5-Day / 4-Night Challenging

From your point of arrival, use the public transport information we provide to make the journey to Amroth or Tenby. 

Amroth is a small, quiet seaside village at the southern tip of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, where a long shingle and sand beach marks the official start of the Coast Path. The village has a handful of pubs and cafés, and the beach itself, with its submerged prehistoric forest visible at low tide, offers a fascinating first glimpse of a coastline rich in history and natural character.

Tenby is one of the most characterful and beautifully preserved seaside towns in Wales. Enclosed by medieval walls and perched above two sweeping golden beaches, Tenby has been welcoming visitors since the Victorian era and shows no sign of losing its charm. With its colourful harbour, excellent restaurants and cafés, independent shops and a wealth of history to explore, it makes for a wonderful overnight stay.

This first hike offers a varied and beautiful introduction to the Pembrokeshire coast. The first few kilometres are relatively easy as the trail alternates between the shoreline, woodland and clifftop, with fine views out over the waters of Carmarthen Bay. Once past the little seaside resort of Saundersfoot, the trail follows grassy clifftop paths and wooded valleys with regular ups and downs, revealing secluded coves and glimpses of Caldey Island, before descending to the golden sands of the charming seaside town of Tenby.

Passing the last of Tenby’s golden beaches, the trail climbs back to the clifftops and follows grassy paths along the limestone cliffs. Take time to admire the dramatic strata and fissures in the cliffs, and keep an eye out for the remains of an old limestone kiln and a steep-sided blowhole before descending towards Lydstep beach. From Lydstep, the trail climbs back to the clifftops and continues to Skrinkle Haven, where the path grows more rugged with more ups and downs as it skirts the Manorbier military range and returns to the cliff edge. The day ends at Manorbier Beach, passing the King’s Quoit, a Neolithic burial chamber, with fine views of the impressive castle above the bay.

From Manorbier the trail quickly regains the clifftops. Take time to admire the dramatic strata, ridges and fissures in the sandstone cliffs, which display a striking range of colours. The trail continues along the sand dunes at the back of Freshwater East before climbing to the clifftops towards Stackpole and the lovely Barafundle beach. From Barafundle the path continues along Stackpole Head before dropping down to the beach at Broadhaven South. From there the trail offers two options to Bosherston: a shorter route via the famous lily ponds, or, if the military range is open, a longer coastal route past St Govan’s Chapel, hidden in a cleft in the cliffs.

If the Castlemartin range is open, the coastal path leads past St Govan’s Chapel and across the flat clifftops to the Elegug Stacks, dramatic limestone pillars rising from the sea and home to colonies of guillemots and razorbills, with seals often visible in the water below. The route continues to the Green Bridge of Wales, one of the most impressive natural arches in Britain, before heading inland towards Castlemartin. If the range is closed, the trail leads inland from Bosherston, skirting the edges of the firing range through farmland towards Castlemartin.

Both routes meet just past Merrion Barracks and continue to Castlemartin and on to the golden sands and expansive views of Freshwater West. From Freshwater West, a transfer brings you to your accommodation.

A transfer back to Freshwater West. Leaving the golden sands of Freshwater West behind, the trail feels rugged and remote as it follows the cliff edge all the way to Angle. There are several steep ups and downs along this stretch of the trail and some interesting signs of industry and watch towers. As the trail winds its way around the headland towards West Angle beach, more signs of industry become visible, across the deep harbour of Milford Haven. From Angle beach the last few kms take you around Angle, passing the military Chapel Fort and museum before returning to the village via the Old Point house Inn.

The steep ups and downs are behind you now as the trail leads out of Angle and the tall chimneys of the oil refinery dominate the skyline ahead. Although today’s walk definitely has a more industrial feel as you walk towards Pembroke, the trail is actually quite remote as it leads through farmlands and forestry, offering some lovely and interesting views across Milford Haven. The remains of old lime kilns and military forts are spotted occasionally and the last part of the walk leads through the suburbs of Pembroke towards the impressive and majestic Pembroke Castle.

There are regular bus and train services from Pembroke. Your hosts can usually provide the most accurate local details, but if you need additional guidance, our team is happy to help.