E04: Gelli Bridge

 
Grid Reference: SN083195
SatNav Co-ordinates: N 51.84121°, W 04.78391°

 
Gelli Bridge is on the confluence of the Eastern Cleddau and the Syfynwy. It is surrounded by agricultural land which is used mainly for wheat, maize and cattle. The bridge was built in the 18th century and features two uneven arches, historically the site was used for coracle fishing.  The area is a flood plain at times of heavy rainfall, which is indicated by another arch in the bridge further between a field and the large grass. It is still a popular fishing spot today.

Location

From the A40 take the junction of the B4313 North towards Maenclochog. Turn left at the junction for Gelli and Gelli Bridge is approximately 100 metres along the road, and approximately 10 miles from Haverfordwest.

Access

The site is accessible from the road where there is parking for around three vehicles. The riverside is reached from a grassy slope next to the car park beside the bridge.

Walks

Walk the Pembrokeshire Trail from Gelli to Llawhaden, part of the route from Newport in north Pembrokeshire, to Amroth on the south coast.
Gelli is important as a point on the Landsker Borderlands Trail, which runs along the eastern bank of the river. The footpath carries on towards Abystree, Dan-y-coed and Llawhaden. The access is restricted as there are stiles to cross to get to the footpath.

Facilities

There are no facilities here. There is a picnic area with benches and picnic tables beside the river.

Activities and Places of interest nearby

Watch for yellow wagtails, dippers and many other small birds feeding in the shallow weed beds upstream of the bridge, which are teeming with invertebrates including mayfiles and caddis. For walking, see more details about the Pembrokeshire Trail on the Pembrokeshire County Council web site. River angling is available nearby from Pembrokeshire Angling Association, and the Llawhaden coarse fishery is close to the next site on the Cleddau Trail, at E5 Llawhaden Church.