Trefin
Trefin
This charming historic village on Pembrokeshire’s north coast near St Davids is quite a find. It stretches out along the road and has a very un-commercialised feel to it. It’s well known as the home village of Cerys Matthews, former lead singer with Catatonia.
There’s a small low-tide sand and shingle beach below the old mill, which is great for rockpools but not really recommended for swimming.
The Strumble Shuttle Coastal Bus Service connects Trefin with Porthgain, St Davids, Mathry, Strumble and Fishguard.
There has been a settlement at Trefin for many hundreds of years. The village was associated with the ecclesiastical lordship of St Davids.
There are numerous old cottages and the remains of an old mill above the beach which dates from the 15th century. It was the subject of a well known poem by the poet Crwys. Another Welsh language poet, Edgar Phillips was born and educated in Trefin. He was also Archdruid in 1960.
Interestingly, in the past, the villagers elected an annual ‘mock’ mayor.
Activities
The principal activity is walking the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, which is particularly good in both directions. A good walk was screened on the BBC Weatherman Walking series.
Attractions
The beach and Melin Trefin are the most significant things to see. A modern stone circle has been set up on the headland above the beach. Carreg Samson, a Neolithic burial chamber is located between Trefin and Abercastle.
Food and Drink
The Mill Cafe and Gallery and the Ship Inn are both located at the western end of the village nearest to the beach. The Ship use a lot of local products including crab and fish from Porthgain, Preseli gold award winning sausages and Pant Mawr cheeses.
Accommodation
There are a lot of self catering cottages available in and around Trefin. There’s also a very good hostel and B&B in the old school and a selection of other B&B’s.