TWO members of the Pembrokeshire Access Group tried out the latest 'easy access' footpath in the county last week after it had been officially opened by the chairman of the National Park Authority, Councillor Gordon Cawood.

The footpath leads from a roadside lay-by to the ruined Aberfelin Mill at Trefin and provides excellent views over Aber Draw bay and the coastline. Mrs Maureen Brown, of St Dogmaels, and Mrs Jo Hannah, of Marloes, were the first to use the path with their battery-powered chairs.

Earlier, a ribbon had been ceremonially cut by Councillor Cawood, whose county council area includes Trefin.

The need to upgrade access to the historic mill was first noted in a study commissioned by the Park Authority and the first stage was the construction of a stone bridge over the stream.

This work was carried out two years ago by Porthgain stonemason Des Harries. In the latest stage the pathway has been completely rebuilt, in the process removing a large muddy dip where it crosses the stream.

The slate-lined path leads to the mill and also to a newly installed slate seat which has a level area alongside for wheelchair users. The top finish is of resin-bonded chippings, used for the first time by the Park Authority, and this will be monitored to see that it is hard wearing and low maintenance.

Funding was provided by Menter Preseli and Cadw - Welsh Historic Monuments - and the whole scheme was co-ordinated by National Park Projects Section staff.

Councillor Cawood said it had been an excellent example of a partnership project involving many organisations and individuals - the Park Authority, Cadw, Menter Preseli, the county council, the Access Group, Llanrhian Community Council, the Gwelliant Trefin Improvement Group and, especially, the landowner, Mr Idris Davies.

'It is also timely to remember, with the Eisteddfod taking place at St Davids next year, the special significance of this place,' he added.

'It was the mill at Trefin which inspired Archdruid Crwys to write his famous poem, 'Melin Trefin'.'

National Park chief executive, Nic Wheeler, said the authority looked upon this as a 'model project' and an example of best practice for other community-based projects in future years.

He said: 'While the Authority possesses the skills and experience to facilitate the project - to unlock it and co-ordinate it - without the funding support from our partners, and the involvement and input from the local community, we can only achieve so much.

Real partnership working adds value to all those involved. It produces a better product, creates local ownership of the end result, builds local pride, capacity and experience to become involved in other work and, by integrating public funds, allows more to be done and adds value to the contribution each is able to make.'

Afterwards, refreshments were enjoyed at the Glan-y-Mor tea rooms in Trefin village.

Sampling the new footpath at Aberfelin are Mrs Maureen Brown (left) and Mrs Jo Hannah, of the Pembrokeshire Access Group, with, left to right: National Park Ranger Ian Meopham; Mr William Powell (Gwelliant Trefin Improvement); Mr Idris Davies (landowner); Mr Nic Wheeler (National Park chief executive); Councillor Gordon Cawood (National Park chairman); Mr Byron Reynolds (chairman, Gwelliant Trefin Improvement); Councillor Alun Thomas (chairman, Llanrhian Community Council) and Mr Rick Turner (Cadw).

PICTURE: National Park.