A long-standing adventure company operating in Pembrokeshire has found itself at the centre of a land dispute, after receiving a formal trespass notice from the National Trust. Adventure Beyond, a family-run business with over 30 years of experience offering a wide range of outdoor activities, has been told by the National Trust that it has \"no right whatsoever to enter or use the land\" at Ceibwr Bay.
The notice, issued by solicitors Birketts LLP on behalf of the National Trust on May 22, 2026, asserts the charity's claim over the land. However, Adventure Beyond, led by Jethro Moore, contends that the Wales Coast Path, a designated public right of way, passes directly through the area in question, forming the basis of their argument against the trespass claim.
A Long-Standing Presence Challenged
Adventure Beyond has been a fixture in the Pembrokeshire adventure tourism scene for decades, offering activities such as abseiling, boat hire, bushcraft, canoeing, climbing, coasteering, gorge walking, guided walking, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, surfing, and white-water rafting. Jethro Moore, who has a deep personal connection to the area, stated, \"My family have been in Pembrokeshire for generations. I came here as a small child and I have never left. I know every rock, every current, every cave at Ceibwr. I've been taking people into that sea for thirty years - not just to experience the thrill of it, but to understand it.\"
The trespass notice, however, cites a previous oral permission granted on May 20, 2025, between the National Trust's Mark Underhill (Restore Nature Delivery Manager) and Jethro Moore. This permission was reportedly withdrawn via email on March 31, 2026. The National Trust's solicitors have maintained that the charity \"does not need to justify their decision\" regarding the withdrawal of this permission.
The Wales Coast Path as a Public Right of Way
The core of Adventure Beyond's defence lies in the established public access provided by the Wales Coast Path. This extensive network of footpaths runs along the coastline of Wales, offering a public right of way for walkers and hikers. Adventure Beyond argues that as the path traverses the land at Ceibwr Bay, their use of the area for commercially organised outdoor activities is a legitimate continuation of public access, not an unauthorised intrusion.
The legal implications of the National Trust's notice are significant. If successful, it could restrict access for Adventure Beyond and potentially set a precedent for other outdoor activity providers operating on or near National Trust land that is also part of public rights of way. The company has highlighted that the land in question is part of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, an area renowned for its natural beauty and outdoor pursuits.
Community and Future of Adventure Tourism
The situation has drawn attention from the local community and the wider adventure tourism sector. Many see Adventure Beyond as a vital part of the local economy and a responsible operator that has fostered a deep respect for the natural environment among its clients for many years. The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, while not directly involved in the dispute between the National Trust and Adventure Beyond, oversees the management of the Wales Coast Path and aims to balance conservation with public access and recreational use.
This case raises broader questions about the management of coastal access in the UK, particularly where private land ownership intersects with public rights of way. The outcome could influence how land is managed and how commercial adventure activities are permitted in sensitive coastal areas. The National Trust, as a major landowner, has a mandate to protect its land for conservation purposes, while companies like Adventure Beyond play a crucial role in promoting outdoor recreation and providing economic opportunities.
Further developments are expected as Adventure Beyond considers its response to the trespass notice. The company's long history and deep roots in the Pembrokeshire community suggest a strong commitment to resolving this issue in a way that upholds both public access and the viability of local adventure tourism businesses. The dispute underscores the ongoing need for clear guidelines and collaborative management strategies to ensure the sustainable use of the UK's cherished coastal landscapes.