Cafnau

Island in Pembrokeshire

Wales

Cafnau

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

Cafnau is a small island located off the coast of Pembrokeshire, Wales. With an area of approximately 1 square kilometer, it is one of the lesser-known islands in the region.

The island is characterized by its rugged coastline, with towering cliffs and secluded coves. Its diverse wildlife and untouched natural beauty make it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers. The island is home to a variety of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills, which nest in the cliffs during the breeding season.

Cafnau is uninhabited, and there are no permanent structures on the island. However, visitors can explore its wild landscapes and picturesque beaches, which offer stunning views of the surrounding sea and Pembrokeshire coast. The island is accessible by boat from nearby towns such as Tenby or Saundersfoot, with guided tours available for those who wish to learn more about its history and ecology.

In addition to its natural attractions, Cafnau is also known for its rich history. The island was once frequented by smugglers, who took advantage of its secluded location to hide contraband goods. Today, remnants of their activities, such as hidden caves and tunnels, can still be found on the island.

Overall, Cafnau offers a unique and serene experience for visitors, with its untouched landscapes, abundant wildlife, and intriguing history. It is a hidden gem in Pembrokeshire, providing a peaceful retreat for those seeking to connect with nature and explore a lesser-known part of Wales' coastal beauty.

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Cafnau Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.030264/-4.91683 or Grid Reference SN0040. 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

Inaccessible cove

Tiny bay visitable only by boat: note the float and line left to mark the spot a lobster pot has been dropped.

Natasha Ceridwen de Chroustchoff

Gull's egg

The egg has been broken into and the torn shell left lying in the grass. Another bird is most likely to have been the culprit.

Natasha Ceridwen de Chroustchoff

Dinas Head

The rugged promontory of Dinas Head (142m amsl) - seen here from Saddle Point above Fishguard Harbour.

Colin Smith

Cliffs at Pen Castell

Sandy Gerrard

Pembrokeshire Coast Path leading up Pen y Fan

Sandy Gerrard

St Brynach's Church

Sandy Gerrard

Pwll Glas on Dinas Island

Sandy Gerrard

View of the coast from near Pen Castell

Rob Purvis

Coast path heading north

Rob Purvis

Church of St Brynach remains

At Cwm-yr-Eglwys

Kevin Waterhouse

Cwm-yr-Eglwys Beach

View from the sea wall round to Pig y Baw

Kevin Waterhouse

Cwm-yr-Eglwys Beach

View to Trywn Isaac with more of the sea defences on the far right

Kevin Waterhouse

Remains of St Brynach's church

Chris Andrews

Trig Point on Pen y Fan, Dinas Head

Chris Andrews

Churchyard and ruined church, Cwm yr Eglwys

All that remains of the church of St Brynach, the rest having been washed away by the so-called Royal Charter Storm of October 1859. A somewhat melancholy sight, all the more so on a drizzly afternoon. As for the meaning of the name, if this were Cornwall rather than West Wales, the wording on the map might well be 'Church Cove'.

Stefan Czapski

The Pembrokeshire Coast path east of Dinas Head

Seen from a few hundred metres east of the trig. point at Pen y Fan - on a drizzly afternoon. In the distance is the Nevern Estuary, Aber yr Afon Nyfer. Ahead of me on the path is Casey, a Jack Russell terrier often to be seen in Pembrokeshire Geographs: Link Link

Stefan Czapski

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Cafnau is located at Grid Ref: SN0040 (Lat: 52.030264, Lng: -4.91683)

Unitary Authority: Pembrokeshire

Police Authority: Dyfed Powys