coast Path open and accessible to everyone and we ask that people bear with us while we make the affected sections safe to use.”
He urged Coast Path walkers to
pay close attention to signs indicating
sections of footpath which are
temporarily closed or where route
diversions are in place. The Authority also issued this
advice:
The Coast Path is regularly maintained and inspected but after the New Year storms it is particularly important that you take care in using this challenging and exposed Path.
Be cautious about using parts of the Path with tidal elements – make sure the tide doesn’t cut you off.
Take particular care if you are using parts of the path that have a wind blowing away from the land – usually north and east facing bits of coast. Be especially cautious if you are carrying a pack.
Take particular care on bridge and stepping stone crossings – high water levels of streams and rivers may have loosened timbers and decking may be slippery.
Wear suitable clothing. Waterproofs, windproofs and footwear with deep treads are essential at this time of year – expect muddy conditions. One or two walking poles give extra stability.
For the latest National Park access information or to report any problems found on the Coast Path, call the National Park Centre at Tenby on 01834 845040.
To help out with the clean-up operation check online for details of the many beach cleans being organised by charities and organisations across the National Park.
Add Comment