[1] START As well as information boards with maps showing the network of paths around the Lily Ponds, you should also find displayed at the car park a notice giving details of the Castlemartin Range firing programme. Do check this before setting out. Should the footpath from Broad Haven to St Govan’s Head be closed you’ll obviously have to omit this section. Come what may, you can still enjoy an excellent walk via the ponds and coast as far as Broad Haven. Follow the stepped path from the car park (SR967948) down to the lakes and turn L and then R to cross a long footbridge over the western arm lake. Turn R and continue along the north side of this lake, the path rising gently (bear R for a better view over the lakes) before dropping down to cross another footbridge over the central arm. At the next fork you can go either way: the L turn takes you on a higher alternative route above the west side of the eastern arm, while the R turn keeps alongside the water. Both lead to the Eight Arch Bridge.

[2] Turn R over the bridge and follow the track (a permissive path) across fields to reach the car park and tea rooms at Stackpole Quay. The tiny harbour, built in the 18th century, is one of the smallest in Pembrokeshire.

[3] Bear R up a flight of steps to reach the grassy cliff top and follow the well-signed Coast Path southwards. Before long the path descends to beautiful Barafundle Beach, voted the best in Britain and one of the top 12 in the world. Continuing along the coast, it’s well worth keeping near to the cliff edges rather than taking short cuts across the headlands in order to enjoy the views of the splendid cliff scenery. Once round Saddle Point, the path turns inland at Broad Haven – a wide sandy bay, as its name suggests.

[4] Assuming the path to St Govan’s Chapel is open, cross the footbridge and head up through the dunes to the car park and carry on along the Coast Path – with a detour out to St Govan’s Head – to the car park above St Govan’s Chapel, which you’ll find tucked into a cleft below.