Despite having an approach from hell, This mini mountain’s southern buttress provides multiple exciting lines of consistent scrambling backdropped by the idyllic Pembrokeshire coastline. It is one of the most southern scrambles in Britain.
Grade: 2
Getting there: Take the 403 (Celtic Coaster) bus service from Nun Street in St David’s, there is also car parking at Whitesands Bay.
Map(s) required: OL35 North Pembrokeshire
Parking
Approach
From Whitesands Bay Car Park (SM 7347 2718), continue east up the road and take the second left to follow the road up through the middle of the holiday cottages (SM 7369 2759). Follow the signs for “Carn Llidi”.
You will reach a fork with two paths. The first path on the left is well established, and then there is a second path on the right that climbs up the hillside slightly. Take this path east until you reach a second path running north.
Go north up this path, and you will be needing to look for a route up the steep vegetation to the left of the path. You will be needing expert pathfinding skills, thick trousers and a love for Labyrinth Spiders, as they are in abundance throughout the thick gorse that covers the lower slopes of this hill.
Also, be on the alert for ticks, and these are common in the area. Look for ferns, as these are often easier to pass through than the rest of the vegetation, and you are aiming to arrive just to the right of the central rock face (SM 7387 2798).
The Scramble
From here, you have multiple lines of scrambling up the first pitch of the scramble. Harder lines can be found further to the left, and easier lines further to the right.
Whilst the rock here seems fairly solid, be sure to check each hold as I did come across a few loose ones.
Remember the golden rule – Only climb up something that you can get back down from!
Once you have completed this first pitch, another similar outcrop of rock will need to be scaled. After this, you will arrive on a small sloping ledge, where you can stop to admire your first views of the coastline.
From here, you can take a small grassy gulley to the summit on your right, or you can continue up the rock face to complete the second pitch.
From here it is an easy walk over the rocks to the summit of Carn Llidi, where you are greeted with 360° panoramic views of Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire.
By continuing down the Western Ridge, an enjoyable afternoon of scrambling can be had, and it is topped off excellently with a quick dip in the sea on the stunning beach below.
Recommended Scrambling Guide: (coming soon)
Route Info
| Grade | 2 |
| Transport | Car - Whitesands Bay Car Park. |
Route Contributed by Ben Marks
Ben is a young hillwalker, mountain biker and climber based in Sheffield, South Yorkshire. When he’s not out on the hills, you can catch him making and playing electronic music for various radio stations and venues across the UK.
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