Treffgarne and Wolfscastle
Treffgarne and Wolfscastle
Both Treffgarne and Wolfscastle are small villages midway between Haverfordwest and Fishguard. Treffgarne is quite spread out without an identifiable centre, unlike Wolfscastle. Treffgarne is better known for Treffgarne Gorge and the Dartmoor-like ‘tors’ that overlook it.
Treffgarne is notable for its beautiful deep wooded gorge through which the Western Cleddau tumbles alongside the railway line, the building of which defeated Brunel and practically bankrupted the Great Western Railway.
As both Treffgarne and Wolfscastle are on the main road linking Fishguard and Haverfordwest there are plenty of buses. Fishguard Ferry Port has twice daily ferry services to Rosslare in southern Ireland.
Treffgarne was the birthplace of Welsh hero Owain Glyndŵr. Nant Y Coy Mill is at the north end of the gorge, next to the cutting that was made for the A40, through the gorge. The age of the mill isn’t known but it was rebuilt in 1844 by the Evans family of Treffgarne Hall. The mill stayed in their possession for many years before it passed to the Higgons family of Scotton Manor and then into private hands some years later. The renovated mill wheel now turns once more.
Wolfscastle gets its name from the motte and bailey castle erected by the Normans on what is called the Landsker Line. This was a line of forts stretching from Roch near Newgale to Amroth and was a dividing line between The Normans and The Welsh in the north. Part of the Bailey is cut through by the A40 but some of it remains and have recently been cleared and opened to the public.
Activities
Sealyham Activity Centre near Wolfscastle offer a range of residential and day activities both on land and on the water. They are now an approved activity provider for the expedition section of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. They’re based in a Georgian mansion that sleeps up to 120 students plus group leaders. They also have a family room and some twin rooms, all with en-suite facilities.
There’s a fishing centre in the gorge run by the Pembrokeshire Anglers Association, which includes a superb purpose-built pool and fishing platform especially built for disabled anglers. It has easy vehicular access and picnic facilities.
Attractions
The nearest big attraction is Scolton Manor Museum and Country Park. This is a Victorian Country House with upstairs, downstairs exhibits and a newly renovated walled garden complete with a beekeeping centre in the old stables.
Food and Drink
The Wolf Inn is a fine stone built pub with a great deal of character, or try the smart new contemporary bistro at the Wolfscastle Hotel.
Nearby Letterston has a good pub called The Harp and an award winning fish and chip restaurant called Something’s Cooking.
Accommodation
There’s one hotel in this area called the Wolfscastle Hotel.
The Wolf Inn and the Harp at Letterston, also offer B&B accommodation.
There are numerous self catering cottages dotted about in the surrounding countryside including Scolton Country Cottages next door to Scolton Manor.