Best coastal walks in Pembrokeshire

Strumbe Head 

Difficulty: Moderate to challenging 

Distance: 6.9 miles 

The mesmerising Strumble Head circular walk takes you on an adventure around Pencaer Peninsula, boasting towering cliffs, wave-torn islands and picturesque coves. You’ll discover the whitewashed lighthouse with its suspension bridge on St Michael’s Island at the tip of the Peninsula. It was built in 1908 to monitor sea traffic between Ireland and Fishguard and has been automated since 1980. The coastal path itself is easily accessible, but it’s the rise and fall of each rugged headland that makes it a little more challenging. Hike to the summit of Garn Fawr, the highest point on this stretch of coastline, where you are promised spellbinding views across patchwork fields and jagged cliffs.

There’s an abundance of remote locations along this coastal walk; the sheltered cove of Abercaste is a popular spot for kayakers and small boats, while Aberbach is a great place for seal spotting and at Abermawr you can see the remains of an ancient forest at low tide! The path is lined with pretty pink campion and vibrant bluebells in spring, and in autumn it’s a special place to watch seabirds. Just idyllic, no matter the season. Don’t forget to pack your binoculars, as you may be lucky enough to spot harbour porpoises, bottle-nosed dolphins and grey seals swimming in the ocean below. 

Solva Harbour and Gribin Headland 

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 1 mile

Begin this walk in the colourful, charming village of Solva. Wander its lovely shops, interesting galleries and pretty harbour before stomping up the headland. Uncover spectacular views of the harbour and town from above, before reaching the Iron Age fort at the summit, where St Brides Bay is revealed. Follow the hillside path down to the small pebble beach of Gwadn before walking inland through a magical wooded glen, over the stepping stones of a babbling brook and back to Solva. There are some lovely eateries in the village so you can refresh after your walk.  And if you can’t get enough of this part of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, continue your walk east to Newgale, with views towards Ramsey Island or head west on the picturesque St David’s Coastal Walk. 

St David’s Peninsula 

Difficulty: Challenging 

Distance: 11.2 miles

For outdoor enthusiasts seeking a day full of adventure trekking, St David’s Peninsula provides an array of walking routes from easy to challenging. One of our favourites is the circular route starting and finishing in the city of St David’s, as it combines wild rugged landscapes, an island-dotted seascape, prehistoric monuments, and a wonderful array of coastal wildlife. Leaving Wales’ smallest city behind, begin the trail toward St Non’s Bay. Discover the remains of St Non’s Chapel before turning west towards Porth Clais Harbour. Here, the path winds along high cliff tops past Porthlysgi Bay, St Justinian's and Porthselau Beach, before reaching Whitesands Beach - a golden sandy beach, popular with surfers. Keep your eyes peeled for seals, dolphins and seabirds before heading around the golf course and inland. The trail then passes through patchwork farmland back to St David’s. Be sure to visit the cathedral or stop for an obligatory coffee and cake in one of the nearby cafés!

Stackpole 

Difficulty: Easy 

Distance: 6 miles

With a variety of terrains, Stackpole Wildlife Walk has to be one of our favourite circular routes to venture out on. Picture sandy beaches, wooded valleys, grassy clifftops and lily-covered lakes all tied up in one beautiful walk. It’s a gentle 6-mile ramble, perfect for families and walkers of all abilities. Wildlife enthusiasts will be in their element here, as some of the finest wildlife habitats can be found along this route, from breeding seabirds to elusive otters. Begin in Stackpole Quay National Trust car park and make your way to the tropics of Barafundle Bay, where you can stroll across the golden sand or stop for a wild swim. Walk around Stackpole Head then wander past the Stackpole Warrens - an expanse of grassland boasting gorgeous wildflowers and butterflies in spring and summer. Roam past Broadhaven Beach before meandering inland through the Stackpole Estate. You may wish to pause at Bosherston for some refreshments then follow the lakeside pathway. From June to September the lakes are covered in white lilies, and you may even see a resident otter pass by. Follow the Deer Park path and return back to the car park.

Marloes Peninsula 

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate 

Distance: 4 miles 

Marloes Peninsula boasts incredible coastal scenery, a stretch of fine sand and interesting cliff formations. This stunning heathland peninsula also takes you across farmland and through the remains of Iron Age Forts. There’s even a cute café along the way - making for a perfect mid-walk pitstop! The route is fairly flat but there are some rugged paths, steep gradients and steps to bear in mind. Spot wetland birds at Marloes Mere, discover Marloes Sands at low tide and marvel at Gateholm, Skokholm and Skomer Island from the clifftop. Seals can be spotted all year round but come ashore to give birth to their pups in October, so make sure you keep your distance. You can also book a boat from Martin Haven harbour and head to Skomer Island to continue your adventure… 

Skomer Island 

Difficulty: Moderate to challenging 

Distance: 4 miles 

It is important to plan ahead for your trip to Skomer Island, the ferry takes 15 minutes and departs from April to September. As a Marine Conservation Zone, just 250 people are allowed on the island at one time and there’s a landing charge for non-members, but it’s totally worth it for the unspoilt beauty that awaits. As the mainland distances itself and you arrive at Skomer Island, a chorus of seabirds welcome you, including razorbills, guillemots and puffins. Colonies of puffins arrive here to nest in late April and are characteristic of the island. The landscape is washed with a blanket of colour in spring with gorgeous bluebells, red campion and sea campion lining the pathways and clifftops. Check out this seasonal timeline for more information. There are a variety of walking routes on this remote island but this lovely 4-mile circular route takes you around the whole island. Don’t forget to pack a picnic as there are no eateries on the island and be sure not to leave any trace behind. 

Porthgain to Abereiddy

Difficulty: Moderate 

Distance: 4 miles 

This walk is something special… Begin in the pretty fishing village of Porthgain, a hidden gem with an industrial past. Slate, brick and granite were shipped from here, and this intriguing route paints a picture of its past - evident with the remains of impressive slate quarries, old railway tracks and ruined buildings. The path winds along craggy cliffs as the ocean waves crash below. You’ll then reach the hidden sandy cove of Traeth Llyfn, oozing with peace and serenity, before arriving at the Blue Lagoon in Abereiddy. Enclosed by jagged rocks, with just a narrow sea channel, the flooded slate quarry is now a pool of intense aqua blue. This halfway point is perfect for a refreshing dip, or simply admire the coast steerers and divers that have made their playground here. Follow the route back on yourself or take the gorselined path inland to Porthgain where you can reward yourself with a pint in The Sloop Inn or fresh local fish at The Shed. 

Staying in Pembrokeshire

With so much to explore in the beautiful county of Pembrokeshire, you may be seeking somewhere special to stay. Our Pembrokeshire hideaways boast individual character and flair and are just a stone’s throw from the rugged coastline. How about Y Berllan Hideaway, our cosy cabin nestled in a magical woodland glade, or why not retreat to Station A for unbeatable sea views and dream-worthy interiors? History lovers will adore Officers’ Mess and Officers’ Quarters, both with their own bubbling hot tub for the romance seekers among us.

We also have a whole host of hidden hideaways across Wales - so your Welsh adventure doesn’t have to end here!