FSC Dale Fort
Address: Dale, Pembrokeshire, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, SA62 3RD
Built to defend the coast in the mid-19th century (circa 1856), Dale Fort is situated in a stunning location on Dale Head, a rocky promontory in southwest Wales. The coastline is spectacular, and nearby Marloes Sands must be one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Check out the FSC’s dedicated webpages on Dale Fort, there’s even a virtual tour of the facilities and a short aerial video showing you the field centre and the local area we will be working in: https://www.field-studies-council.org/locations/dalefort/
When the coach drops us off in Dale, there is a short (approx. 1 mile / 20 minutes) walk ascending about 26 metres in height along an asphalt track through the woods. Your luggage will be transported by car/van while you walk, and we can also arrange for anyone with mobility issues or other concerns about the walk to be driven up the road – just let the field instructors know about your needs.
Arriving at Dale Fort
Accommodation
Students will be housed in dormitory-style accommodation with access to showers and toilets segregated by gender. The rooms generally sleep between 3 and 10 people each. Some have their own toilet/shower. There is a student lounge for relaxation.
Meals
Meals will be mostly vegetarian, provided by the Field Centre. There are facilities for preparing your own refreshments (hot/cold drinks) and to make your packed lunch in the morning (don’t forget a lunch box to put your freshly made sandwiches in)!
The Field Centre operates a small bar/tuck-shop with some essential items, a few snacks and drinks. It has limited opening hours. Payments need to be made by cash or (preferably) you can set up a personal tab, where you give your card details and then settled your bill before leaving at the end of the field course.
What to bring
Check the kit list to see what you need to bring with you.
The coaches will have ample room for luggage, so you are welcome to bring a large bag with you to make sure you have everything you need. Just bear in mind that the bedrooms will be shared with others, and there is limited space within them for you to spread out your things or to store large bags.
There are no shops or cash points near the field centre so you will only have what you bring with you.
The field course
Almost all of our field course will be based at the field centre, so you will have constant access to the facilities there. Two 3-hour activities may be located a ten-minutes’ walk away, and there is one day where you can choose where on Dale/St Anne’s Head to base yourself (close to the field centre, or a walk away). You are always free to take breaks (including returning to the field centre) as/when you need and you can stay at the centre if you need to.