Pembrokeshire Coast Path Hike

Tenby is not the official start of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, but with excellent rail connections it makes an ideal base for your first two nights. This colourful harbour town is one of Wales’ most iconic seaside destinations, known for its pastel houses, sweeping beaches and imposing 13th-century town walls. Perched on a headland above the harbour are the ruins of Tenby Castle, while the narrow cobbled streets are lined with independent shops, cafés and traditional pubs. The Tenby Museum and Art Gallery houses fascinating local artefacts, including a 16th-century cannon, and the nearby Tudor Merchant’s House offers a glimpse into life in the 1500s. In the warmer months, many of the streets are pedestrianised during the day, creating a relaxed atmosphere with outdoor dining and a lively coastal feel. Accommodation: Spend 2 nights in a Victorian B&B with ensuite room and locally sourced breakfasts, around 10 minutes walk from the railway station and 5 minutes from the beach.

This is an ideal introduction to the Pembrokeshire Coast Path and a satisfying first day on the trail. After breakfast, take the morning bus to Amroth, a small seaside village that marks the official start of the route. With its long sandy beach and relaxed coastal feel, it’s a gentle place to begin your journey. From Amroth, follow the coast path back towards Tenby. The trail undulates across cliffs and headlands, weaving through woodland and passing sandy coves along the way. There are opportunities to pause at Wiseman’s Bridge for a drink, or perhaps take a swim at Saundersfoot, a lively harbour village with a strong industrial past rooted in coal mining, iron working and brick making. As you approach Tenby, the path descends with fine views over the harbour. The colourful houses clinging to the limestone cliffs above the old fishing port create one of the most memorable scenes on the entire Pembrokeshire coast. Tenby’s history stretches back to an 8th-century Viking herring fishery, later developing into a busy port and, with the arrival of the railway, a much-loved seaside resort. If you choose to extend your stay, an additional day could be spent taking the short ferry crossing to Caldey Island, known for its early Christian heritage and birdlife. Accommodation: As Day 1

Leaving Tenby, if the tide is the right level and there is no activity on the local firing range (in which case a deviation exists) there is a long walk along the sandy beach to the flat topped headland of Giltar Point and over heath covered cliffs to then descend to Lydstep Haven. There is then a climb and an option to visit the headland at Lydstep point, with views across Carmarthon Bay into the Bristol Channel and closer by, soaring sea cliffs with caves and a blow hole. The coastal path continues around Skomer Bay and Shrinkle Haven, a beautiful area used in WWI for army training and for the tethering of airships used for anti submarine patrols. The path goes inland a bit before passing the Priest's Nose and the Neolithic burial chamber known as King's Quoit. It then descends to Manorbier Bay where you will soon spot Manorbier Castle before approaching the village and your overnight stop. Accommodation: Nestling at the head of a small wooded valley, your inn is set in 1/2 acre of mature grounds & lawns with extensive views across Manorbier Bay, the Norman Church and historic Manorbier Castle. The inn offers a gloriously quiet, relaxing atmosphere in the heart of the village yet just a "stone's throw" from the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

Continue along the path passing quiet Swanlake Bay and if you are not tempted down to the beach, wander over the heath and down past sweeping Freshwater East Bay. The eastern part has a 1930s beachside holiday complex and the path threads behind the dunes followed by some strenuous ascending to the iron age fort at Greenala Point with its ridge and ditch defences. You then drop to Stackpole Bay and the secluded but popular Stackpole Quay, once a great estate, but now belonging to the National Trust. It has a lovely tea room. Continue over the green hills to a curious castellated portal which marks the start of the descent into famous Barafundle Bay, a justly popular sheltered sandy beach for a swim. More steep climbing follows the bay with some of the best limestone scenery of the whole walk around Stackpole Head with caves, bays and blowholes. Finally around Saddle Point you descend to the dunes and Lily Ponds of Broad Haven, from where it is a mile or so into Bosherton and your overnight. Accommodation: A quaint country pub with good accommodation. A good range of bar food and a reasonable range of beers on tap.

The first really long day takes you round Freshwater Bay West, along limestone cliffs with some beautiful flowery pastures in spring and summer, before more rugged walking coincides with a change to red sandstone geology. Potentially half the day could be away from the coast as there are military ranges to pass or bypass depending on their use, but there is an alternative route. Starting off back to the coast at Broadhaven from Bosherton, you could descend to visit 13th century St. Gowan's Chapel,wedged atmospherically down steps in a cleft in the cliffs. From just beyond here you enter the first military range passing beautiful Bullslaughter and Flimston Bays (slight diversion) with caves and blowholes. Arriving at the end of the range, there are the Stack Rocks and a bit further there is the famous Green Bridge arch. From around here you must turn inland towards the distinct spire of Warren Church avoiding ranges that are closed to walkers. Walking to Castle Martin you then follow the military range boundary to the popular surfing beach of Freshwater West. You may note the seaweed drying hut where purple seaweed was stored for making Lava Bread. After the beach the walking becomes more strenuous as the geology changes to Old Red Sandstone. Changing direction at Blockhouse Point, descend to Angle, a small busy beach with popular cafe and a small castle in the bay. here you could continue around the coast around North Hill to West Angle or just continue inland less than a mile to West Angle village and your overnight stay. Accommodation: B&B accommodation located on East Angle Bay The garden backs onto the bay with tidal views, including boats, swans, egrets, curlews, oystercatchers and other species of wading birds. highest standards of ensuite downfloor rooms.

Today’s walk traces the tidal waters of Angle Haven before skirting the sheltered Milford Haven estuary. While this stretch includes views of the working port and refinery across the water, the path itself remains surprisingly peaceful, passing through attractive woodland and open farmland as it turns inland from the open sea. Along the way, you will pass a number of historic churches tucked into quiet corners of the landscape before approaching the handsome town of Pembroke. Dominating the skyline is its impressive Norman castle, dramatically positioned above the Pembroke River. Remarkably, it was never taken during a Welsh siege and is also known as the birthplace of Henry VII. Around the river are tranquil lily ponds, often dotted with swans, adding a gentle contrast to the fortress walls above. Pembroke’s historic streets offer a good choice of pubs, cafés and small shops, making it an enjoyable place to relax at the end of the day or stock up on provisions. Accommodation: A meticulously-run B&B along the main street, superb attention to detail in light airy rooms, with a fantastic choice of breakfast ingredients.

Start the day following a pleasant creek-side path from near Pembroke Castle, before descending through the historic docklands of Pembroke Dock to meet the wide waters of Milford Haven. The route then climbs gently towards the elevated Cleddau Road Bridge, offering expansive views across the estuary before descending to the waterside village of Neyland. Continuing along the shoreline, there is the option to pause for lunch at the welcoming Ferry Inn at Hazelbeach, well known for its fresh fish dishes and harbour views. The walk then follows the estuary past working quays and maritime infrastructure, offering an insight into the area’s industrial heritage while still enjoying open water views. Cross Black Bridge and continue along the waterfront into Milford Haven, passing through the suburb of Hakin before reaching the town centre. Milford Haven has a lively marina, shops and cafés, providing a convenient and well-served base at the end of today’s walk Accommodation: Two nights in a welcoming B&B or small hotel in Milford Haven.