5-Day / 4-Night Moderate

From your point of arrival, use the public transport information we provide to make the journey to Pembroke. Though modest in size, this historic market town punches well above its weight, dominated by one of the finest and best-preserved Norman castles in Britain, birthplace of Henry VII. With a good selection of restaurants, pubs and accommodation, Pembroke makes a comfortable and characterful base before the trail heads north into the wilder landscapes of the Pembrokeshire coast.

A transfer brings you to Broad Haven, its lovely beach tucked into the southern corner of St Brides Bay, a great arc of coastline that will accompany you for the next two days. Today’s hike offers a wonderful variety of coastal scenery, and the opening kilometres are relatively gentle as the trail winds along low clifftops and dips down to a succession of small, sheltered coves. From the historic Druidstone, you pass some reminders of historic coal mining before the path eventually opens out onto the sweeping expanse of Newgale Sands, one of the finest beaches on the Pembrokeshire coast. 

Beyond Newgale, the trail climbs more steeply before dropping into the quiet valley of Cwm Mawr, then settles onto the cliff path as it passes the headland of Dinas Fawr. The walk ends with some of its highlights: a visit to the hidden beach at Gwadn at the entrance to Solva Harbour, before the trail climbs up to the Gribin, 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 that is Solva – one of the most charming harbours on the Welsh coast.

From Solva, the trail climbs back onto the cliffs where the remains of an Iron Age promontory fort offer an early taste of the ancient history woven into this coastline. The route continues along dramatic cliffs past the shingle cove of Caerbwdi Bay to Caerfai Bay, where a second promontory fort crowns the headland. The path then leads to St Non’s, birthplace of St David himself, before dropping down to the sheltered little harbour of Porthclais, with its lime kilns, colourful boats and welcoming café kiosk.

Beyond Porthclais, the coastline grows wilder as the path approaches Ramsey Sound, where the churning tidal current separates the mainland from Ramsey Island, a bird sanctuary and haven for grey seals. From St Justinian, with its lifeboat station perched above the water, the cliffs gradually lower towards the beautiful expanse of Whitesands Bay, with its surfers, beach sauna and café. A short transfer brings you into the charming cathedral city of St Davids.

Leaving St Davids, the trail follows quiet fields and lanes before arriving back at the beautiful expanse of Whitesands Bay. From here the path rounds St Davids Head, one of the most dramatic headlands on the Welsh coast, passing the ancient stone ramparts of Clawdd y Milwyr, the Warriors’ Dyke, which once defended a clifftop stronghold three thousand years ago. Continuing along the headland, a Neolithic dolmen perches on the ridge above the sea, with the great rocky mass of Carn Llidi rising behind it.

Beyond the headland the coastline grows wilder and more exposed as the path makes its way past a succession of remote coves and clifftops, eventually climbing over the shoulder of Carn Penberry before descending towards Abereiddy. Here, a flooded former slate quarry has become the extraordinary Blue Lagoon, its deep turquoise water a striking contrast to the dark rock and grey shingle of the bay. The final stretch follows the cliff path past more reminders of the industrial past that once defined this coastline, before descending into the picture-perfect little harbour village of Porthgain – a place that wears its history lightly and rewards those who arrive on foot.

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.