Dinas Island

Dinas Island is a peninsula in Pembrokeshire, southwest Wales, partly separated from the mainland near Dinas Cross between Fishguard and Newport. The highest point, Pen-y-fan, reaches 142 metres above sea level, though the name Dinas Head often refers to this northernmost cliff-top. The headland lies within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and is managed by the National Trust. A glacial lake’s meltwater once carved a swampy valley on the landward side, linking to the Gwaun Valley further along the coast. The island’s windswept cliffs support gorse, bracken and bramble, along with hawthorn, blackthorn and hazel scrub. Wildflowers such as ling, scabious and thrift grow among the grass, while bluebells cover the eastern slopes in spring. Heather and foxglove add colour, and orchids appear in sheltered spots. Feral goats once roamed here until they were removed in 1947. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path circles the peninsula for three miles, giving views towards Strumble Head and across Fishguard and Newport Bay. The trail can be joined at Pwllgwaelod or Cwm-yr-Eglwys, both reached from Dinas Cross on the A487. A wheelchair-friendly path links these two access points. Sheep graze much of the land, managed by Dinas Island Farm, which won awards in 2012 for its sheep farming and grassland management.