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An epic coastline hike — Pembrokeshire Coast Path

Steve Bittinger sbittinger [CC0]

An epic coastline hike — Pembrokeshire Coast Path

Hiking Collection by Kit P

11

days

4-9 h

/ day

289 km

3,870 m

3,900 m

The Pembrokeshire Coast Path is a long-distance hike along one of Britain's most stunning and varied sections of coastline. Expect breathtaking clifftops, golden beaches, sheltered coves, hills topped with prehistoric sites, ancient woodlands, world-class wildlife, and top-notch coastal hiking every step of the way.

Stretching from St Dogmaels in the north to Amroth in the south, the Path takes you the entire length of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, the UK’s only national park to have been given the status entirely due to its coastline. Opened in 1970, the official route is 186 miles (299 km).

Along the way, you encounter some of the most cherished coastal scenery in the UK. From limestone cliffs to red sandstone bays, volcanic headlands to glacial valleys, wildflower meadows to traditional fishing villages – there’s something for everyone.

Wildlife is a big draw for many on the Coast Path. Depending on when you visit, you can expect to see breeding seals in the coves below, dolphins swimming in the twinkling oceans, and migratory birds overhead. History is another big draw. Humans have called this coastline home for thousands of years and the evidence is everywhere.

In this Collection, I divide the Coast Path into an ambitious 11 stages, averaging 16 miles (26 km). Of course, you can divide the Collection into as many days as you are comfortable with. Walking individual stages is also possible, though public transport can be sparse in some areas. Every stage finishes close to accommodation and somewhere to eat and drink.

While rewarding, hiking along the Pembrokeshire Coast is not always easy. There are lots of steep scrambles, plus some technical clifftop trails. You’ll need a good level of fitness and stamina to take on this itinerary, plus robust hiking footwear.

You can hike the Path at any time of year and each season offers unique perspectives of the diverse landscapes. Spring is the best time for watching migrating and breeding birds, plus wildflower displays. Autumn is excellent for observing migrating birds and seeing seal pups. Be aware, it can get very busy in summer and booking accommodation – especially for single nights – can be tricky.

To get to the start and finish of the trail, Carmarthen and Aberystwyth are your best train stations, depending on where you’re travelling from. Both can be linked with the start and finish points easily by bus.

On The Map

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Pembrokeshire Coast Path

289 km

3,860 m

3,870 m

Last updated: November 24, 2021

Plan your own version of this adventure in the multi-day planner based on the stages suggested in this Collection.

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Tours & Highlights

  • Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

    Stage 1: St Dogmaels to Newport — Pembrokeshire Coast Path

    06:52
    24.4 km
    3.5 km/h
    500 m
    510 m
    Expert
    Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    The first stage of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path makes for a challenging introduction to the trail.

    With near-constant ascent and descent to contend with, as well as a tough terrain and sizeable distance, this stage explores a wild and remote landscape.

    

    From St Dogmaels, you follow the estuary past Poppit

    by Kit P

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  • 06:37
    23.6 km
    3.6 km/h
    490 m
    400 m
    Expert
    Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    With classic cliff hiking, Neolithic and Napoleonic history, and plenty of stunning scenery, this is a wonderful stage.

    

    Before leaving Newport, it's worth taking a small detour to see Carreg Coetan, one of the best-preserved Neolithic burial chambers in the area.

    

    From there, you rejoin the trail and follow

    by Kit P

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  • 07:52
    28.9 km
    3.7 km/h
    390 m
    460 m
    Expert
    Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    Sheer coastal cliffs forged from ancient volcanic activity dominate this dramatic stage.

    

    If you're hiking during spring and summer, the landscape transforms into a rich purple and yellow thanks to the heather and gorse blossom.

    

    From Harbour Village, you descend gently past Carregwastad Point, the spot

    by Kit P

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  • 07:47
    28.9 km
    3.7 km/h
    360 m
    370 m
    Expert
    Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    This epic stage takes you along rugged clifftops where the geology is spectacular and the wildlife is abundant.

    

    From Trefin, you hike east past Porthgain and the ruins of the village’s old slate quarry, all the while gazing out across the enchanting Irish Sea.

    

    When you reach St David’s Head, prepare to

    by Kit P

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  • 07:24
    27.2 km
    3.7 km/h
    390 m
    400 m
    Expert
    Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

    Gorgeous coastal scenery and glorious nature make this a memorable stage.

    

    If you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of dolphins swimming in the ocean below, seals nestled into the coves, and birds of prey swooping above you.

    

    From St David’s, you rejoin the trail and head east along a relatively flat and

    by Kit P

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  • 06:39
    24.9 km
    3.7 km/h
    290 m
    270 m
    Expert
    Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    This stage presents leisurely hiking along red sandstone cliffs topped with stunning wildflowers during spring and summer.

    

    There are some good opportunities to spot seals along this stage, as well as plenty of birdlife, so keep your eyes sharp.

    

    From Broad Haven, the trail winds past Little Haven, Musselwick

    by Kit P

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  • 07:17
    27.3 km
    3.8 km/h
    280 m
    290 m
    Expert
    Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    Level walking and an easy-going terrain make for a leisurely hike—but be aware of the tidal crossings on this stage.

    

    From Westdale Bay, you hike around St Ann’s Head, past the tranquil Watwick Bay and the 19th-century Dale Fort.

    

    When you reach Dale, you have to make a crossing to Musslewick which can only

    by Kit P

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  • 09:25
    35.4 km
    3.8 km/h
    350 m
    370 m
    Expert
    Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    This stage takes you out of the national park and into a landscape that's alive with industry.

    

    At 22 miles (35 km) long, this is a tough distance and will be a real test of your fitness and endurance. Because this stage is not as memorable as others, it's a great opportunity to get your head down and

    by Kit P

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  • 04:31
    17.0 km
    3.8 km/h
    180 m
    140 m
    Intermediate
    Intermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    You step back into the national park with a bang on this wild and rugged stage.

    

    Exploring a terrain that is intentionally managed to be remote and challenging, you won't see much civilisation on this classic coastal hike.

    

    From Angle, you walk along Chapel Bay, which has a military fort that tells the tale

    by Kit P

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  • 07:17
    27.2 km
    3.7 km/h
    300 m
    340 m
    Expert
    Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    You see some of the most iconic sights and best beaches on this stunning stage.

    

    As the route crosses a military firing range, though, it's essential that you research firing times ahead of your hike as you don't want to miss these sights—or put yourself in any danger. Information on how to check is below

    by Kit P

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  • 06:34
    24.2 km
    3.7 km/h
    330 m
    350 m
    Expert
    Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    The final stage takes you past some beautiful beaches and provides dramatic views over Caldey Island, the Gower, and Exmoor National Park.

    

    Due to the spectacular beaches in the area, this is usually the busiest stage on the entire trail. But there are probably more ice cream outlets too, so there's always

    by Kit P

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Collection Stats

  • Tours
    11
  • Distance
    289 km
  • Duration
    78:13 h
  • Elevation
    3,870 m3,900 m

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