Pembrokeshire Walking Holidays
Pembrokeshire Coastal Path
Exploring Pembrokeshire by foot has to be one of life's great pleasures, whether you're an experienced rambler or prefer a more relaxed stroll amid the beauty of the countryside or dramatic coast vistas.
The Pembrokeshire Coast Path is a 186-mile-long National Trails path in West Wales that runs from Amroth to St Dogmaels and passes through the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. The path is known as ‘Gwlad Hud a Lledrith’ in Welsh, meaning ‘The Land of Mystery and Enchantment’. This is a fitting description as the county is renowned for its sweeping beaches, raw beauty, and rugged coastline. A must-do for your visit to the county.
It takes between 12 and 15 days to walk depending on your fitness levels and crosses through 58 beaches and 14 harbours. Being physically demanding with all its ascents and descents, the walk covers 35,000 feet - the same height as the great Mount Everest.
Walk the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path
Some of the most beautiful beaches in the UK and sublime sections of the dramatic British coastline are in Pembrokeshire. Quaint fishing villages, extraordinary wildlife, and daily sunsets into the sea - to name a few.
The variety of beaches on offer is really quite stunning. There’s something for everyone with great surfing spots, dog walking areas, secluded coves, wildlife havens, and beachside eateries. Some of the beaches have even made it into Hollywood films! For example, Harry Potter, the Deathly Hallows, and Robin Hood were shot at Freshwater West and Snow White and the Huntsman was filmed at Marloes.
If starting the coastal path from St Dogmaels to Amroth, you’ll notice how wonderfully idyllic some of the small coastal ports are. The popular seaside town of Tenby is sublime with its old castle and pastel-coloured houses that tower over its harbour. Up north is Porthgain with its lovely rustic harbour, and near the beginning of the trail, you’ll find Newport's gorgeous river estuary.
The UK's smallest city of St Davids is a must-visit along the way with its dazzling cathedral being the highlight. Definitely worth finding the time to walk inland to reach it from the coast path.
There’s a long section where you’ll cut back inland to Pembroke. Passing the oil refinery and multiple industrial works beside Milford Haven. A great chance to visit the grand Pembroke Castle, the birthplace of Henry VIII.
On the southern section of the coastal path, between Freshwater East and Freshwater West, you’ll discover some extraordinary arches and rock formations along the soaring cliffs. The picturesque Green Bridge of Wales and Elegug Stacks are great sites to stop for a break whilst taking in the spectacular views.
If wildlife interests you, there are many wonderful bird species, seals, plants and a whole variety of marine life to enjoy along the coast. You could also make the time to visit some of the surrounding islands by boat for a better chance of spotting coastal animals in their natural habitat. Skomer Island and Ramsey Island are both known for breeding seabirds including the famous puffins. When taking the boat trip, you might even spot some dolphins and seals in the water.
Coastal Cottages Holiday Cottages on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path
With 186 miles of world-famous coast path to discover it's always the perfect time to start a walking holiday in Wales you'll never forget.
Although you’ll likely spend a lot of your time eating snack bars along the route, there are also plenty of opportunities to enjoy fish and chips on the beach, a pint of local ale whilst watching the sunset, or warm your fingers around a cup of hot chocolate after a bracing a swim in the sea.
