Walk the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path

National Trail · Pembrokeshire, Wales

Pembrokeshire Coast Path

A 186-mile coastal walk from St Dogmaels to Amroth past rugged cliffs, sheltered coves and sandy beaches.
186Miles
299Kilometres
10–15Days

Walking the Pembrokeshire Coast Path is a breathtaking experience, as this spectacular trail runs along the coastline of Pembrokeshire in Wales, with stunning views of rugged cliffs, sandy beaches and picturesque coves.

It is part of the larger Wales Coast Path but stands out for its dramatic landscapes and rich biodiversity. It opened in 1970 as the first National Trail in Wales.

Pembrokeshire Coast Path at a Glance
  • Length186 miles (299 km)
  • StartsSt Dogmaels, Pembrokeshire
  • FinishesAmroth, Pembrokeshire
  • CountryWales
  • Typical time10 to 15 days (13 to 16 day itineraries below)
  • WaymarkingNational Trail acorn symbol

Terrain and Duration

  1. Terrain: The path includes a lot of ascents and descents as it follows the natural contours of the coastline. Although challenging, the views and the diverse landscapes make the effort worthwhile.
  2. Typical Duration: Most walkers complete the entire path in 10 to 15 days, though many choose to walk shorter sections.

Highlights of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path

  • St. Davids Head: The dramatic headland offers some of the best views on the path and is near St Davids, Britain’s smallest city, known for its beautiful cathedral.
  • Skomer Island: Known for its wildlife, especially the puffins and other seabirds that breed here in spring and early summer.
  • Tenby: A picturesque seaside town with beautiful beaches and a historic town center.
  • The Blue Lagoon at Abereiddy: A former slate quarry now flooded by the sea, popular for coasteering.
  • Barafundle Bay: Often listed among the most beautiful beaches in the world, Barafundle is a pristine sandy beach backed by dunes and pine trees.

Planning Your Walk

  • Accommodation: There’s a good range of accommodation along the path, including campsites, B&Bs, and guesthouses. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season.
  • Transportation: The start and end points, and several places in between, are accessible by bus. Some walkers use local bus services to return to their starting point after a day’s walk.
  • Supplies: While there are many towns and villages along the path, some sections are quite remote, so carrying enough water and snacks for the day is advisable.
  • Waymarking: The path is well-marked with the acorn symbol typical of National Trails. A detailed map or GPS can still be very useful, particularly on more remote sections.
  • Weather and Clothing: The weather can be unpredictable, with chances of rain and wind. Waterproof clothing and good quality walking boots are essential. The path can also be quite exposed, so sun protection is important on sunny days.

Tips for Walking the Pembrokeshire Coast Path

  • Physical Preparation: Be prepared for a lot of climbing up and down as the path ascends to cliff tops and descends to beaches. The total elevation gain is comparable to climbing Mount Everest!
  • Safety Precautions: Keep a safe distance from cliff edges, especially in windy conditions or slippery weather.
  • Respect the Environment: The Pembrokeshire coast is home to a rich array of wildlife. Stick to the path to avoid disturbing natural habitats and always carry out your litter.
  • Explore the Local Culture: Take time to explore the small towns and villages along the path. Local eateries offer fantastic opportunities to try Welsh specialties like Welsh cakes, laverbread, and freshly caught seafood.

The Pembrokeshire Coast Path is not just a walking route but a gateway to discovering the stunning natural beauty and rich history of Wales. Whether you tackle the whole path or explore shorter sections, it promises an unforgettable adventure.

Map - Pembrokeshire Coastal Path
Map – Pembrokeshire Coastal Path

Pembrokeshire Coastal Path Interactive Map

13 Day Walking – Pembrokeshire Coastal Path

DayRouteDistance (miles)Distance (km)
Day 2Amroth to Manorbier1524
Day 3Manorbier to Bosherston1016
Day 4Bosherston to Angle (plus 1.5m if firing range is open)1626
Day 5Angle to Pembroke1017
Day 6Pembroke to Milford Haven1118
Day 7Milford Haven to Dale (plus 4m and plus 3m at high tides)1016
Day 8Dale to Marloes813
Day 9Marloes to Broad Haven1118
Day 10Broad Haven to St David’s1423
Day 11St David’s to Abercastle2134
Day 12Abercastle to Goodwick1524
Day 13Goodwick to Newport1219
Day 14Newport to St Dogmaels1423

14 Day Walking – Pembrokeshire Coastal Path

DayRouteDistance (miles)Distance (km)
Day 2Amroth to Tenby711
Day 3Tenby to Manorbier812
Day 4Manorbier to Bosherston1016
Day 5Bosherston to Angle (plus 1.5m if firing range is open)1626
Day 6Angle to Pembroke1017
Day 7Pembroke to Sandy Haven then transfer to Milford Haven1626
Day 8Transfer back to Sandy Haven then walk to Marloes (plus 3m at high tide)1321
Day 9Marloes to Broad Haven1118
Day 10Broad Haven to Solva1118
Day 11Solva to Whitesands Bay then bus transfer to St David’s1118
Day 12Bus transfer back to Whitesands Bay then walk to Abercastle1321
Day 13Abercastle to Goodwick1524
Day 14Goodwick to Newport1219
Day 15Newport to St Dogmaels1423

15 Day Walking – Pembrokeshire Coastal Path

StageStarting PointFinish PointDistance (miles)Ascend (feet)
Day 1St DogmaelsNewport15.5
Day 2NewportFishguard12
Day 3FishguardPwll Deri 9
Day 4Pwll Deri Porthgain12
Day 5PorthgainWhitesands10
Day 6WhitesandsSolva13
Day 7SolvaBroad Haven12
Day 8Broad HavenMartin’s Haven11
Day 9Martin’s HavenDale10
Day 10DaleNeyland16
Day 11NeylandAngle16
Day 12AngleFreshwater West10
Day 13Freshwater WestBroad Haven10
Day 14Broad HavenShrinkle Haven11
Day 15Shrinkle HavenAmroth14

16 Day Walking – Pembrokeshire Coastal Path

DayRouteDistance (miles)Distance (km)
Day 2Amroth to Manorbier1524
Day 3Manorbier to Bosherston1016
Day 4Bosherston to Angle (plus 1.5m if firing range is open)1626
Day 5Angle to Pembroke1017
Day 6Pembroke to Milford Haven1118
Day 7Milford Haven to Dale (plus 4m and plus 3m at high tides)1016
Day 8Dale to Marloes813
Day 9Marloes to Broad Haven1118
Day 10Broad Haven to Solva1118
Day 11Solva to Whitesands Bay then bus transfer to St David’s1118
Day 12Bus transfer back to Whitesands Bay then walk to Abercastle1423
Day 13Abercastle to Strumble Head then transfer to Fishguard1016
Day 14Transfer back to Strumble Head then walk to Fishguard711
Day 15Fishguard to Newport1118
Day 16Newport to Moylegrove then transfer to Newport711
Day 17Transfer back to Moylegrove then walk to St Dogmaels711

OS Maps Required for Pembrokeshire Coastal Path

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