Name and Location

Strumble Head Lighthouse is an active sea-light operated by Trinity House, situated off Strumble Head on the Pembrokeshire coast of Wales. The nearest town is Goodwick, with coordinates 52°01′47.1″N, 5°04′25.5″W.

Construction and History

Strumble Head Lighthouse was first illuminated in 1909 after a construction period from 1908 to 1909. It was built by Trinity House Chief Engineer’s Department under James Nicholas Douglass or his successor (records incomplete). The lighthouse stands on a rocky islet connected to the headland by a tidal causeway.

Architecture and Materials

The tower is made of solid granite, with brick and concrete internal floors, and features a cast-iron lantern and gallery. The natural granite tower is unpainted, with black railings on the upper gallery and a red-painted lantern roof. The original cast-iron lantern houses a rotating lens array.

Light and Navigation

The light characteristic is Group flashing twice every 20 seconds (Fl(2) W 20s). The light source is a metal-halide lamp, with a range of 23 nautical miles for the white main light and 17 nautical miles in the red sector. The lighthouse was converted to automatic operation in 1980, with attendant visits by Trinity House engineers for maintenance.

Accessibility and Visiting

The lighthouse is not open to the public for interior tours or island site access due to its operational status and private nature. However, visitors can enjoy the headland and coast path year-round. The Strumble Head Lighthouse Information Centre, operated by the National Trust, offers seasonal opening with a small exhibition on lighthouse history.

Notable Views and Landscape

The surrounding landscape features exposed heathland, gorse, and sea cliffs, providing panoramic views westward towards Ramsey Island and Skomer Island, as well as northward across Fishguard Bay. The area is also home to seabird colonies and occasional sightings of dolphins and porpoises in Cardigan Bay.

Anecdotes and Folklore

Local tales suggest that the loss of SS Excelsior in 1908 prompted the lighthouse's construction. Strange lights and phantom figures have been reported by staff in the 1930s, though these claims remain unverified. The name "Strumble" may derive from Old Norse "Strömblir," meaning "streamy channel," referring to strong tidal currents.

Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse is powered by mains electricity via submarine cable from the mainland and features a standby generator installed for backup. It is remotely monitored from Trinity House Operations Centre in Harwich, Essex.

Further Information

For more information on Strumble Head Lighthouse, visit the National Trust Pembrokeshire Coast Guide or consult references such as "Lighthouses of Wales" by Alan Stevenson (2012) and Trinity House Annual Review (2019).