The landslide-hit Pembrokeshire coastal path between Wisemans Bridge and Coppet Hall has reopened.

The coast path between Wiseman’s Bridge and Coppet Hall/Saundersfoot, known as the Dramway, experienced ‘substantial rock falls’ late last year and this year.

The January major fall happened at the Coppet Hall end of this section of path, while a November landslide was closer toward the Wisemans Bridge end. A third more recent landslip also occurred on the path.

Pembrokeshire County Council commissioned work to stabilise the cliffs and tunnels to enable the path to reopen.

Cllr Rhys Sinnett said: “This was a significant rock fall so I would like to thank the teams who have worked hard to ensure the path reopened for communities and visitors to enjoy.”

Councillor Alec Cormack added: “The Council team have done great work on this project – it’s great to see the path now reopened. This is an extremely busy path.”

Local Saundersfoot councillor Chris Williams added: “This path is important to residents and businesses, and I would like to congratulate Pembrokeshire County Council for getting the work done as soon as possible – and in time for the remainder of summer. I would also like to thank the local community for their patience during the work.”

Whilst this work has been ongoing there has been an alternative, signed diversionary route in place, however, this route (given the steep topography) is not suitable for less-able users or cyclists. The cliff path is a strenuous climb with all the hills but as you can see from the photo, it’s definitely worth the hike for the view alone.

The Wisemans Bridge to Saundersfoot 'The Dramway' is part of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. The walk starts from the beach car park at Saundersfoot and runs along the seafront, through three tunnels to Wisemans Bridge beach where it can be extended by turning inland to run alongside the stream up the aptly named Pleasant Valley to finish at the old iron works at Stepaside. The safe, level footpath, accessible to all, is the busiest section of public right of way maintained by Pembrokeshire council, with more than 481,000 users recorded in 2021.

Coppet Hall was known as Coalpit Hall in the 19th century when coal was shipped out from this beach. The Stepaside Ironworks processed ore dug from ‘patches’ on the sea cliffs between Saundersfoot and Amroth. The path runs along the old railway that was built to transport anthracite coal from Grove Colliery at Stepaside to the harbour at Saundersfoot. Originally a horse-drawn Dramway, the railway fell into disuse and closed in 1939. Keep a look for blue tits, great tits, wrens, greater-spotted woodpeckers and chaffinches in the woods.

Stay safe and enjoy your walks in our beautiful county.

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