8-Day / 7-Night Gentle

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 beach, 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. Starting from the quiet little village of Amroth, the opening kilometres are fairly easy as the trail alternates between the shoreline, woodland and cliffs, 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, revealing secluded coves, limestone cliffs 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 sand beaches, the trail climbs back to the clifftops and follows grassy paths along the limestone cliffs. Keep an eye out for the remains of an old limestone kiln and an impressive steep-sided blowhole before descending to Lydstep beach. The trail then climbs back to the clifftops and the path grows more rugged as it continues past Skrinkle Haven, skirting around the Manorbier military range before returning to the cliff edge on the way to Manorbier Beach.

Starting at the beach just below the impressive castle at Manorbier, the trail quickly regains the clifftops. It continues along the sand dunes at the back of Freshwater East before reaching Stackpole and the lovely Barafundle beach. From Barafundle the path continues along Stackpole Head before dropping down to the beach at Broadhaven South. Here 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.

Today’s route follows a superb section of rugged coastal cliffs. Visit a hidden beach at the entrance to Solva Harbour, before climbing up to a rocky headland and ancient settlement guarding the entrance to the estuary. From there, the walk reveals the unspoilt harbour and the colourful cluster of houses. Leaving Solva, you return to the cliffs and an Iron Age promontory fort. The route continues along spectacular cliffs, before reaching a second promontory fort that crowns the headland at Caerfai Bay. From there, it is just a short walk into the tiny, charming cathedral city of St Davids.

Quiet field paths return you to the coast at St Non’s, birthplace of St David himself. From there, cliffs and dramatic views lead you to the sheltered little harbour of Porthclais. Beyond it, the coastline grows wilder as the path approaches Ramsey Sound, where a churning tidal current separates the mainland from Ramsey Island, a bird sanctuary and haven for grey seals. From St Justinian, with its picturesque lifeboat station, the cliffs gradually lower towards the beautiful expanse of Whitesands Bay, with its surfers, beach sauna and café. A short transfer brings you back to St Davids.

Leaving St Davids past its glorious cathedral, you follow fields and lanes back to the beautiful expanse of Whitesands Bay. At St Davids Head, one of the most dramatic headlands on the Welsh coast, you pass ancient stone ramparts, which once defended a clifftop stronghold three thousand years ago. Continuing along the headland, a Neolithic dolmen perches on the ridge above the sea, the great rocky mass of Carn Llidi towering behind it. The trail then turns inland, climbing over the shoulder of the hill before quiet paths, tracks and lanes guide you back towards St Davids.

There are regular bus services from St Davids to Haverfordwest, from where onward train connections are available to Cardiff and other destinations in the UK. Your hosts can usually provide the most accurate local details, but if you need additional guidance, our team is happy to help.