1.7 - ST GOVANS CHAPEL - BULLSLAUGHTER BAY
Distance 2 miles , but much longer if the headlands are visited and the geological features are seen .
As previous section , the path is through the Military's Castlemartin Range East and may be closed . The sentry post at St Govans is manned when the path is closed .
Bullslaughters Bay is between St Govans and Stack Rocks ( Green Bridge of Wales) and can only be reached by the coast Path .
St.Govans Chapel / 13c Norman Style / at the base of a narrow ravine / a popular attraction / and close to the car park.
The chapel must be passed through to reach the shore .
According to folklore, St. Govan was Sir Gawaine, one of the knights of the Round Table, who turned hermit after the death of King Arthur, and built the chapel to mark a place of supernatural protection.
It is said that St. Govan was being chased by pirates, and tried to hide in the rocks. As he did so, the rocks formed a cleft and closed
around him to keep him completely concealed. When his enemies had gone, they re-opened .
The bell-cote / held a silver bell / stolen by pirates / sea nymphs recovered / placed inside a rock where it would be safe / St Govan used to tap the rock which rang a thousand times louder than the original bell !!!
Numerous viewpoints and plenty of geological features will be found along this section of coast , to the Green Bridge of Wales.
If you keep to the path , you will miss many of the best views.
From St Govans / following the coast gives views of Newton Head / Stennis Ford Head -geo / Bosherton Head / Huntsman Leap - geo / Devils Barn Complex / Saddle Head / The Castle / Crickmail Point / Mewsford Arch - Point .
There are radar Stations on Saddle Head and The Castle .
Guillemots breed on the Cliffs near Mewsford Arches / Point .
The path is on a flat landscape (a wave cut platform , formed millions of years ago ). The sea , at its present level , is now 100+ft. lower.
Erosion from sea / rain / etc. has created a range of remarkable geological features , in this rich limestone area.
Low tides reveal the present wave cut platforms , much lower than the more ancient ones.
Car Park - St Govans Head .
Bus - "Coastal Cruiser".