Coastal path's stiles are removed

Wardens Mike Owens and Martin Davies, with Martyn Ryder, his dog Sam and Haydn Garlick

Wardens Mike Owens and Martin Davies, who removed the stiles, pictured with landowner Martyn Ryder and ranger Haydn Garlick at West Dale beach

Every stile has been removed along a 33-mile (53km) stretch of a popular coastal path to ensure people with mobility problems can use it.

Gates have replaced many stiles at fields with livestock in them along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail from Milford Haven to Druidston Haven.

Wheelchair access has also been created around the Dale and Marloes area.

The National Park Authority has removed over 400 stiles on the 186-mile (299km) path since the 1990s.

There are 108 left to cross but the authority said it is continuing to remove them wherever possible, or replace them with gates.

Park Ranger Haydn Garlick said they were opening up the national trail to people "who may have previously thought it was out of bounds for them".

Other stile-free sections of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path

Amroth to Rowston Cliff - 5 miles (8km)

West Moor Cliff to Stack Rocks - 11.5 miles (18.5km)

Sheep Island to Bullwell Bay - 7 miles (11.2km)

Newgale to Penberi - 23 miles (37km)

Aber-pwll to Porthgain - 3 miles (4.8km)

Aberfelin, Trefin to Penbwchdy - 9 miles (14.4km)

Garn Llwyd to Hescwm - 3 miles (4.8km)

Newport and estuary - 3.5 miles (5.6km)

Source: National Park Authority

"The benefit of putting in gates is that it makes the path more accessible for people who have difficulty climbing over stiles," he said.

Martyn Ryder, who owns the Dale Castle Estate, which includes about 10 miles (16km) of the coast path from The Gann to Marloes Sands, said it was "vitally important" for landowners to work with the National Park Authority.

"It's a win-win situation because it means the coast path and other footpaths are well maintained and give access not just to local people but people from all over the world," he said.

"The Pembrokeshire coast is unique, it's beautiful on any day of the year.

"The link path at Dale, which goes from Dale beach, through the village and on to West Dale beach, is regularly used by locals and holidaymakers.

"It's very popular and it's good that it's now easier for older or disabled people to use."

The work, carried out by national park wardens over the winter, was funded by the Countryside Council for Wales and the Welsh Assembly Government.