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Discover the geology of Strumble Head to Cardigan

A view of the rocky headland of Pen Anglas, Pembrokeshire, Wales. There are rocks covered with lichen in the foreground, while the headland is in the distance, with the sea visible inbetween.
The rock headland of Pen Anglas, Pembrokeshire | © National Trust Images/Joe Cornish

Shaped by nature over millions of years, the landscape between Strumble Head and Cardigan is rocky and remote. There are many examples of geological formations that can easily be seen along this coastline. Evidence of Iron Age settlements and wartime invasions are also just waiting to be discovered.

Garn Fawr 

This igneous rocky outcrop is formed by volcanic activity and provides expansive views of the North Pembrokeshire coast. It was both an Iron Age fort and a lookout post in the Second World War. Look out for the lighthouse and take the opportunity to spot seabirds at Strumble Head. Shearwaters, fumars, terns and kittiwakes are often spotted from this elevated position. 

Ciliau Moor 

Ciliau Moor is a fine stretch of wet coastal heathland, once grazed by commoners' cattle but now much overgrown. It's rich in bird life and actually overlooks the scene of the last French invasion of the UK mainland in 1797. This was defeated by local forces led by Colonel Campbell from Stackpole and Sir John Colby. 

Arctic tern parent brooding two young chicks in the ground nest, on the Farne Islands, Northumberland
Arctic tern with with her chick | © National Trust Images/GillianDay LRPS

Pen Anglas 

The coastline of Strumble Head was shaped by volcanic activity. Pen Anglas has an example of the sort of six-sided basalt column also seen at the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland and on Staffa in the Hebrides. Pen Anglas contains an impressive expanse of coastal heathland. This area is rich in colour during late summer with lichen and thrift plants (Armeria maritima). 

Dinas Island 

The channel that almost cuts off this headland from the mainland was formed by glacial meltwaters. Dinas has been farmed since the 16th century. Ronald Lockley a famous naturalist farmed here in the 1940s before moving on to Skomer Island. 

Pen yr Afr and Gernos 

These are the highest sea cliffs in Pembrokeshire which makes this one of the most challenging sections of the 184 mile long Wales Coast Path. The rocks show large scale folds and faults and consist of sandstone and mudstone laid down 450 million years ago. 

A view of the rocky headland of Pen Anglas, Pembrokeshire, Wales. There are rocks covered with lichen in the foreground, while the headland is in the distance, with the sea visible inbetween.

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