Nine days of quality walking over the Spring Bank Holiday period have been arranged by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

The all-day guided walks, with an experienced leader, are in place of the 14-day sequence along the Coast Path National Trail - due to begin on Saturday, May 26 - which had to be cancelled because of the current Foot and Mouth restrictions.

Led by Mary Wright, who has walked the whole 186-mile Coast Path more than 20 times, the 'Coast Path Samplers' also begin on May 26, and take in sections of the National Trail in the south, west and north of the county.

Said David Matthews, the Park Authority's field education officer: "These sections range from six to nine miles in length. Six are 'turn-up-and-go' round walks, while the other three are bookable linear walks, with outward transport provided to take the walkers from the meeting point to the start of the walk. These three have to be exclusively booked through Newport Information Centre (tel: 01239 820912) as places are limited.

"We are using Coast Path sections which are open during the current Foot and Mouth restrictions and they include some superb settings like Porthclais, Marloes and Broad Haven South."

Each walk involves some strenuous walking so sturdy footwear is essential. Participants should also carry spare clothing, food and waterproofs and no dogs are allowed where coach transport is involved.

Additional information is available via the National Park, telephone (01437) 764636, or from the National Park website, http://www.pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk">www.pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk

Walk days in detail are:

Saturday, May 26: 10 am - 4.30 pm, from Porthclais car park (SM 741243). Seven-mile circular walk featuring coastal highlights and floral delights of inland lanes.

Sunday, May 27: 10.30 am - 4 pm, from Marloes Sands car park (SM 779082). Six-mile circular walk featuring beaches, coves and views of the islands and a short inland link via Marloes.

Monday, May 28: 10 am - 5.30 pm, from St. David's Visitor Centre/Grove car park (SM 756252). Eight-mile circular walk taking in St. David's Airfield, spectacular cliff lines, headlands and offshore views.

Tuesday, May 29: 10.30 am - 5 pm, from Broad Haven (South) car park (SR 976939). Eight-mile circular walk featuring Bosherston lily pools, inland lanes, coves, beaches and stunning cliff scenery surrounding Stackpole National Nature Reserve.

Wednesday, May 30: 10 am - 5 pm, from St. David's Visitor Centre/Grove car park (SM 756252). Eight-mile circular walk taking in lanes, coves, beaches and St. David's Head.

Thursday, May 31: 10 am - 5 pm, from Little Haven National Park car park (SM 857129). Eight-mile linear walk along rugged cliff scenery, beaches and quiet inland lanes bordering the coast between Penycwm and Little Haven. Pre-booking essential on (01239) 820912.

Saturday, June 2: 10.30 am - 3.30 pm, from Newport Sands (SM 055406). Six-mile circular walk in the Afon Nyfer estuary and historic Parrog, gaunt cliffs and beaches near Newport.

Sunday, June 3: 9.30 am - 5 pm, from The Rath, Milford Haven (SM 907055). Nine-mile linear walk featuring tidal estuaries, sheltered valley woodlands and cliffs bordering the northern shores of the Haven between Dale Pickleridge and Milford town. Pre-booking essential on (01239) 820912.