The Haven Waterway - South Pembrokeshire
The beautiful Haven Waterway, situated at the edge of the spectacular
Pembrokeshire National Park was thought to have been created in approximately
8000 BC after the flooding of Daugleddau at the end of the last Ice Age.
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The port at Milford Haven was founded by Sir William Hamilton through an act of Parliament in the 1790s. From the 1870s to today, the Haven’s banks and waters have seen vast changes in industrial and commercial activities.
The Haven Waterway has performed a diverse range of functions throughout the years ranging from it’s two tank farms created in the 1930s for the storage of naval shipping fuel in the event of a war, to it’s oil burning electricity generation station created in the 1970s. Today, in contrast to it’s past uses, the Haven serves a predominantly environmental and touristic role.
As Wales’ largest estuary, huge areas of the Haven Waterway have been designated as important areas of ‘special scientific interest’ and Marine conservation. In recent times, The Haven Waterway has seen a considerable growth in it’s function as a clean and safe water recreation centre providing great amenities for many activities such as fishing, sailing, diving, sight seeing and many more.
Sunset over The Haven Waterway at Milford Haven
The Haven Waterway is home to one of the most diverse estuarine communities in the UK with fantastic opportunities to view a vast array of wildfowl and waders whose numbers exceed over 25,000 during the Winter months.
The water area has recently been zoned in order to prevent any disturbances to this precious wildlife ecosystem. It ensures that any high speed water activities do not come into conflict with those wishing to experience the quiet enjoyment of nature and maintains a safe navigation for all across the Waterway.
Perhaps one of the best opportunities to view the area's spectacular wildlife is to join one of the many boat trips that operate around the islands. Visitors can choose between the exhilarating high speed sea safaris through Skomer and Skokolm or a peaceful hour length cruise complete with commentary from an expert naturalist.
Skomer island has a wonderful marine reserve where a variety of colourful sea wildlife can be viewed such as puffins, razorbills, fulmars, cormorants, grey seals and many more. A recent addition to the reserve include the newly resident Shearwaters that have recently settled in the area. Another excellent trip is the 11 mile journey around Grassholm Island, home to 35,000 pairs of breeding gannets.
There have also been frequent sighting of porpoise, dolphins and many other varieties of sea bird.
Spectacular countryside surrounds the Waterway - Graham Sutherland Country
Watersports on the Haven Waterway
Yachting
There are numerous opportunities for those wishing to sail on the Haven Waterway with facilities to accommodate those of all levels. The Pembrokeshire Yacht Club, part of the Royal Yachting Association recognised teaching establishments offer qualified instructors throughout the summer months.
The club is situated at Gellyswick Bay adjacent to the public slipway on Gellyswick beach where boats of all sizes may be launched. There is also abundant boat and car parking and, if required the Club can organise deep water moorings. It may also be worth contacting the Pembroke Haven Yacht Club who are situated near Pembroke Dock in a Clubhouse with excellent views over the Waterway.
All types of watersport activity can be pursued from various centres along the lower reaches of the Haven Waterway - Dale is a popular sailing venue
The Haven Waterway is one of the finest areas in the country for those wishing to try their had at sea angling. The best locations are the sea wall at Milford Marina at the east end of the docks, at Gellyswick bay under Hubberston Fort, the long sea wall at Brunel Quay and Hobbs Point slipway. All the fishing at these listed places is free.
Fishers may encounter such species as Bass, Flatties, Conger, Dogfish, small Pollock and Wrasse with opportunities to catch Mackerel with feathers and spinners during the summer months. It is also possible to hire charter boats around the waterway with 4 hour Mackerel trips or 12 hour wreck fishing for the more adventurous explorer.
The Haven Waterway provides ample fishing and boating opportunities
The Pembrokeshire coastline is one of the premiere diving sites in Wales. With it’s abundance of marine life and wrecks and a visibility level of around 20m at Skomer island, it is an excellent area for those wishing to pursue this sport.
There are 16 established dive sites in the Haven including 10 wrecks. The main launch site is found at Dale and Gellyswick bay. It is also possible to take dive charter boats from Neyland arena.
Swing bridge at Neyland - Haven Waterway, Pembrokeshire
