Access Statement

Introduction

St Catherine’s Island is a limestone outcrop located at the foot of Castle Beach, Tenby, Pembrokeshire and is normally accessible 3 hours either side of low water. 

Pre-Arrival

Public access to the Island and fort operates on two levels 1. “In Season” when opening times are published on both our website and facebook page and 2. “Out of Season” when group tours are pre-booked via our website. Further details are available on our website at www.saintcatherinesisland.co.uk The nearest bus stop is approximately 0.5 miles away next to the Tenby Tourist Information Centre, Upper Park Road, Tenby and the nearest train station is Tenby 0.6 miles away at the end of Clement Terrace, Tenby. Taxis are available for hire from offices located outside Sainsubury’s Upper Park Road, Tenby (to the rear of Tenby Tourist Information Centre) or at the train station on arrival. During high season Tenby town centre is subject to timed pedestrianisation please check with Tenby Tourist Information Centre for details. The closest postal destination to the Island is SA70 7BL or the top of Pier Hill. 

 

 

Arrival & Car Parking Facilities

On arrival proceed down the slipway under the arch to Castle Beach. Proceed across the beach (typically a combination of both hard and soft sand) towards the Island. Access to the Island is via the Island main gate located on the beach side of the Island. Car parking facilities in and around Tenby can be found by (Clicking Here).

Main Gate Access:

Access to the Island is via the main gate which is proceeded by 22 hand carved steps into the rock and fluctuate from 10 to 30 cm in height with widths of between 40 & 110 cm. The majority of steps are rectangular although there are a number of segment style steps on corners. Sturdy cast iron and galvanised steel handrails between 90 and 110 cm in height dress the outer edges of the pathway and steps with the opposite side protected by the Island rock fascia. Low level (between 40 and 55cm) middle hand rails are provided to aid younger visitors and all hand rails are wire meshed for safety.

There are 74 steps from the beach to top of the Island approximately 28 mtrs above sea level and a inclined pathway (with uneven coble type stone and intermitant rock and soil surface which lead to three fabricated steel steps 25cm high and 100 cm wide and a galvanised steel bridge ( 10 mtrs in length by 81cm width) with 102 cm high handrails (all wire meshed for safety).  

ADVISED CAUTION:

All Visitors:

We recommend all visitors exercise caution when climbing the steps (especially when damp or wet), taking regular breaks to regain composure and regulate breathing. We would recommend anyone with any health issues to seek medical advice from their health care professional before visiting the Island.

Fear of Heights:

The Island & Forts inherent height above sea level can lead to anxiety in perticular the pedestrian bridge leading to the WWII Gun Placement where the proximitaty to the cliff edge and height can cause stress and anxiety to some. Please be aware that the bridges weather resistant design provides 70 visiabilty and transaparancy to the crevis and beach below.  

 

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WWII Gun Placement:

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The worktop height is standard approximately 95 cm

Oven door is drop down with hob above is halogen at standard height.

Sink is standard height with cupboards underneath.

Large size front loading washing machine.

Lighting is fluorescent on ceiling.

76 cm free space between all furniture and worktops.

Good contrast between floor, cupboards and other surfaces.

Fridge/ freezer available.

Microwave available.

Flooring is carpeted.

Dishwasher.

Landing

Smoke alarm fitted.

Island Pathway

Door width 67 cm.

1 x Double bed provided 183 cm (6 foot) x 137 cm (4.5 foot), Double Bed height 60 cm floor

to top of mattress.

Non feather duvets and pillows provided.

Largest transfer space available left or right of bed is 306 cm.

Bed is moveable if more space is required at either side.

Chest of drawers is 68 cm high. Bedside tables are 60 cm high.

Largest free space clear of doors and furniture is 306 cm by 265 cm.

Fortress

Door width 80 cm.

1 x Double bed provided 183 cm (6 foot) x 137 cm (4.5 foot), Double Bed height 60 cm floor

to top of mattress.

2 x Single beds provided 183 cm (6 foot) x 91 cm (3 foot), Single Bed height 57 cm floor to

top of mattress.

Non feather duvets and pillows provided.

Largest transfer space available left or right of beds is 90 cm x 165 cm.

Bed is moveable if more space is required at either side.

Chest of drawers is 110 cm high. Bedside tables are 66 cm high & Wardrobe 180 cm high.

Largest free space clear of doors and furniture is 90 cm by 165 cm.

Grounds and Gardens

Large garden (grassed) area and patio with stone flags, table, chairs and BBQ to the rear of

the property.

Additional Information

Information folder is produced in size 14 font.

Moderate mobile phone reception (Public Telephone is available at The Sun Inn, St

Florence, Tenby, SA70 8LS).

The cottage is no smoking throughout.

Pets and service dogs welcome, please inform us when booking.

Contact Information

Please contact: Wales Cottages

Atlantic House, Fletcher Way, Park house, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA3 0LJ.

Telephone: 01228 406 733

Fax: 01228 599970

Email: enquiries@wales-cottages.info

Website www.wales-cottages.info

Hours of operation: Telephone lines open 9am-9pm Monday to Sunday (Saturday 9am-

5.30pm)

Local Carers Telephone 01834871255

Local equipment hire company: Telephone 01239 710061

Local public transport numbers: Telephone 01646 683143

Local accessible taxi numbers: Telephone 01834 843678

Shop mobility: Telephone 01834 871629

We welcome your feedback to help us continuously improve. If you have any comments or

suggestions please telephone 01228 599960.