Walking the Pembrokeshire Coast Path
- emilymckay90
- 6 hours ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 6 hours ago
Opened in 1970, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path was the first National Trail in Wales and, as such, is probably the most well-known section of the Wales Coast Path. Over 75% of the 186-mile path lies within designated conservation sites, with 85% within the boundaries of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.
Beginning (or ending) in Amroth, and stretching all the way to St Dogmaels, just outside of Cardigan (where the Ceredigion Coast Path takes over), this section of the Wales Coast Path is home to stunning beach after stunning beach, with too many highlights to name. Interspersed with some of Cymru’s most beautiful beaches are iconic sites including St Govan’s Chapel, the Green Bridge of Wales, the Blue Lagoon and Strumble Head. The Milford Haven Waterway section offers less traditionally coastal views but a lot of interest as you discover Wales’ largest estuary.
How Long is the Pembrokeshire Coast Path?
The Pembrokeshire section of the Wales Coast Path is 186 miles long.
What are the Start and End Points of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path?
We are walking the Wales Coast Path from south to north, so we began the Pembrokeshire section in Amroth and reached the end at St Dogmaels, continuing on to Cardigan, where the Ceredigion Coast Path begins.
Where Can I Find a Map of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path?
You can view an interactive map of the Wales Coast Path on the official Wales Coast Path website. You can also browse a list of temporary diversions along the path, to ensure you don’t get caught out. You can also find maps and suggested walking routes in the Pembrokeshire Official Guide.
How Long Does It Take to Walk the Pembrokeshire Coast Path?
We split the Pembrokeshire Coast Path into 17 walks, although it could be completed in more, or fewer, legs, depending on your level of fitness and how deeply you’d like to explore Pembrokeshire’s coastline.
A short, seven-and-a-half-mile stroll from Amroth to colourful Tenby, passing a handful of lovely sandy beaches including Saundersfoot.
Another short one at seven-and-a-half miles, with a long beach walk and some lovely coastal paths, passing the iconic Skrinkle Haven and Church Door Cove.
Beautiful beach after beautiful beach, including one of the world’s best, Barafundle Bay.
Requires some pre-planning to ensure the firing range will be open. Lots of stunning sights, including St Govan’s Chapel, Huntsman’s Leap, Elegug Stacks and the Green Bridge of Wales.
Walk along Freshwater West beach before exploring the Angle peninsula, passing West Angle Bay and enjoying views of Thorne Island and Stack Rock Fort.
A unique section of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, with views of the Milford Haven Waterway throughout and passing an oil refinery which dominates the landscape, with a stroll past pretty Pembroke Castle.
More Milford Haven Waterway views, a wander around the old Milford Haven Refinery, a tidal crossing to be aware of, and finishing at Milford Haven Marina.
More tidal sections to note, a couple of pretty beaches and some lovely views of Dale.
A seven-mile circular walk with some stunning views, ending at the beautiful West Dale Bay. A real highlight and a great choice if you've only got one day and one car!
Taking in the stunning Marloes Sands, Martin’s Haven Little Haven and Broad Haven, with views across to Skokholm, Gateholm and Skomer islands.
More lovely beaches, including Nolton Haven and Newgale, before the path takes you alongside Solva Estuary to pretty Solva Harbour.
A real beauty, passing some lovely bays. The path takes you past the harbour at St Justinian’s before you reach Whitesands Bay, renowned as one of the best surfing beaches in Wales.
Stunning views throughout as you pass Whitesands Bay, St David’s Head, Abereiddi Beach (with an optional diversion to the Blue Lagoon) and Traeth Llyfn, before reaching pretty Porthgain.
Passing a collection of interesting beaches – Abercastle, Amermawr and Aberbach – not the most picturesque, but each their own charm and some fantastic wildlife.
Beautiful views, rugged paths and a wander past the iconic Strumble Head lighthouse, which is a great place to spot seals. The final section takes you from Goodwick to Fishguard along Marine Walk.
There are some lovely sites on the penultimate walk of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, including Pwllgwaelod Beach, a walk around Dinas Head, Cwm yr Eglwys with its distinctive chapel wall, and Aberfforest Beach, before reaching pretty Newport Parrog.
Arguably the most difficult of the entire Wales Coast Path, this 17-mile walk has over 3,000 feet of ascent and a long stretch with little opportunity to escape. It’s stunning throughout – pack carefully, pick a day with a good forecast, and give yourself plenty of time!
What else can you discover along the Pembrokeshire coast?
There are so many things to see and do along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. Must-dos include a boat trip from Martin’s Haven (with the option to stop off at Skomer Island) or St Justinian’s, and a swim in the stunning Blue Lagoon at Abereiddi.
A walk along the Wales Coast Path is an amazing adventure, so what are you waiting for?!
Still not convinced? Read my ten reasons to walk the Wales Coast Path.
If you’re ready to start planning your walk, you can find lots of resources to help you on your way here.
