MILFORD HAVEN, PEMBROKESHIRE

Ramsey is the most dramatic of Pembrokeshire’s offshore islands, scenically superb with a wonderfully varied geology which creates a unique mixture of flowers, birds, butterflies and wild landscape.

Ramsey is the most dramatic of Pembrokeshire’s offshore islands, scenically superb with a wonderfully varied geology which creates a unique mixture of flowers, birds, butterflies and wild landscape. We travel across the St David’s Peninsula where a journey of approximately forty-five minutes brings us to the Royal National Lifeboat Station at St Justinians. Here we negotiate the steep flight of 80 steps, which takes us down to sea level and the lifeboat slip. Alongside the lifeboat station we embark for the 15-minute transfer by open boat to Ramsey – owned by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).

The position of Ramsey Island, running parallel to the mainland, offers excellent views of the heritage coastline and the swiftly running Ramsey Sound which roars over the Bitches reef. These jagged rocks confuse the flow of the tide, creating white water and over-falls that have made the Sound justly famous. Harbour porpoises are seen daily in the Sound, whilst Rissos dolphin, common and bottle-nosed dolphin are seen on occasions.

Coming ashore on Ramsey there is always a warm welcome and we are accompanied by knowledgeable wildlife experts who will lead us on our exploration walk around the Reserve. Firstly there are scenic farm buildings to view and a short walk from the farm southwards brings views of three steep islets which are the breeding sites for kittiwake, lesser black-backed and herring gulls. In spring and early summer they are coated with pale blue squill and yellow lady’s finger vetch.

There are several seabird colonies on the rugged west side of the island where we find some of the highest cliffs in Wales - the main seabird colony is 400 feet high. Ramsey is the only site in Pembrokeshire that still has lapwings breeding and in its stone walls and rabbit warrens there is a high density of wheatears. Ramsey is also a chough breeding stronghold with several pairs nesting in the cliff caves and crevices.

Our walking trail across Ramsey may include sightings of the five different colour varieties of rabbit and the small herd of red deer introduced to the island originally as a meat crop, and now serving an important purpose in keeping conditions exactly right for the survival of the island’s rarer plants. On the beaches and in the caves there is the largest gathering of grey seals in southern Britain. After approximately an hour and a half on the Island, we shall return to the mainland and our awaiting ship.

TOUR NOTES: Strong footwear and waterproof clothing is recommended. The terrain covered on foot will include rough ground, coastal cliffs and heathland and there are uneven inclines. There are numerous steps to negotiate getting on and off the ferry. On Ramsey there are washroom facilities. Drinks and light snacks are available (at our own expense) and there is a small retail outlet and an information centre. Please note that RSPB members and non-members will pay the same price for this tour.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2009 SCANDINAVIA & BALTIC CRUISES