You may be forgiven for thinking Pembrokeshire officials aren't always the most active, however a county councillor is defying the odds by taking on one of the biggest challenges Pembrokeshire has to offer.

This autumn will see Councillor Paul Harries, chairman of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, take on a gruelling tour of the entire Pembrokeshire Coast Path.

The walk had been planned for 2020 to mark the 50th anniversary of this iconic walking trail, but was postponed as a result of lockdown restrictions.

Councillor Harries said the coastal path was invaluable to the county and he was looking forward to walking the route.

“I have walked many of sections in the north, and am very much looking forward to exploring some of the southern sections that are less familiar to me.

“The Coast Path is one of the National Park’s greatest assets, and there can be few better ways of celebrating its 50th anniversary than walking its entire route.”

The 186-mile National Trail, which stretches from St Dogmaels in the north to Amroth in the south, was officially opened in 1970, five years after work began to carve out the cliff-edge route.

Councillor Harries began the challenge on September 16. The schedule will be dependent on weather and personal energy levels, but photo updates will be posted on the Authority’s social media channels.

Described by Lonely Planet as “one of the most spectacular long-distance routes in Britain”, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path now attracts over a million visitors each year, generating tens of millions for the local economy.

It also forms part of the Wales Coast Path and the International Appalachian Trail.

Although the Trail offers plenty to see, with 43 Iron Age sites visible from the path and 75 per cent of it passing through SSSI sites and Special Areas of Conservation and Protection, completing the entire route is no mean feat. The ascents and descents total 35,000 ft, which is said to equal climbing Everest.

To follow Councillor Harries’ progress along the Coast Path, like the Authority’s Facebook page @PembrokeshireCoast, or follow @PembsCoast on Twitter.

Further information on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail can be found by visiting www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/coast-path.