Stackpole Estate: Bosherston Lily Ponds and Lodge Park Woodland Circuit

An inland walk through the National Trust Stackpole Estate near Pembroke, combining a Bosherston lake circuit with an out-and-back along the Eastern Arm to Stackpole Court and a loop through Lodge Park Woods. Allow about 2 hours 30 minutes for the roughly 7.8 km route, including short pauses. The Eastern Arm section is followed in both directions.

Start at Bosherston Lily Ponds National Trust car park, SA71 5DR, beside St Michael and All Angels church. Follow the pond paths across the Bosherston and Central causeways, then turn north before Grassy Bridge. Continue beside the Eastern Arm to the western end of Eight Arch Bridge. Keep on the lakeside path past the old boathouse bird hide and climb towards the former Court terrace. The house was demolished in 1963, but the terrace still looks over the designed lake landscape.

Make the woodland loop through Lodge Park, following its established paths around the former pleasure grounds, then return to the Court site. Descend the steps near Hidden Bridge and retrace the Eastern Arm path to Grassy Bridge. Cross Grassy Bridge, follow the lake towards Broad Haven South, and use the small bridge at the lake outlet. Turn back inland along the Western Arm path to Bosherston and the car park. This route stays on the estate footpaths and does not cross a beach.

Expect gravel, compacted earth, roots, uneven slopes and steps. Some lake edges and causeways are narrow, so take care beside the water and when passing others. Wear footwear with grip, especially after rain, and follow any temporary estate signs. Dogs should be kept on leads around the lakes and under close control in the woodland. Water lilies are usually a summer feature, while water birds can be seen throughout the year; otter sightings are never assured.

There are toilets at Bosherston. Parking is dawn to dusk, with no overnight parking. The National Trust currently lists car parking at £4 for up to 3 hours or £8 all day, free for members and Blue Badge holders; check the signs on arrival. Coins or JustPark are accepted.

Route and visitor information: National Trust Stackpole Estate estate map and Secrets of Stackpole Court walk, https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wales/stackpole-estate. Lakeside path information: Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, https://www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/things-to-do/access-for-all/walks-for-all/bosherston-lily-ponds/.