Event Information
Our guides will be taking you to the coast of St David's Head. Don't worry, we'll be stopping plenty for photo opportunity. There just can't be a better way to spend your Saturday than surrounded by coastal views and sea air with team Give it a Go!
Our guides rate this walk as medium level intensity. It will be fairly relaxed and easy going, but you will need to keep up with the group.
What should we expect during the walk?
St David's Head is forged of very old volcanic rock, some of it dates back almost 500 million years. This geology is best represented by Carn Llidi, the towering jagged outcrop, or tor, and in the rocky islands of Ramsey, Bishops and Clerks several miles out to sea. Our main route sticks to the coast, descending into the valley ahead via broad steps to a spring above the tiny cove of Porth Melgan. Higher up, on the flanks of Carn Llidi, you can see ancient field patterns.
Look out for birds like stonechat, meadow pipit and skylark in clumps of reedbed and willow. Offshore, you might be lucky enough to spot porpoise or dolphin playing in the waves.The route passes Coetan Arthur and descends to an Iron Age coastal fort at the end of the peninsula.
Your ticket includes all coach transport to and from St David's Head, together with the services of CUSU staff and student guides to keep you safe and on track!
What do I need to bring?
This walk is designed to be fairly easy-going, that said however we would always strongly advice that all students/explorers be prepared and bring the following:
- Walking boots / strong waterproof trainers
- A warm waterproof jacket or coat
- Plenty of warm layers
- Trousers
- A rucksack
- At least two bottles of water
- Snacks
We would also advise you to bring a small packed lunch, even if you plan on buying food in one of the local pubs.
Hats, scarf and gloves, and an extra mac are also quite useful to have in your back pack.
What's the Itinerary for the day?
The coaches will be leaving very strictly from the back of the Students' Union building at 10am. We're aiming to be back no later than 7pm.
It's designed to be a fairly easy going day, with no particular rush and plenty of breaks to accommodate a variety of walking abilities.
- 9am Leave CUSU, Cardiff City Centre
- 11.30am Arrive at St David's Head.
We'll make our way when we're ready from Whitesands Beach around the coast and back. We’ll stop several times through the walk for photos and some snacks!
- 4pm Leaving St David's Head.
- 6.30pm Arriving CUSU, Cardiff City Centre
Terms and Conditions
Tickets, Cancelations, Refunds and Adverse Weather Conditions
- All tickets once sold are strictly non-refundable in all circumstances except where the walk is canceled by CUSU.
- Adverse weather conditions which are held to jeopardise the safety of the trip, will result in the cancelation of the trip. Thereupon a full refund and options to reschedule will become available accordingly.
- The presence of precipitation, wind or unpleasant weather conditions will not automatically entitle participants to a refund. Sign ups must expect and be prepared for all aspects of British weather.
- Students must be on time at the meeting point or coach will leave without them. This is the case both leaving and returning.
Expected Conduct and Liabilities
- We're pretty laid back in the SU, but participants must observe the authority of the trip leader and follow all reasonable instructions. Our staff and guides are there to keep you safe!
- Failure to adhere to instructions given by CUSU staff and guides may trigger the University's disciplinary procedure.
- We advise against you taking expensive or sentimental belongings on these trips. CUSU cannot be held liable or responsible for any losses sustained to property however caused.
Medical Conditions
- Please disclose any and all medical conditions that may affect your ability to complete the walk. CUSU will do everything it possibly can to ensure its activities are as accessible as they can be to as many people as they can be - but our guides need to know what to expect before we leave Cardiff.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is this a difficult walk?
A. No, our guide has classified this walk as being beginner - medium ability. The route is suitable for the vast majority students who are reasonably fit and able.
Q. What happens if it rains?
A. A bit of drizzle never hurt anyone. If it rains, assume the walk will go ahead unless we tell you otherwise. We may explore alternative routes, or decide to shorten the walk if necessary, but cancellation will only be the last resort option. We'll cancel the walk if the trip leader decides that weather conditions are so severe as to jeopodise the safety of the participants.
Q. Are trainers okay for this walk?
A. You may be able to get away with reasonable quality trainers, though we would always say walking boots would be the best option.
Q. I have very mild asthma and/or some allergies, should I mention that when I sign up?
A. Yes please.