If you’re looking for coastal walks in the most spectacular of natural settings, you’ll be in your element in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.
As the only national park in the UK designated for its coastal splendour, the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park boasts giant cliffs speckled with pink sea thrift, crashing waves with sea birds swooping overhead, and plenty of historical sites steeped in myth and legend.
Set off on the finest Pembrokeshire coastal walks on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, which runs for 186 miles along the meandering coast and forms part of the wider Wales Coastal Path, or head inland to the Preseli Hills to soak up the panoramic views.
To help you plan your walking holiday in this wonderful national park – one of three in Wales – we’ve picked 11 of our favourite walks. Read on to discover where to visit, or click below to browse our very best Pembrokeshire coastal cottages.
Pembrokeshire cottages
Marloes Peninsula
A must-visit for nature lovers, the Marloes Peninsula boasts sea-sprayed cliffs, carpets of wildflowers and plenty of native birds soaring overhead. This Pembrokeshire Coast Path walk takes in all of these sights on a relatively flat path, where you can also spy the Albion Sands shipwreck and maybe spot some seals out in the water. The circular walk begins and ends just inland from Marloes Sands, where you can treat yourself to an ice cream afterwards.
Saundersfoot to Tenby circular
Take in two of the most popular Pembrokeshire destinations on this circular walk: the charming village of Saundersfoot and the colourful resort of Tenby. You’ll walk along the coast, taking in the sights of the spectacular Carmarthen Bay; pause at Monkstone Point and spy Caldey Island on the horizon. Stop in Tenby for refreshments before returning inland through a picturesque woodland valley, or tuck into a hearty meal in one of Saundersfoot's many eateries - check out our Saundersfoot guide for more holiday ideas.
Skomer Island
One of the best walks in Pembrokeshire, this circular route around Skomer Island is an absolute must for nature lovers; as well as having the chance to spot guillemots and Manx shearwaters, you can come face to face with the birds the island is famous for – puffins. In fact, there are up to 6,000 breeding pairs that call Skomer home. Catch a 15-minute ferry from Martin’s Haven to the island before taking a wildlife-packed wander around its perimeter.
Porthgain to Abereiddi and the Blue Lagoon
Pack your wetsuits – this Pembrokeshire walking trail passes by the Blue Lagoon, one of the best wild swimming spots in the UK. Beginning at Porthgain, the route follows the spectacular coastline, along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path and over some dramatic cliffs before reaching the halfway point at Abereiddi and the Blue Lagoon. Take a dip and dry off in the sun before heading back inland to your starting point – you’ll enjoy views towards a glacier-formed valley as you walk.
St Davids peninsula
Coincide a visit to the UK’s smallest city with this wonderful walk taking in some of Pembrokeshire’s fascinating history. Beginning at the picturesque Whitesands Beach, you’ll follow the coast before taking a circular route around St Davids peninsula, culminating at the 500-million-year-old St Davids Head. There’s an optional detour around Carn Llidi, a 181-metre-high hill with great views towards Ramsay Island from the summit. You can also visit Coetan Arthur, a Neolithic burial chamber. Stay in one of our lovely self-catering St Davids cottages and rest up before your next adventure. Alternatively, find a quality St Davids restaurant and have your food brought to you. For more inspiration on things to do in St Davids, have a read of our guide. For more walks close by, take a look at our guide to things to do in Solva, a little village on the coast. 3 miles away, with scenic routes aplenty.
Foel Eryr, Preseli Hills
Not all of the Pembrokeshire National Park is coastal; there’s a small section that encompasses the majestic Preseli Hills. This walk is one of the best mountain walks in Wales and takes in the most western summit and the second-highest point in Pembrokeshire – Foel Eryr – standing 468 metres above sea level. Despite the hill’s height, it’s not a difficult walk as the car park is already 404 metres above sea level! You can still feel a sense of accomplishment when you reach the top, and the orientation table at the summit will help you get your bearings amidst the awe-inspiring panoramic views.
Stack Rocks and St Govan’s Head
One of the most breathtaking Pembrokeshire Coastal Path walks, this route takes in the incredible Stack Rocks – two limestone pillars jutting out from the swirling sea, which in Welsh are called Elegug (guillemot) stacks. You’ll also see the Green Bridge – a wave-carved arch, and The Cauldron, as well as many native birds. Afterwards, visit the 13th-century St Govan’s church, found up 52 steps, as well as St Govan’s Well; now dry, it once contained water with supposed healing powers.
Bosherston Lily Ponds
One of the more accessible Pembrokeshire walking trails, this route around Bosherston Lily Ponds ends at one of the best-loved Pembrokeshire beaches: Broad Haven South – not to be confused with Broad Haven North Beach. The walk is best undertaken in June when the famous lily pads are at their most beautiful. Also found in the ponds are birds such as mute swans, herons and kingfishers, while you may also be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of an otter if you’re patient.
Carew Millpond
In the grounds of the iconic Carew Castle ruins, this route is one of the best and most scenic easy-access walks, perfect for little legs. As well as taking in the sights of the ruins, you might spot an array of wading birds, or, visit at dusk to spy bats swooping overhead. When little ones get tired, find refreshments in the on-site Nest Tearoom – they’ll be restored and ready for fun in the play area in no time!
Llys Y Fran Lake
Another great, short Pembrokeshire walk, this route follows a section of the path around Llys Y Fran Lake. Just outside the national park, but still well worth a visit, Llys Y Fran is a reservoir that boasts plenty to see and do for all ages. Beginning at the new visitor centre, this walk will take you past the activity centre before leading along the picturesque waterfront. On the way back to the start, there’s an adventure playground that’s sure to tempt even the most timid of tiny ones.
Broad Haven South to Skrinkle Haven
To truly take in the spectacular coastal landscape in this national park, make sure you tackle this trail. At 11 miles long, and with plenty of steps and hills, it’s not for those who are unfit but there are plenty of places to stop along the way. The route follows the coast path from Broad Haven South, over huge cliffs, past secret coves and along many popular beaches including Freshwater East and Barafundle Bay – voted one of the top ten beaches in the world.
Walking holidays in Pembrokeshire
Wales is a great place to visit for many reasons, but Pembrokeshire is a special place held in the hearts of many walkers across the world. If you want to experience it for yourself, we have a wide range of Pembrokeshire cottages ready for you to rest your weary legs after a day out on the coast path. From romantic boltholes to large cottages for the whole family, browse our full collection of Pembrokeshire cottages below.
Pembrokeshire cottages
