Ah, Penally, a peaceful slice of the Welsh countryside, home to rolling hills, the odd sheep or two, and, as it turns out, the World War I practice trenches of Penally—a remarkable piece of history. Most people walk right past, not even knowing they’re there! Just beyond its picturesque façade lies something you might not expect—an entire World War I trench system, still visible today. Yes, you read that right! A complete surviving example of practice trenches, nestled on the cliffs, used over a century ago to train soldiers before they were sent off to the battlefields of France. It’s the kind of thing that makes you pause and think about the echoes of the past that still surround us.
In 1914, Europe found itself entangled in the brutal conflict that was the First World War. The fighting quickly evolved into a stalemate, with sophisticated networks of trenches becoming the norm. As you can imagine, storming through enemy lines became a costly affair, with thousands of lives lost in an effort to gain just a few feet of ground. It was a new and grim style of warfare, and the soldiers needed training in this complex, dangerous environment.
Cue the Penally trench system. As a matter of urgency, this intricate network was constructed to train soldiers in trench warfare before their deployment to the front lines. The design replicated the features of the real trenches they’d soon be fighting from. And remarkably, it remains today—the only known surviving trench system of its kind in the UK.
You might be surprised to learn that Penally Camp, where the trench system resides, has been in use for musketry training since 1860—and it’s still active today! That’s right, while the trenches may echo with the memories of those who trained here during the Great War, the camp itself has continued to serve, training individuals for over a century and a half.
On the information board, there’s a poignant quote from Captain H.S. Giffard from the Royal Field Artillery: “There is a healing magic in the night, the breeze blows cleaner than it did by day; Forget the fever of the fuller light. And sorrow sinks insensibly away.” It’s a beautiful reminder of how time, nature, and space can help us reflect on the traumas of the past while looking forward to peace.
Today, if you were to visit these practice trenches, you’d notice that they’re not just a site of historical significance, but also a place where nature thrives. Grazing animals help manage the land, and it’s a haven for wildlife, wildflowers, and birds. Over time, nature has gently softened the edges of what was once a harsh and unforgiving training ground. It’s as if the land itself is reclaiming peace, while still holding on to the scars of war as a reminder of what came before.
So, next time you’re in Pembrokeshire, take a moment to visit Penally. It’s not every day you get to stand on the very ground where soldiers once prepared for the unimaginable, and it’s a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made in the name of freedom. Plus, it makes for quite the Instagram-worthy spot, doesn’t it?
Penally’s World War I practice trenches are a sobering yet fascinating reminder of the past, tucked away in one of the most beautiful corners of Wales. The land has healed, nature has returned, but history is still alive here, etched into the landscape for future generations to learn from and reflect upon. If you haven’t visited yet, it’s well worth adding to your Welsh adventure itinerary!