You know you’re in for a cracking ramble when it’s been recommended by a National Park ranger – and these five celebrated walks in Pembrokeshire, along the Coast Path and in the park itself, are no exception.
The Pembrokeshire Coast is one of the smallest of the UK’s National Parks but don’t let its size fool you – visitors will find a range of stunning landscapes including hills, estuaries, valleys and woodlands, with Iron Age hillforts, Medieval castles, and ancient ports a plenty – plus a bounty of wildlife and flora to boot. Perhaps the most glittering jewel in Pembrokeshire’s crown, however, is the Coast Path. This iconic National Trail – which forms part of the Wales Coast Path – twists and turns for a total of 186 miles from Amroth to St Dogmaels, offering some of the most breathtaking coastal scenery in Britain.
Whether you’re new to walking or you’re a seasoned stomper, the Pembrokeshire Coast Park Rangers Favourite Walks guide is a tonic for those keen to explore this magnificent part of the world by foot. Here are five unforgettable circular treks to experience next time you’re there.
Broad Haven and Haroldston Wood
Distance: 3.8 miles / 6.2 km
Time: 1 hour 40 mins
Terrain: Coast, fields (with livestock), wooded valley, some minor road walking
Start/finish: Millmoor Way Car Park, Broad Haven (Grid reference SM 863 140)
Nearest postcode: SA62 3JH
Public Transport: Service Bus 311 Broad Haven
Map: OS Explorer OL36 (South Pembrokeshire)
This lovely circular walk winds through a rare stretch of coastal woodland, before joining the Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail.
The traditional seaside village of Broad Haven has been a firm favourite with locals since the 1800s, when bathing machines lined the beach. At low tide it’s possible to walk around the headland on the south side into another bay called The Settlands and on to the neighbouring village of Little Haven. Turn to the north, however, and you’ll encounter one of the most varied walks within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.
Haroldston Wood stretches across 60 unspoilt acres and is home to a variety of wildlife; on a fine day, the islands of Ramsey and Skomer are visible from this wildflower-rich area; and the shops and cafes in Broad Haven make it the perfect place to end your walk so you can truly relax and unwind (with a slice of cake no less).
Get the full walking route with directions in the book
Nine Wells and Solva
Distance: 2.9 miles / 4.6 km
Time: 1 ½ hours
Terrain: Rugged coast, fields (with livestock)
Start/finish: Solva Harbour Car Park (Grid reference SM 805 243)
Nearest postcode: SA62 6UT
Public Transport: Service Bus T11 Fishguard, Puffin Shuttle
Map: OS Explorer OL35 (North Pembrokeshire)
History meets nature in the tunnels and quarries of Nine Wells…
Solva, with its colourful cottages, shops and inns, is one of Pembrokeshire’s prettiest villages, yet in the 18th century it had a reputation as a hotbed for smuggling. There are no fewer than four Iron Age forts in the area, with one overlooking the small cove of Porth-y-Rhaw, which forms part of this walk. Porth-y-Rhaw is one of the few places in Wales where fossils from the Cambrian period are relatively easy to find. The Nine Wells area boasts several disused quarries, which are suntraps and a haven for a range of plants, butterflies and dragonflies.
Get the full walking route with directions in the book
Lawrenny
Distance: 2.8 miles / 4.5 km
Time: 1 ½ hours
Terrain: Reasonably level, wooded shoreline, some minor road walking
Start/finish: Lawrenny Quay (Grid reference SN 011 061)
Nearest postcode: SA68 OPR
Public Transport: None
Map: OS Explorer OL36 (South Pembrokeshire)
Although celebrated for its impressive coastline, some of the best-kept secrets of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park lie further inland…
Once a busy port and a base for seaplanes during World War 2, the picturesque village of Lawrenny lies along a sheltered stretch of the Daugleddau, often referred to as the ‘Secret Waterway’. The Daugleddau Estuary is one of the UK’s best examples of a ria – a long, narrow inlet created by the partial submergence of a river valley. Much of the estuary is inaccessible by vehicle or foot, adding to the sense of serenity and seclusion. The true attraction here though is the ancient woodland that overhangs the sheltered mudflats and tidal creeks of the estuary. It is an important habitat for sessile oak and home to over 200 species of lichen, as well as the rare wild service tree, which sets the landscape ablaze in autumn with its vibrant red foliage.
Get the full walking route with directions in the book
Stackpole Head
Distance: 4.9 miles / 7.9 km
Time: 2 ½ hours
Terrain: Rugged coast, fields and stiles, gradients
Start/finish: Stackpole Quay (parking free for National Trust members) (Grid reference SR 991 958)
Nearest postcode: SA71 5LS
Public Transport: Coastal Cruiser
Map: OS Explorer OL36 (South Pembrokeshire)
Enjoy the lakes, lush woodland, dramatic quarries and golden sands of this iconic Pembrokeshire walk.
Owned and maintained by the National Trust, the Stackpole Estate comprises 5 square miles (12.95 sq km) of woodland, farmland, lakes, beaches and cliffs.
In spring and early summer, the floor of the steeply wooded valley that borders the eastern arm of Bosherston Lily Ponds is covered with wild flowers such as bluebells, violets and primroses. The woods are particularly popular with birds, including treecreepers, nuthatches, tawny owls, great spotted woodpeckers and jays.
Broad Haven South and Barafundle Bay are two of the most celebrated beaches in Pembrokeshire and can get very busy in the summer months. For many though, it’s the limestone cliffs around Stackpole Head that are the biggest attraction.
Get the full walking route with directions in the book
Gelli Fawr
Distance: 3.2 miles / 5.1 km
Time: 1 ½ hours
Terrain: Wooded slope, moorland, can be wet and muddy, some minor road walking
Start/finish: Roadside verge – limited parking (Grid reference SN 058 352)
Nearest postcode: SA65 9TY
Public Transport: None
Map: OS Explorer OL35 (North Pembrokeshire)
Step back in time as you explore one of Pembrokeshire’s finest hidden gems.
This route weaves its way between the open uplands of the Preseli hills and the sheltered, wooded landscape of the River Gwaun valley. The valley is a relic of the Ice Age, formed by floods of meltwater that flowed as the glaciers retreated. Its V-shaped profile suggests that it was cut by water flowing under the ice itself. The valley is sometimes described as the ‘secret’ cwm (valley), and it does certainly have a sense of mystery about it.
Get the full walking route with directions in the book
Discover 20 stunning walks in Pembrokeshire Coast Park Rangers Favourite Walks, which is available to buy online and from all good bookshops.