Real Rock Climbing

An amazing walk from Pembroke Beach to Fort Pembroke

One day we were out exploring the north of the island and we discovered a real gem on the footpath from Pembroke Beach to Fort Pembroke, an amazing natural playground with ‘real’ rock climbing for all ages. It’s now a place we visit frequently.

Start At Pembroke Beach

Pembroke and L’Ancresse Bay is a beautiful large sweeping bay situated on the most northern point of Guerney. With the largest expanse of sand on the island and crystal clear water, it is popular with families year round.

I find it confusing that there are 2 names for the beach, it appears that the left half is Pembroke Beach and the right is L’Ancresse Beach, however, there is no distinction between the 2!

There is ample parking behind the beach, to the left and right of The Beach House cafe.

For the walk you need to head to the far left of Pembroke beach where you join the footpath. The views from the footpath are beautiful, looking back towards Pembroke Beach and out to sea. With benches dotted along the way, there are plenty of places to stop and enjoy the view.

We first explored this area because, whilst on Pembroke beach, we spotted an old building at the end of the headland and decided to see what it was. Once you have been on the footpath for about 5 minutes the old building will came into view. We have since found out that it is Fort Pembroke, it is closed so there’s not much to see up close but the landscape around it is amazing.

The footpath takes you to Fort Pembroke with the path branching off in different directions. If you follow it to the end, with Fort Pembroke on your left, you’ll be amazed at the rock formations. Our kids can’t wait to start climbing as soon as we get there.

Real Rock Climbing

There are so many rocks to climb and a large number of them are not on the edge of the footpath making them safer to climb without fear of a big drop and with little climbs for little legs and more challenging climbs for older children (and adults), it’s a place for people of all ages.

Proof it’s not just for the kids!…

We always have to drag our kids away as they would play here forever. We follow the footpath back to Pembroke Beach and you can either walk down to the beach or keep on the footpath which will take you into the car park to the left of the Beach House cafe.

Food & Drink

There are plenty of options for food and drink at Pembroke Beach. There are beach kiosks at either end of the beach and, for something more substantial, there is the Beach House cafe. There are toilets at the Beach House Cafe plus a separate toilet block behind the beach.

The Beach House is a relaxed and informal beach cafe overlooking Pembroke Beach with ample seating inside and out. With a range of food and drinks available including hot and cold lunch options, cakes, snacks and ice cream. They also offer a take-away option so food/ drink can be enjoyed on the beach.

We are so pleased we stumbled across this amazing walk. We highly recommend taking the footpath, even for those not interested in, as Lottie calls it, ‘real rock climbing’ , the views are well worth the stroll.

There is also a family friendly gravel footpath behind the beach which takes you to Fort Le Marchant in the other direction, another fantastic walk and one we highly recommend too…