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Carreg Wastad Point

4.8
·25 reviews·, United Kingdom

Commemorating the last French invasion, this point offers rugged coastal walks and breathtaking Pembrokeshire views.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime

Maximize daylight for views

CrowdLow
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Carreg Wastad Point - Image 1

Carreg Wastad Point

Best Time

Daytime

Maximize daylight for views

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Commemorating the last French invasion, this point offers rugged coastal walks and breathtaking Pembrokeshire views.

4.8
(25 reviews)

"Stunning views and a unique piece of history make this a highly recommended stop."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential

The walk is rugged with a steep ravine. Good walking shoes are a must for comfort and safety.

🚗 Free Parking Available

Parking is available and free, making it an accessible and budget-friendly stop on your coastal exploration.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Memorial Stone

The Memorial Stone

Carreg Wastad Point

A poignant stone marking the last French invasion of Britain in 1797. Simple yet significant.

Pembrokeshire Coastline Views

Pembrokeshire Coastline Views

Carreg Wastad Point

Breathtaking panoramic vistas of the rugged coast, stretching north along Cardigan Bay. Absolutely stunning.

Coastal Path Hiking

Coastal Path Hiking

Pembrokeshire Coast Path

Enjoy a scenic and invigorating walk along the well-maintained coastal path, with opportunities to spot seals.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Coastal Walk

Carreg Wastad Point is best accessed via a walk along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. Expect a rugged, half-mile trek from Llanwnda village, involving fields, hillsides, and a steep ravine. Wear sturdy shoes!

History Meets Stunning Views

This site commemorates the last French invasion of Britain in 1797. While the memorial stone is simple, the panoramic coastal views are the real draw. It's a free-to-access landmark offering a unique historical footnote.

Best Times

When
Daytime
Why
Maximize daylight for views
Crowd
Low
When
Clear weather days
Why
Best for panoramic coastal views
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential

The walk is rugged with a steep ravine. Good walking shoes are a must for comfort and safety. Reddit

🚗 Free Parking Available

Parking is available and free, making it an accessible and budget-friendly stop on your coastal exploration. Reddit

🦭 Keep an eye out for seals

During your walk, look out for seals swimming in the bays below. A delightful wildlife bonus! Reddit

📸 Capture the Scenery

The dramatic coastline offers incredible photo opportunities. Don't forget your camera! Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential

The walk is rugged with a steep ravine. Good walking shoes are a must for comfort and safety. Reddit

🚗 Free Parking Available

Parking is available and free, making it an accessible and budget-friendly stop on your coastal exploration. Reddit

🦭 Keep an eye out for seals

During your walk, look out for seals swimming in the bays below. A delightful wildlife bonus! Reddit

📸 Capture the Scenery

The dramatic coastline offers incredible photo opportunities. Don't forget your camera! Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(25 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Carreg Wastad Point for its stunning coastal views and the unique historical significance of the last French invasion. The free parking and the invigorating walk along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path are also frequently highlighted as positives. Some note that the memorial itself is simple, but the overall experience is highly recommended for its natural beauty and historical footnote.

"A simple memorial stone, placed on the rugged and beautiful Pembrokeshire Coastline. The views are justification enough for a visit, throw in the free parking and this added piece of history as a destination/landmark, it's a lovely walk. Highly recommend."

CoralJackz

"A memorial stone for the last ever UK invasion which was undertaken by the French in 1797. Saw this as part of our hike along the coastal path. Stunning views across the coastline in either direction. Worth a visit if you're passing."

ade0410

"Carreg Wastad Point is a fairly rugged half mile walk from the village of Llanwnda, crossing fields, hillsides and a fairly steep ravine.

The monument was erected in 1897 to mark the centenary of a French invasion party which landed here in 1797. The large stone lies in a prominent spot which offers beautiful views north up the Cardigan coast. The stone reads in Welsh and English,

"Memorial Stone of the Landing of the French - February 22 1797"

The site is particularly significant as being the place where Great Britain was last indeed by a foreign army. The 1400 men who landed here caused some panic in the local village, including ransacking the chapel of St. Gwyndaf, getting drunk in the proceeds of their expedition and famously twelve or so soldiers were rounded up by the pitchfork wielding wife of the local cobbler!"

Ben George

What People Like

Spectacular coastal views
Interesting historical site
Free parking

What People Dislike

Simple memorial stone

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Carreg Wastad Point is accessible via a walk from the village of Llanwnda. The path is approximately half a mile and can be rugged, involving fields, hillsides, and a steep ravine. Free parking is available near the start of the walk. Reddit

Yes, there is free parking available, making it convenient for visitors. Reddit

Information on direct public transport to the immediate vicinity of Carreg Wastad Point is limited. It's best accessed by car or as part of a longer hike along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.

The walk involves crossing fields, hillsides, and a fairly steep ravine, so it's considered rugged. Sturdy footwear is highly recommended. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Carreg Wastad Point is a free-to-access landmark. The main draw is the historical significance and the stunning natural scenery. Reddit

As an outdoor landmark and coastal path access point, Carreg Wastad Point is accessible at all times. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and to enjoy the views.

No booking is required as there is no admission fee. You can visit Carreg Wastad Point spontaneously.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The main features are the memorial stone commemorating the 1797 French invasion and the spectacular panoramic views of the Pembrokeshire coastline. You might also spot seals. Reddit

The walk can be rugged and involves a steep ravine, so it may be challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues. However, older children can enjoy the historical aspect and the walk. Adult supervision is advised.

Most visitors spend around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how much they enjoy the walk and the views. It's often visited as part of a longer coastal hike.

There are no specific facilities like restrooms or cafes directly at Carreg Wastad Point. It's a natural landmark, so come prepared.

It marks the site of the last French invasion of Great Britain in 1797. The memorial stone details this event, which caused local panic and a rather unusual capture of French soldiers. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The memorial stone itself, with the dramatic coastline as a backdrop, is a key photo opportunity. Also, capture the sweeping views north along the Cardigan coast. Reddit

Visiting during daylight hours is essential. Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) can offer beautiful light for landscape photography, weather permitting.

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal views. A telephoto lens can be useful for spotting and photographing wildlife like seals. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the walk to Carreg Wastad Point can be rugged with a steep ravine, it offers a unique historical lesson for older children. The story of the French invasion and the local women defending their homes can be quite engaging. Ensure children wear sturdy shoes and are supervised closely, especially near the ravine. The chance to spot seals can also be a highlight for younger visitors. Reddit+1

🚶‍♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts

Carreg Wastad Point is a must-visit for anyone hiking the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. The dramatic coastal views are a significant draw, offering breathtaking vistas. The historical context of the last invasion adds an intriguing layer to the natural beauty. Keep an eye out for diverse birdlife and the possibility of spotting seals in the coves below. Reddit

📸 Photographers

The rugged coastline and the historical memorial stone provide excellent photographic opportunities. Capture the sweeping panoramas of the Cardigan coast, especially during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset (weather permitting). The interplay of light and shadow on the cliffs can be particularly striking. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Last Invasion: A Curious Chapter in British History

Carreg Wastad Point holds a unique place in British history as the landing site for the last successful invasion of Great Britain by a foreign power. In February 1797, around 1,400 French soldiers landed here, aiming to disrupt British trade and potentially march on London. This event, known as the Battle of Fishguard, was more of a chaotic skirmish than a full-scale invasion. The French troops, many of whom were poorly equipped and demoralized, caused panic in the local village of Llanwnda. Reddit

The local response was surprisingly effective, with tales of women, armed with pitchforks, rounding up disoriented French soldiers. The invasion was short-lived, with the French forces surrendering within two days. The memorial stone at Carreg Wastad Point stands as a testament to this peculiar historical event, reminding visitors of a time when Britain faced a direct threat on its shores. It's a fascinating footnote that adds depth to the stunning natural beauty of the area. Reddit

Navigating the Pembrokeshire Coast Path

Carreg Wastad Point is a notable stop along the renowned Pembrokeshire Coast Path, a designated National Trail stretching for 186 miles around the entire peninsula. This path offers some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in the UK, with dramatic cliffs, sandy coves, and abundant wildlife. The section near Carreg Wastad is characterized by its rugged beauty, requiring a good level of fitness and appropriate footwear due to its uneven terrain and steep sections. Reddit

When planning your visit, consider incorporating Carreg Wastad Point into a longer hike. The path is well-signposted, but it's always wise to carry a map or use a reliable navigation app. Be prepared for changing weather conditions, as the coast can be exposed and windswept. The opportunity to spot seals in the bays below adds an extra layer of enchantment to the experience, making it a rewarding journey for nature lovers and history buffs alike. Reddit

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