CLIMB TRAGEDY 

‘Experienced’ climber, 52, who plunged 130ft to his death at UK beauty spot is pictured as family pay tribute

AN experienced climber plunged 130ft from cliffs at a coastal beauty spot.

Postie Justin Lowman was tackling St Govan’s Head on the Pembrokeshire coast with two mates at 4pm on February 12 when he died.

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The 52-year-old – who was a “very accomplished climber” – died despite a massive rescue attempt.

The two others were taken to hospital after emergency services rushed to the coast.

Justin’s family paid tribute to the “much loved, son, brother and uncle” today.

A family spokesperson said: “Justin grew up in Pembrokeshire from the age of five and had a love of the outdoors from an early age, enjoying climbing, cycling and running.

“He was a very experienced and accomplished climber and well known in the local climbing community.

“He went to Tasker Milward school followed by Liverpool University. He worked at Cardiff Council, Pembrokeshire College and latterly for the Royal Mail.

St Govan’s Head in west Wales is famed for its towering limestone sea cliffs, which rise 131 ft above the sea, and dramatic views.

It is located within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, a site renowned for its natural beauty and popular with hikers and climbers.

There are as many as 300 recognised climbing routes, with some graded beyond “Hard Very Severe”, according to the British Mountaineering Council.

In some areas there are unstable rocks and the cliffs are closed to climbing in spring and summer months due to nesting sea birds.

St Govan’s is famous for a hidden chapel built into the cliffs near Bosherston, in South Pembrokeshire.

The tiny chapel dates back to the 13th Century and was built to honour the hermit St Govan.

Dyfed-Powys Police said officers were contacted by the ambulance service over concerns for the welfare of three people on the coast.

Justin, from Steynton, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The force said the death was not being treated as suspicious and next of kin have been informed.

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