and erected in the mid 17th century. But it did not operate for long, and it was 1714 before a formal light was installed. Two lighthouses were built, which could be aligned to determine position at sea. The rear light was subsequently converted into the coastguard station, while the other was re-sited further from the cliff in 1841 because of erosion, and still provides a mark for shipping. When the lights were eventually converted to automatic operation, St Ann’s became the control centre for all the installations along the Pembrokeshire coast, with a helicopter pad being added for use by the servicing crew.
Leaving along the driveway, return to the coast through a gate and continue above the cliffs. Now exposed to the full fury of winter gales, the lack of lush vegetation on this side of the headland is a sharp contrast to that facing Milford Haven. Spring sees the bare grass and earthen wall banks burst into colour with hardy clifftop flowers such as spring squill, sea campion and thrift growing so profusely as to form a carpet in places. The walking is now easy, with dramatic views along the rugged sandstone cliffs, littered with boulders and shattered rocks at their feet. Further on, traces of broken bricks and rubble are relics of HMS Harrier. Formerly a wartime establishment, HMS Harrier continued as a radar and meteorological training school until closure in 1960. Beyond, the path eventually drops to low sandy cliffs behind Westdale Bay that block the western end of a glacial meltwater valley that almost severs the Dale peninsula from the rest of Pembrokeshire. Facing directly towards the Atlantic, a succession of fine waves often roll against the beach, attracting surfers as well as families who just come to enjoy the sand.
Westdale Bay
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