Dale

What a lovely day to be in Dale. The sun was shining - warm even. There was a palpable feeling of relaxation and holiday energy. It was buzzing. The Griffin Inn (listed in several editions of the Good Beer Guide) was full to overflowing. Most choosing like us, to take their drinks out to the harbour wall from where we could watch the comings and goings. Many were eating local favourites such as crab sandwiches and freshly caught mackeral.

Dinghies were being launched, others pulled ashore, windsurfers too. The jetty was full with moored boats in different states of preparation for going to sea or coming home. The Broadside Charter Boat bobbed up and down invitingly awaiting its party of summer fishermen.

Children were eating ice creams and playing happily on the safe, sandy, shingly beach. Older people chose the wooden benches on the grassy bank above the beach. Walkers were arriving from several directions. The Pembrokeshire Coastal Path passes through the village and around the Dale Peninsula.

For more spectacular coastal views either drive or walk up the lane beside Dale Castle to the little known World War II aerodrome on the cliff top. Parking is easy. The vistas are spectacular.

Dale beach looks out over the Milford Haven Waterway. There is another sunny, sandy beach at West Dale a short walk away. It is well worth a visit for the views out to sea and of Skolkholm Island. It is an ideal place for sun worshippers but strong currents make it unsafe for bathing.

Dale has a watersports hire shop, cafe, shop/post office, car park, pub serving good beer and food and a yacht club. The village hall hosts a number of craft fairs and art exhibitions throughout the year. Anne I