The Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail is a stunning 186-mile (299 km) long and located in southwest Wales. It stretches from St Dogmaels in the north to Amroth in the south, offering some of the most varied coastal scenery in Britain. This trail, established in 1970, mostly follows cliff-top paths and involves a total ascent and descent of 35,000 feet (11,000 m). If you’re planning to explore this rugged and beautiful coastline, you’re in for an unforgettable experience!

The Pembrokeshire coast is astounding with its knobbly hills of rock, long, thin inlets scoured by glaciers, and stratified limestone pushed up vertically and then eroded into arches, blowholes and sea stacks. All along the shoreline are towering red and grey cliffs, interleaved with perfect sandy beaches, you are not just walking through a geographical landscape, you’re also taking a journey through time.

Planning your Walk

Make sure you plan your walk as much of the route is characterised by an unguarded, cliff-top footpath with the path surface being maintained in its natural state. Before you begin your walk, please read the Coast Path Safety Code.

Highlights

Coast Path Fact File highlights some interesting facts, it has:

• Over 50 beaches

• Over 40 Iron Age promontory forts

• Norman/ Medieval castles/ towns (notably Tenby, Manorbier and Pembroke)

• Chain of Napoleonic and later forts

• Scores of lime kilns and other industrial archaeological remains

• Series of picturesque ports (e.g. Tenby, Solva, Porthgain)

• Innumerable secret coves

• Bosherston Lily Ponds

• Birds and flowers

• Bilingual culture / Landsker Line

Places to visit along the path

The nearest towns, include Saundersfoot, Tenby, Amroth, Pembroke, Pembroke Dock, Neyland, Milford Haven, Broad Haven, Solva, Goodwick, Fishguard and Newport (Pembrokeshire) are all on the Trail, with the City of St David’s being just one mile away.

Other interesting places to visit along the way include:

Barafundle Beach - regularly voted one of Britain's most beautiful beaches, this remote bay near Stackpole Quay features a secluded beach and stunning sunrise views. It was once privately owned by the Cawdor family of Stackpole Court, imagine having this hidden gem as your own private beach!

St Govan’s Chapel - Perched on cliffs at St Govan’s Head, this tiny stone chapel dates back to the 13th century (with possible roots in the 6th century). Access it by descending 52 steps from the cliff top.

The Green Bridge of Wales - A natural arch formed from carboniferous limestone, it juts out over the ocean in the Castlemartin military training area, you can witness its beauty on both calm and windy days.

Solva – Solva is a bustling tiny village with a harbour where the Solva River meets the sea. You can explore the picturesque harbour, where you can watch the boats, go fishing, kayaking, or sailing, or join a boat trip to the nearby islands. You can also stroll along the High Street, where you can find cosy cafes, craft shops, and galleries, or visit the 12th-century church and the Iron Age fort. One mile upriver is Solva Woollen Mill producing some distinctive quality fabrics.

Broad Haven - The huge sandy beach is a paradise for children and is one of the finest in Pembrokeshire. Below the cliffs, there are numerous rock pools and on the north end of the beach is the craggy Lions Head.

The Pembrokeshire Coast Path can be accessed in either direction from Broad Haven, it is fairly gentle without too many ups and downs. To the south, a good stroll will take you to St Brides Haven via Little Haven or heading north, a good place to head for would be Newgale, past Druidston Haven and Nolton Haven.

Freshwater East - Freshwater East village is situated next to a sheltered bay to the south of Lamphey. The Coast Path goes in either direction, walk east to remote Swanlake Bay and on to Manorbier. The red sandstone cliffs here are quite striking. Walk west to Stackpole Quay with its wonderful café and then carry on to Barafundle Bay.

These are just a few beautiful places you can visit on the way to completing this breathtaking scenic walk.

Wildlife

The Pembrokeshire Coast Path is teeming with fascinating wildlife. Here are some to look out for.

Birds - rare species like choughs, skylarks, and stonechats choose the coastal heathland as their home. Along the twisting hedgerows, you’ll find bats and various bird species hunting amidst wildflowers.

Seals and Dolphins - Atlantic grey seals give birth on our shores, while dolphins and porpoises play in the waves. Keep your eyes peeled for these marine wonders.

Pembrokeshire attracts extraordinary visitors, including basking sharks, orcas, blue sharks, sunfish, jellyfish, and even turtles, but spotting them is a stroke of luck!

So, whether you’re a hiker, rambler, explorer, birdwatcher or a marine enthusiast, the Pembrokeshire Coast won’t disappoint!

Places to stay

Whether you’re looking for a cosy cottage, a luxury lodge or an apartment with a sea view we’ve got an array of properties close to the coast path. We have properties in Amroth, Wisemans Bridge, Saundersfoot, Tenby, Penally, and Freshwater East.

About us

Based in South Pembrokeshire, Puffin Cottage Holidays are a family run business, with a wealth of knowledge on the area and the local attractions and have been successfully letting holiday accommodation for over 15 years.

We aim to provide our customers with excellent service before, during and after your holiday, making your break away from home as enjoyable, relaxing and hassle free as possible. We understand that you may lead a busy life which is why we make ourselves available out of hours and on weekends, so that we can help you find your perfect holiday at a time convenient to you and if there is anything we can do to make your holiday more special just let us know.

Remember we specialise in all sorts of properties whether you are looking for Sea Views, Pet Friendly, Character, Rural, Hot Tubs, Lodges, Apartments, Cottages, Pods and keep close to our website for the best late deals.

If you have a property you are looking to holiday let, please see our Property owners page and contact us for more details. Our current properties are predominantly based in Tenby, Saundersfoot, Penally and surrounding areas therefore access to Pembrokeshire’s award winning beaches is never too far away!

Image – Pembrokeshire Coast Path