Careg-y-Fran

Island in Pembrokeshire

Wales

Careg-y-Fran

Dinas Head Seen from the road from Fishguard to Newport — Dinas Head Credit: Deborah Tilley

Careg-y-Fran is a small island located off the coast of Pembrokeshire, Wales. It is situated in the Irish Sea, approximately 2 kilometers southwest of the mainland village of Marloes. The island is part of the Skomer Marine Nature Reserve and is known for its distinctive geological features and rich wildlife.

Covering an area of around 2 hectares, Careg-y-Fran is a rocky outcrop characterized by its towering cliffs and rugged landscape. The island is composed mainly of Old Red Sandstone and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline. It is accessible by boat during low tide, but visitors should be cautious of the treacherous currents and sharp rocks that surround the island.

The island is a popular destination for birdwatching enthusiasts, as it serves as a breeding ground for various species of seabirds, including razorbills, guillemots, and kittiwakes. Additionally, the island is home to a small colony of Atlantic grey seals, which can often be spotted basking on the rocks or swimming in the surrounding waters.

Careg-y-Fran is uninhabited and lacks any significant infrastructure or amenities. It is primarily visited by nature lovers and photographers who are drawn to its untouched beauty and serene atmosphere. Visitors are advised to respect the island's fragile ecosystem and adhere to any guidelines set forth by the nature reserve to ensure the preservation of its natural wonders.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Careg-y-Fran Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.026046/-4.9182903 or Grid Reference SM9940. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Dinas Head

Seen from the road from Fishguard to Newport

Deborah Tilley

Perilous point

There is some inconsistency between different versions of the Ordnance Survey as to whether this or the next headland is Pen Sidan. Either way, the only reason for scrambling down here was to claim another green square! It's very steep and accessible only via paths made by sheep - and even they sometimes come a cropper, as reported in the local newspaper recently: "Things went a bit woolly for Fishguard's inshore lifeboat crew yesterday afternoon, as they had a sheep on board. The animal had become stranded at the bottom of a cliff near Dinas Head. Fishguard coastguard rescue team was also called to the scene. The baaad sheep was helped aboard the inshore lifeboat, who landed in a safe place. They then delivered the animal to the coastguard team who took her back to the farmer."

Natasha Ceridwen de Chroustchoff