News
Pokémon Go players urged to take care on Pembrokeshire Coast Path
THE PEMBROKESHIRE COAST NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY is urging players of the popular smartphone game Pokémon Go to take care if they are playing the game while walking on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail.
The Authority is asking people to respect the safety advice given to all people who walk the popular Path, as the 186-mile route is marked on the map used by players of the hit-augmented reality game.
National Trail Officer Theresa Nolan said: “We would urge anyone who walks the Coast Path to read the Coast Path Safety Code to ensure they are prepared for the challenges the route presents.
“Those who are distracted by games such as Pokémon Go or use the Path for other activities such as running may not be aware of the difficult terrain, cliff edges, livestock and any other hazards they may encounter. It’s also important to be aware of other walkers as you may need to stop to let others pass.
“The Coast Path and the extensive network of inland paths in the National Park provide a great opportunity for people to discover a new adventure, but we would encourage people to take time to appreciate the amazing scenery around them, especially as the maps on Pokémon Go don’t do the Pembrokeshire Coast’s world-class landscape justice!”
The National Park Authority’s sites and centres are also featured in the game with the Oriel y Parc Gallery and Visitor Centre site in St Davids being home to both a Pokéstop and a Gym, with the Newport National Park Visit Centre, Castell Henllys Iron Age Village and Carew Tidal Mill are also points of interest on the map.
The Coast Path Safety Code states:
- Take care on the Coast Path – it’s rugged, natural terrain.
- Keep to the Path, away from cliff edges and overhangs.
- Always supervise children, especially near cliff edges.
- Walking surfaces can vary considerably with the weather. Always wear strong footwear with a good grip and ankle support.
- Wear or carry warm and waterproof clothing.
- Cliff-top walking can be dangerous in high winds.
- Beware of taking shortcuts across beaches – you may be cut off by the tide. Swimming can also be dangerous.
- Do not sit under cliffs or climb them.
- Keep dogs under close control.
- The Coast Path is managed for walkers; it is not safe or lawful to ride horses or cycle along most of the Coast Path.
- Leave gates and property as you find them.
- Note that mobile phone coverage is unreliable on the coast.
Community
Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity
THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.
Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.
The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.
Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.
Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.
(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)
Business
Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure
PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.
The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.
The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.
A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”
Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.
Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.
From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.
Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.
(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend
ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.
In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”
Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.
Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.
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