Uncover the bountiful relics of Pembrokeshire’s past; paddle the dramatic north Pembrokeshire coastline by kayak and delve into the historical heritage of the landscape on a well traversed pilgrim’s trail. Join us on a journey between four remote churches which reveal the spiritual heritage of a landscape shaped over centuries by sea born travel and trade and kept alive by pilgrimage and worship.
Following the footsteps of 6th century saints and medieval pilgrims, we will trace a path through the rich and palpable history of the Christian faith in north Pembrokeshire.
We begin in an elliptical churchyard of St Justinian’s church, nestled amongst the ash trees with its gabled bellcote swathed in ivy. From here, the trail leads northwards to St Gwyndaf’s church of Llanwnda, dramatically perched on the Pencaer peninsula, overlooking the Atlantic coast. This was where the last invasion of Britain took place!
Just a few miles west, neighbouring the coves of Pwll Deri and Aberbach is a church dedicated St Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors. Our journey ends at the church of the Holy Martyrs which sits high on the hilltop village of Mathry.
A sense of peaceful rumination is effortlessly preserved in these incredible examples of rural ecclesiastic architecture. Each houses a wealth of devotional monuments bearing testament to the evolution of the Christian tradition over centuries.
After a delicious hot lunch at the eco lodge, we will take to the sea by kayak to gently explore along the wild and untouched North Pembrokeshire coastline. We will kayak beneath towering sea cliffs, and waterfalls, and explore into sea caves and through natural arches amidst a prodigious variety of wildlife including sea birds and Atlantic grey seals.
Paddling along this breath taking coastline and past secluded rocky coves, it isn’t difficult to allow your imagination to drift seamlessly into the age of saints. This tour could also be based around coasteering or coastal walking.
This tour is exclusive to ExploreChurches.
Additional details
This tour is organised and managed by Preseli Venture
Minimum age is 8 years old. Participants must be able to put on a wet suit for the sea kayaking. Please bring a swim suit (or undergarments) to wear under the wet suit, plus upper body layer for underneath wetsuit, such as a tshirt or thermal top.
Minibus transport is included for the duration of the church tour from the Preseli Venture eco lodge, where there is free off road parking. You will return here for an hour at lunch time and lunch is included in the full day experience. All specialist kit and minibus transport to the beach is also included for the kayaking trip. You will return to the lodge car park at the end of the trip. Refreshments will be available at the lodge bar at additional cost.
Our start time is 9am and finish time, after a full day, is 5.30pm.
Facilities & refreshments
Toilets are available at start, lunchtime and the end.
Hot lunch included, at the Preseli Venture eco lodge, please inform us of any dietary requirements. Tea / coffee at beginning and end of the day.
There is free off road parking (for car or coach) at the start and end point.
Accessibility
Participants must be able to put on a wet suit for the sea kayaking. Could also be based around coasteering or coastal walking.
This tour could involve long periods of walking or long flights of steps. This tour is not suitable for wheelchair users due to steps at the churches. Please contact us for details.
