It is hard to find a more eye-catching coastline in the whole of the UK than Pembrokeshire, with such a variation of high, jagged cliffs and smooth, serene beaches. There’s so much to see, it’s no surprise that Pembrokeshire holiday cottages are popular with ramblers from across the world year after year!
No adventure around Pembrokeshire is complete without a stroll or hike along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. With 186 miles of path stretching from north to south, the Coast Path offers some of Pembrokeshire’s most stunning views across both land and sea.
Tips for Enjoying the Pembrokeshire Coast Path
Just like the Pembrokeshire coast itself, the Coast Path offers something for everyone. If you’re a keen hiker, then some of the more rugged bits of coast offer steep gradients and rough paths to adventure along. On the other hand, there are also some wonderfully level and tarmaced sections that can accommodate walkers of all abilities.
Here are some pieces of advice for those wanting to enjoy the Pembrokeshire Coast Path for the first time:
- Wear Appropriate Footwear: Even the easiest paths can have some wear and tear, so make sure you’ve got something sturdy on your feet.
- Prepare for the Season: British weather is temperamental in autumn and winter, and even more so in coastal and rural areas, so it’s always good to pack a raincoat. Likewise, dress lightly in summer to avoid the heat, and pack things like water and sun cream.
- Follow the Signs: The Coast Path is well signposted, just look for acorns (denoting a national trail) and dragon shells (the symbol of the Wales Coast Path) on wooden signs.
- Check Your Route in Advance: Certain sections are located on military land and may be closed off at different points. Tides and bad weather can also impact certain areas, so be sure to check in the days leading up to your visit to ensure there are no issues.
The Best Challenging Day Walks on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path
If you’re a keen rambler looking to discover the best that Pembrokeshire has to offer on a day-long walk, these are some of the Coast Path’s most popular longer-distance routes.
Strumble Head
- Type: Loop
- Start/End: Garn Fawr
- Distance: 7 Miles
- Time: 3-4 Hours
Strumble Head, near Fishguard, offers some of the most dramatic coastal scenery you could hope to see. Starting at a dramatic Iron Age hillfort, scaling the climb will give you stunning views before venturing out to Strumble Head, an area popular with grey seals.
St David’s Peninsula
- Type: Loop
- Start/End: St David’s
- Distance: 11 Miles
- Time: 5-6 hours
St David’s Peninsula has a little bit of everything. Starting in the UK’s smallest city and a centuries-old place of pilgrimage, this is a walk dominated by tales from history. It’s also a wonderfully coloured section of coastline, with deep browns and greens, striking rock cliffs, beautiful yellow beaches and the stunning sea on the horizon.
The Best Casual Walks on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path
The Pembrokeshire Coast Path isn’t just for passionate hikers. There are some gorgeous sections of the path that can easily be incorporated into a family visit to one of Pembrokeshire’s many scenic hotspots!
Here are some of our favourite walks that can be done in an hour or two – perfect for burning off some energy before lunch or dinner.
Dinas Head
- Type: Loop
- Start/End: Pwllgwaelod Beach
- Distance: 3 Miles
- Time: 1-2 Hours
This walk takes you around Dinas Island, which is actually connected to the mainland but was once cut off by marshland formed in the last Ice Age, which is where the name comes from.
This walk does have some steep hills to climb, but it’s worth it for the stunning views. Dinas Head is also something of a birdwatcher’s paradise, with species including herring, ravens and razorbills settling here.
Solva to Gribbin
- Type: Loop
- Start/End: Solva Harbour
- Distance: 1 Mile
- Time: 1-2 hours
Solva is a beautiful harbour town filled with history, creativity and Welsh charm. It also sits nicely along the Coast Path, making it very popular with ramblers.
One of Solva’s most popular walks is up to Gribbin Head, a rocky headland that looks as if it’s guarding the village. Reaching the top gives you dramatic views over the village and coastline. You can do this as a circular walk or just walk there and back to make it shorter.
The Best Easy Access Walks on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path
Some parts of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path have been carefully designed to accommodate all visitors, including those in mobility devices. Check out some of our favourite highly accessible walks.
St Govan’s Head
- Type: Point to Point
- Start/End: St Govan’s Chapel
- Distance: 1 Mile
- Time: >1 Hour
This flat and open part of the Pembrokeshire coast is popular with tourists and birds alike. While the legendary chapel itself is down a steep set of stairs, there is a well-paved and very level path around the coast here offering some stunning coastal views.
Haroldston Chins
- Type: Point to Point
- Start/End: Druidston
- Distance: >1 Mile
- Time: 15 Minutes
While this might not be the longest walk on the Coast Path, it is one of the most accessible. There is a Blue Badge holders car park at the start of this walk, and the easy access section is fully tarmaced, with seats at various points along the route.
There are some beautiful coastal views from here, including over to Grassholm, a small, uninhabited island that is so popular with white gannet birds that it can look white from the mainland.
No matter where you are on the Pembrokeshire coast, you’ll never be far away from some stunning scenic views. If you can’t get enough of some sea views, be sure to check out our coastal cottages, the perfect way to make the most of your stay.
Featured Properties
Discover some of our favourite holiday cottages along the Pembrokeshire coast, perfect for ramblers.
