Walking Holiday UK - Wales - Pembrokeshire Coast Path

Winding its way for 186 miles (299km), the Pembrokeshire Coast Path features some of the most spectacular and varied coastline in the UK. This ancient coastal landscape lies within Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, which despite being one of the smallest in the UK, features an array of magnificent coastal scenery. The geodiversity of this coastal landscape is truly extraordinary, from craggy volcanic outcrops to towering limestone cliffs. This unspoiled coastal environment is the perfect habitat for native wildlife including rare seabird species, Atlantic grey seals, dolphins, and porpoises as well seasonal wildlife such as orcas, blue sharks, and turtles. The wonderful displays of spring wildflowers are also a real delight.

As well as offering spectacular coastal scenery and wildlife, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path passes through a landscape which has also been influenced by the activities of humans for many centuries. Farming and fishing were the main activities, as shown by the small coastal settlements and the farmed landscape. There are many reminders of this maritime tradition to be seen along this coast, from the Neolithic cromlechs and Iron Age promontory forts to the churches and chapels of the seafaring early Celtic saints and their followers. The Vikings took interest in the area, reflected today in a legacy of place names such as Goodwick near Fishguard and the island of Skomer. Place names along the Path also reflect the traditional cultural divide between the Welsh north and ‘Little England’ of the south.

Following the northern section of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path from St Dogmaels to Whitesands Bay, our hotel-to-hotel trek is the perfect way to discover Pembrokeshire’s breath-taking coastline. Twisting its way around magnificent bays and spectacular headlands, revealing sheltered coves, sandy beaches and panoramas across rugged cliffs, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path offers walkers an inspirational journey through some of Wales’ best coastal landscapes. Discover this ancient ‘land of mystery and enchantment’ as you explore the remote wild places and little coastal villages that gives this coastline much of its charm. 

Extended stay

Why not spend an extra day or two in St Davids? Explore the 12th century St Davids Cathedral, or take a boat trip to the dramatic offshore island of Ramsey. This RSPB nature reserve is one of the best places for birds in the UK including chough, and peregrine. If you want an extra day of walking continue along the coastal path to the pretty harbour at Solva. 

Day 1 – Arrive in St Dogmaels

Overnight St Dogmaels

Day 2: St Dogmaels to Ceibwr Bay

Leaving St Dogmaels, you follow the estuary of the Afon Teifi, enjoying views towards Cardigan Bay. Continue to the nature reserve at Cemaes Head. As you round the headland, spectacular vistas of the wild and rugged Pembrokeshire coast appear before you. The route now clings to magnificent clifftops as you reach the highest point of the Coast Path at Pen yr Afr (120m). Passing the pretty cove of Pwllgranant you eventually reach the delightful Ceibwr Bay. There will be an organised transfer at the end of your walk to your accommodation in Nevern.

Ascent: 450m Descent: 430m Distance: 8 miles

Overnight Nevern

Day 3: Ceibwr Bay to Newport Sands

You will be transferred to the start of your walk. From Ceibwr Bay, there are some interesting cliffs features, including natural arches and an impressive collapsed sea cave Pwll-Y-Wrach (Witches Cauldron). Look out for the Fulmars that nest on the cliffs. Continuing towards Castell Treruffydd, an eroded Iron Age Fort, you ascend on a high cliff path overlooking Traeth Cell Howel. Follow the path around Morfa Head, with stunning views across Newport Bay before dropping back down to sea level at Newport Sands. There will be an organised transfer at the end of your walk back to your accommodation in Nevern.

Ascent: 410m Descent: 400m Distance: 8 miles

Overnight Nevern

Day 4: Newport to Goodwick

A short transfer will bring you to the old port of Parrog, once an important trade centre, re-join the coastal path following the many bays and coves to the headland of Dinas Island. Take the cliff-top route, ascending to the summit at Pen Y Fan (142m) to enjoy glorious panoramas of the coast from Strumble Head to Cemaes Head. Look out for grey seals, porpoises or dolphins in the waters below. The next section of coastline provides a striking contrast with secluded beaches backed by dark shale cliffs. Continuing westwards you reach Aber Richard from which you can enjoy striking views of Needle Rock, a spectacular stack formation. Upon reaching Fishguard you pass the ruins of the 18th century Fishguard Fort, keeping to the coast you eventually arrive in Goodwick and your overnight accommodation.

Ascent: 610m Descent: 560m Distance: 13 miles

Overnight Goodwick

Day 5: Goodwick to Pwll Deri

Along this section the path initially runs inland before emerging at Anglas Bay, then following a succession of bays and headlands around Strumble Head. Look out for the memorial stone at Carregwastad Point, erected to commemorate the landing site for the last invasion of Britain in 1797. Beyond, the path winds to the dramatic rocky headland of Strumble Head, one of the best locations on the North Pembrokeshire coast for sea life watching. Further West, the Strumble lighthouse, set on Ynys Meicel also makes a fine viewpoint. Gently rounded volcanic cliffs bring you to the idyllic Pwll Deri. An organised transfer will bring you back to your accommodation in Goodwick.

Ascent: 360m Descent: 280m Distance: 9 miles

Overnight Goodwick

Day 6: Pwll Deri to Trefin

A short transfer will bring you back to Pwll Deri. Passing the memorial of Dewi Emrys’, an impressive stretch of dramatic cliffs takes you to the headland of Penbwchdy from which there are wonderful views along the coast to St David’s Head. The path skirts the coast, carpeted in gorse and heather to the bay of Aber Bach. Take a detour up the valley to the working woolen Mill at Melin Tregwynt. Following the sandy beach at Aber Mawr, you are now walking along one of the most important Ice Age sites on the Pembrokeshire coast. If you are in luck, the submerged forest will be exposed. Further is the little harbor of Abercastle, and some way off the trail you will find the burial chamber of Carreg Samson, built some 5,000 years ago. The charming peninsula of Pen Castell-Coch provides splendid views to the south-west. Follow the footpath to arrive in the pretty coastal village of Trefin. An organised transfer will bring you to your accommodation in the religious capital of Wales, St Davids. 

Ascent: 360m Descent: 430m Distance: 11 miles

Overnight St Davids

Day 7: Trefin to Whitesands Bay

A short transfer will bring you back to Trefin. This section of path takes you above high cliffs and beneath dramatic volcanic outcrops. Arriving at the tiny harbour of Porthgain you will see the remnants of its industrial past as an exporter of bricks, slate, and granite. Passing the sandy beach of Traeth Llyfn you continue to Carn Lwyd, with lovely vistas out to the headland of Trwyncastell. As you approach Abereiddy the remains of a Slate Quarry now known as Blue Lagoon can be seen below. Breached by the sea, the reflection of the slate gives it this lovely deep blue colour. From Abereiddy you encounter some impressive Iron Age forts including the promontory Fort of Castell Coch. Continuing along the path, you will eventually see the hill mass of Carn Penberry (175m), this marks the start of the St Davids peninsula. St Davids Head, with its many coves and rocky outcrops is famous for its wildlife. Look out for the Neolithic burial chamber of Coeten Arthur, near the tip of St Davids Head. Descend to the shoreline at Whitesands Beach. Take the Celtic Coastal Bus back to your accommodation St Davids.

Ascent: 450m Descent: 500m Distance: 11 ¼ miles

Overnight St Davids

Day 8: Departure

Walk Grading

Our Pembrokeshire Coast Path Trek is graded moderate to challenging. The route is well waymarked, but some of the sections can be quite challenging due to the nature of the cliffs, meaning the route constantly climbs and falls. While the footpath is well maintained, some sections can be exposed and vertiginous.

Total for standard week ignoring variations: - Ascent: 2640m Descent: 2600m Distance: 60 miles 

Self-Guided

Our Pembrokeshire Coast Path Trek is offered on a self-guided basis. We provide full walking notes, and all the relevant maps and backup support you may need.

Baggage Transfers

Throughout this trek your luggage (1 bag per person) is transported from hotel to hotel so it will not be necessary to carry more than a light pack containing items you will need during the day.

Price in GBP£ Price in USD$

Pembrokeshire Coast Path

Included			Not Included
ü	7 night’s accommodation		û	Lunches, Dinners & drinks with meals
ü	7 breakfasts
ü	People Transfers as indicated in the itinerary
ü	Baggage transfers between hotels (1 bag per person @20kg)
ü	Route notes & walking map
ü	Route Buddy

Optional Extras

ØSupplement per person for return transfer from St David’s to St Dogmaels £48 (self-drive to first hotel) (Based on 2 people travelling) £97 (Based on 1 person travelling)

ØSupplement per person for return transfer from Fishguard or Goodwick Train Station to St Dogmaels and from St David’s £74 (Based on 2 people travelling) £138 (Based on 1 person travelling)

ØSupplement per person for return transfer from Haverfordwest Train Station to St Dogmaels and from St David’s £80 (Based on 2 people travelling) £151 (Based on 1 person travelling)

ØSupplement per person for an extra night in St David’s £57 (Based on 2 people travelling, sharing a standard twin/double room)

All prices valid for 2022

Prices are per person in GBP / UK £ and are based on 8 nights bed & breakfast in a shared twin/double standard room. Prices do not include flights.

Dates	Without Flights	Extra Night	Single Supplement	Solo Supplement
01 Mar – 31 Mar	579	POA	35	45
01 Apr – 30 Sep	599	POA	35	45

UJ28

Price in GBP£ Price in USD$

Pembrokeshire Coast Path

Availability Information

The Pembrokeshire Coast Path is best experienced ‘out of season’ although it is a year-round destination, being the sunniest spot in Wales.

Spring offers the walker a succession of developing flowers, while for keen bird watchers spring and early summer offers the nesting season with migration taking place in autumn. Early autumn is also the best time to observe wildlife, as seals come to shore to give birth.

Please note our best to go information is generally referring to the walking which may fall in the early or late season in some places. This may mean that not all tourist facilities will be open at the time you visit.

When to book your walking holiday in Wales - UK - Wales - Pembrokeshire Coast Path

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