Lighthouses serve the most essential of any seafarer’s needs – to ensure they return home safely from their voyages. Early mariners were guided by simple cliff or hilltop fires, often on raised platforms to improve visibility. These were replaced by something resembling the modern lighthouse in the 18th century as coastal trade developed.

The keeper’s job is long gone, of course, with British lighthouses either run remotely from Trinity House in Essex, replaced by GPS systems, in private ownership or even derelict. However, they are still fine places from which to enjoy the scenery, watch wildlife – or as the focal point for a coastal walk.

ROUTE 1 - An easy stroll from Mumbles Lighthouse, Gower, where a lighthouse keeper would never have felt far from the madding crowd

ROUTE 2 - This superb Pembrokeshire walk has plenty of variety, from sheltered estuary to rugged coastline and offshore islands

ROUTE 3 - This walk takes in one of Wales’ most iconic lighthouses, the photogenic South Stack, Anglesey

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