Huntsman's Leap - Image 1
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Huntsman's Leap

4.8
·126 reviews·Pembroke Dock, United Kingdom

A dramatic coastal chasm steeped in legend, offering breathtaking views and a popular spot for climbers.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime, when military is clear

Safe access & best views

CrowdMedium
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Huntsman's Leap - Image 1

Huntsman's Leap

Best Time

Daytime, when military is clear

Safe access & best views

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A dramatic coastal chasm steeped in legend, offering breathtaking views and a popular spot for climbers. InstagramReddit

4.8
(126 reviews)

"A spectacular site to visit, just a short walk from St Govan's parking area. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Check Firing Range Status

Crucial! Call ahead or check online for Castlemartin Firing Notice.

👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear

Paths can be uneven and sloped. Good grip is essential.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Chasm Itself

The Chasm Itself

Coastal cliffs

A dramatic, narrow limestone chasm with sheer sides, steeped in legend.

InstagramReddit
Rock Climbing Spectacle

Rock Climbing Spectacle

Around the chasm

Watch experienced climbers navigate the challenging limestone faces.

InstagramReddit
Coastal Path Views

Coastal Path Views

Pembrokeshire Coastal Path

Enjoy breathtaking ocean vistas and dramatic cliff scenery.

Instagram+1
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Planning Your Visit

Check Military Firing Schedule

Huntsman's Leap is within a military training area. Always check the Castlemartin Firing Notice before visiting to avoid a wasted trip. Access roads can be closed during live firing exercises. Reddit

The Leap Isn't for the Faint of Heart

While the legend speaks of a daring horse leap, the actual chasm is narrow and the banks are sloped and rocky. It's a popular climbing spot, but attempting the leap yourself is extremely risky. Reddit

Best Times

When
Daytime, when military is clear
Why
Safe access & best views
Crowd
Medium
When
Golden hour
Why
Magical light on cliffs
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Replying to @Oscar @Greggs
@mattyturnertrials
2.8K likes • 59.4K views

🎯 Check Firing Range Status

Crucial! Call ahead or check online for Castlemartin Firing Notice. Reddit

👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear

Paths can be uneven and sloped. Good grip is essential. Instagram

All the boys coming back from Dualla Truck Show 😍 Photos at the end. #agriculture_videos #fyp #foryou #pembrokedock #pembrokedockwales #truckspotting #openpipe #sidepipe #nosmokenopoke #tcab #4series #bulktransfer #ireland #bpmitchell #irelandspec #dualla2023 #duallatruckshow #duallashow #duallaconvoy #jgphotography #jackgriffithsphotography #truckphotography
@jgphotography.uk
1.6K likes • 14.6K views
Huntsman's Leap at high tide. Even if not climbing there, as today, I still always go and have a look. What a place! We met a man from the National Park looking for seal pups. None in the Leap, but several further west at Stack Rocks Bay.
julesmckim
27 likes • 440 views

📸 Capture the Scale

The chasm is narrow; use a wide-angle lens for dramatic shots. Instagram

🚶 Combine with St Govan's

Short walk to a beautiful chapel and more coastal views. InstagramReddit

Huntsman's Leap #hiking #walking #enjoylife❤️ #explore #nature #uk_hikers #ukhiddengems #cliffs #adventure #gooutside #explorepage✨ #pembrokeshire #wales
koome_go_out
22 likes • 172 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Check Firing Range Status

Crucial! Call ahead or check online for Castlemartin Firing Notice. Reddit

👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear

Paths can be uneven and sloped. Good grip is essential. Instagram

📸 Capture the Scale

The chasm is narrow; use a wide-angle lens for dramatic shots. Instagram

🚶 Combine with St Govan's

Short walk to a beautiful chapel and more coastal views. InstagramReddit

🌊 High Tide Views

See the chasm at its most dramatic, though access might vary. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.8
(126 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Huntsman's Leap for its spectacular, dramatic coastal scenery and the intriguing legend behind its name. It's considered a must-see viewpoint, though many note it's best appreciated as a stop on a larger coastal exploration rather than a destination for an extended visit. The primary concern for visitors is the need to check military firing schedules, as access can be restricted.

"Just a beautiful view, nothing much more. Don’t spend too much time but a must see"

Noel Fernandes

"Cliffs were amazing, spotted folks rock climbing which was amazing experience."

vijay joshi

"The alleged story is a huntsman made this jump on a horse, when he turned back and looked at what he’d accomplished he died of shock. 🤷🏽‍♂️ 🐎 - That’s where the name comes from apparently.
I saw this place randomly on Google and my curiosity took the better of me. I wanted to make the leap but was very anxious and nervous but with my wife next to me too, it wasn’t made any easier. The leap is not as easy as it looks, if I had 9 lives I’d of done it, but it’s not as easy or as flat as you imagine. It’s quite rocky with no platform. It is doable, however 1 slip and you’ve had it. 💀.
Parking is free. This area is a military shooting ground, make sure you check if the military are training before you make your journey. Not far from there (walking distance) is St Govans Chapel which is a beautiful location for some great pictures and opportunities to make your way right down to the water. Both great spots. 100% Highly recommended, you won’t be disappointed."

Trehan

What People Like

Spectacular cliff views
Dramatic chasm
Intriguing legend

What People Dislike

Military access restrictions
Can be a quick visit

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Huntsman's Leap is located within the Castlemartin Military Training Area in Pembrokeshire, Wales. Access is typically via car. You'll need to follow signs for Castlemartin and then look for directions to Huntsman's Leap. Be aware that the access road may be closed when military exercises are taking place. Reddit

Yes, there is usually free parking available near Huntsman's Leap. However, it's essential to check the military firing schedule beforehand, as the area may be inaccessible if live firing is in progress. Reddit

Public transport options directly to Huntsman's Leap are limited due to its remote location within the military area. It's best accessed by car. If you're exploring the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path, you might be able to incorporate it into a longer hike, but check access first. Instagram

The most common route is by car, heading towards Castlemartin. Follow local signage. It's crucial to consult the Castlemartin Firing Notice for road closures before setting off to avoid disappointment. Reddit

Unfortunately, due to its location within a military range and its relatively remote nature, Huntsman's Leap is not easily accessible via public transport. A car is highly recommended for a visit. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there are no admission fees or tickets required to visit Huntsman's Leap. It is a natural landmark accessible to the public, provided the military training area is open. Reddit

Huntsman's Leap does not have set opening hours as it is an outdoor natural site. However, access is entirely dependent on the Castlemartin Military Training Area's schedule. Always check the firing notice. Reddit

No, Huntsman's Leap is not always open. It is located within a military firing range, and access is restricted when live firing exercises are scheduled. Always check the Castlemartin Firing Notice. Reddit

You can check the Castlemartin Firing Notice online or by calling the relevant authorities. This information is vital to ensure you can safely access Huntsman's Leap. Reddit

The primary restriction is the military training schedule. When live firing is in progress, the area is closed to the public for safety reasons. Always verify the firing notice. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The main attraction is the dramatic coastal chasm itself. You can admire the sheer cliffs, learn about the legend of the huntsman, and watch experienced climbers. It's also a great spot for photography and a stop on the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path. InstagramReddit+1

Exercise extreme caution. The banks leading to the chasm are sloped and rocky. While the leap itself is not recommended, even approaching the edge requires care. Wear appropriate footwear. Reddit

The legend speaks of a jump, but the chasm is narrow and the terrain is treacherous. It is extremely dangerous and not advised. Experienced climbers use the cliffs for sport. Reddit

Legend has it that a huntsman once leaped across the chasm on horseback. Upon looking back at his incredible feat, he died of fright. This is how the dramatic spot got its name. InstagramReddit

Absolutely! The dramatic cliffs, the narrow chasm, and the ocean views make it a fantastic location for photographers, especially during golden hour. Instagram+1

📸 📸 Photography

Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers magical light that enhances the dramatic landscape. Twilight can also be stunning. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the scale of the chasm. A polarizing filter can help with ocean glare. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light shots. Instagram

The edge of the chasm offers the most dramatic perspectives. Look for viewpoints along the coastal path that frame the leap with the sea in the background. Instagram

Yes, if climbers are present, they offer a dynamic element to your photos. Be mindful of their safety and focus. Instagram

Expect dramatic cliff shots, expansive ocean views, and close-ups of the narrow chasm. The legend adds a narrative element to your photography. Instagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Huntsman's Leap offers a dramatic natural spectacle that can captivate older children, but requires vigilance. The main draw is the sheer scale of the chasm and the intriguing legend of the huntsman. Reddit However, due to the unfenced edges and sloped terrain, it's essential to keep a very close eye on children at all times. Reddit Consider it more of a 'look and learn' spot rather than a place for free-roaming play.

Pairing a visit with the nearby St. Govan's Chapel offers a more varied experience for families, as the chapel itself is fascinating and has a unique history. Instagram Ensure you check the military firing schedule beforehand, as closures can impact family outing plans. Pack snacks and water, as facilities are limited in this natural area.

🚶 Hikers and Coastal Path Explorers

For those walking the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path, Huntsman's Leap is a must-see natural wonder. It offers a dramatic break in the otherwise continuous cliff line, providing stunning photo opportunities and a chance to appreciate the raw power of the Atlantic. Instagram+1 The path leads you right to the viewpoints, making it an easily integrated stop. Remember to wear appropriate hiking footwear as the coastal path can be uneven. Instagram

Combine your hike with a visit to St. Govan's Chapel and other nearby rock formations like the Green Bridge for a comprehensive exploration of this rugged coastline. Always be mindful of the military firing schedule, as it can affect access to sections of the path or the roads leading to trailheads. Reddit

🧗‍♀️ Climbers and Adventure Seekers

Huntsman's Leap is renowned among experienced climbers for its challenging limestone faces and the thrill of its dramatic setting. InstagramReddit The sheer walls offer a unique vertical playground for those with the necessary skills and equipment. If you're a climber, this is a prime location to test your abilities. Ensure you are fully aware of local climbing regulations and safety protocols.

For those who prefer to spectate, watching the climbers navigate the chasm can be an exhilarating experience in itself. Reddit Remember that the area is also a military training ground, so always check the firing notice before planning your climbing expedition. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Legend and the Landscape

Huntsman's Leap is a striking natural feature, a deep, narrow, and sheer-sided coastal chasm carved into the limestone cliffs of Pembrokeshire. The name itself is derived from a local legend: it's said a huntsman once attempted to leap across the chasm on horseback. Upon successfully making the jump, he looked back at what he had accomplished and died instantly from shock. InstagramReddit This dramatic tale adds a layer of mystique to the already awe-inspiring scenery. The sheer drop and the narrowness of the gap, estimated at around three meters at its widest, make it a place of both wonder and caution. Reddit

The surrounding area is part of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and offers stunning views of the wild Atlantic Ocean. Visitors often combine a trip to Huntsman's Leap with nearby attractions like St. Govan's Chapel, a picturesque chapel built into the cliffside, and the Green Bridge of Wales, another impressive rock formation. Instagram+1 The Pembrokeshire Coastal Path runs through this area, providing excellent walking opportunities with breathtaking vistas at every turn. Instagram+1

It's important to note that Huntsman's Leap is situated within the Castlemartin Military Training Area. This means access can be restricted due to live firing exercises. Always check the Castlemartin Firing Notice before planning your visit to avoid disappointment and ensure your safety. Reddit This unique combination of natural beauty, local folklore, and military presence makes Huntsman's Leap a memorable destination for adventurers and sightseers alike.

Navigating Access and Safety

Visiting Huntsman's Leap requires careful planning, primarily due to its location within a military training ground. The Castlemartin Firing Range is an active area, and public access to roads and sites like Huntsman's Leap is contingent on military schedules. It is absolutely crucial to consult the Castlemartin Firing Notice before your trip. This notice, usually available online or via phone, will inform you of any road closures or access restrictions due to live firing exercises. Reddit Ignoring this can lead to a wasted journey and potential safety hazards.

Once you are able to access the area, the site itself demands respect. While the views are spectacular, the terrain around the chasm is uneven, sloped, and rocky. Visitors are strongly advised to wear sturdy footwear with good grip. Instagram The edges of the chasm are not fenced, and the legend of the leap, while captivating, should not be taken literally by visitors. The banks are unstable in places, and a fall could be serious. Reddit Therefore, exercise caution, stay a safe distance from the edge, and supervise children closely.

For those interested in the thrill of the heights, Huntsman's Leap is a popular spot for experienced rock climbers. Watching them navigate the sheer limestone faces can be a highlight of a visit. InstagramReddit However, for the average visitor, the primary activities are sightseeing, photography, and enjoying the coastal scenery along the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path. Instagram+1 Combining your visit with nearby attractions like St. Govan's Chapel offers a fuller experience of this dramatic stretch of coastline. Instagram

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