Pembrokeshire Coast Path
Cymru Wales Media and Press, © Crown Copyright
The Pembrokeshire Coast Path is a stunning National Trail in Wales that follows the rugged and dramatic coastline of Pembrokeshire, offering breathtaking sea views, diverse wildlife, and access to some of the most scenic landscapes in the UK. The path runs through Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, the only coastal national park in Britain, and showcases a mix of cliffs, beaches, coves, and historic sites.
Key Features:
- Length: 186 miles (299 km)
- Start and End Points: The trail runs from Amroth in the south to St. Dogmaels in the north.
- Designated: The Pembrokeshire Coast Path was officially opened in 1970 as a National Trail.
Terrain:
The trail is known for its varied and often challenging terrain, which includes:
- Cliffs: Steep ascents and descents along the coastal cliffs, offering dramatic sea views.
- Beaches and coves: The path provides access to sandy beaches and hidden coves, such as Whitesands Bay and Barafundle Bay.
- Estuaries and headlands: Walkers will encounter river estuaries, wide bays, and rugged headlands like Strumble Head.
- Woodland and farmland: Inland sections pass through woods and rolling farmland, contrasting with the coastal views.
Highlights:
- St. David’s Peninsula: The path passes near St. David’s Cathedral, in Britain’s smallest city, and offers striking coastal views at St. David’s Head.
- Strumble Head: A dramatic headland known for its lighthouse and wildlife, including seabirds and seals.
- Stack Rocks and the Green Bridge of Wales: Impressive coastal rock formations and natural arches.
- Marloes Sands: A secluded beach known for its beauty and rock formations.
- Barafundle Bay: Often ranked as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with golden sands and crystal-clear waters.
- Manorbier Castle: A Norman castle with views overlooking the coast.
- Tenby: A picturesque seaside town with colorful houses, sandy beaches, and historic walls.
Difficulty:
The Pembrokeshire Coast Path is generally considered challenging, particularly due to the numerous steep climbs and descents. The total elevation gain over the course of the trail is comparable to climbing Mount Everest. However, the trail is well-maintained, and the difficulty is offset by the stunning coastal views and the variety of landscapes.
Most walkers complete the entire trail in 10 to 15 days, although it can be enjoyed in shorter sections for day hikes or weekend walks.
Natural Beauty:
The Pembrokeshire Coast Path is renowned for its outstanding natural beauty:
- Cliffs and sea views: Some of the most scenic coastal views in the UK, with craggy cliffs plunging into the sea.
- Wildlife: The coastline is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including seals, dolphins, and porpoises. Seabird colonies, including puffins, razorbills, and guillemots, can be seen at places like Skomer Island.
- Flora and fauna: Coastal flowers like sea thrift and heather bloom in the spring and summer, adding color to the path.
Cultural and Historical Significance:
The path passes several sites of historical and cultural interest:
- Castles: Numerous castles, such as Pembroke Castle and Manorbier Castle, are visible along the trail.
- Prehistoric sites: There are ancient standing stones, burial chambers, and hill forts along the route.
- Fishing villages: Picturesque villages like Solva and Porthgain retain their traditional charm, with fishing harbors and historic quarries.
Accessibility:
The Pembrokeshire Coast Path offers a wide range of options for walkers:
- Short walks: Popular sections of the path can be enjoyed on shorter day hikes, such as the stretch between St. David’s and Whitesands Bay, or the scenic walk from Marloes to Dale.
- Public transport: Coastal buses, known as the Puffin Shuttle, help walkers access different parts of the path, making it easy to plan day trips or shuttle back to accommodations.
- Accommodations: The route is well-served by a variety of accommodations, including campsites, B&Bs, and hotels in coastal towns and villages.
Popularity and Usage:
The Pembrokeshire Coast Path is popular with both experienced long-distance hikers and casual walkers. It attracts visitors for its dramatic scenery, wildlife, and the peaceful coastal environment. The trail is well-marked with the National Trail acorn symbol, and there are plenty of opportunities to explore local attractions along the way.
Whether walking the full length or exploring shorter sections, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path offers a rewarding and unforgettable experience of one of the most beautiful coastlines in the UK.