Self-guided walking
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 3
Stretching
11.0Kg CO2e
Printed route
directions
The Pembrokeshire Coastal Path stretches a staggering 299km along the South Wales coastline from St Dogmaels in the north to Amroth in the south. The area was first designated a National Park in 1952 with the famous path itself becoming the first national trail in Wales when it opened in 1970. The trail makes for incredibly scenic hiking, with contrasting landscapes ranging from the wild remote headlands of the north to the legendary castle ruins and rock sea pillars of the south. Dotted along the coastline you'll find traditional fishing villages barely touched by tourism, hidden coves and pristine sandy beaches.
Starting in the riverside village of St Dogmaels, you'll follow the demanding yet rewarding northern section of the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path as you head to Britain's smallest city, St. Davids - the birthplace of Wales' patron saint. Admire sweeping sea views from cliff top paths before descending to tiny deserted coves, and marvel at the region's spectacular geology. This unspoilt coastline is also home to a rich variety of wildlife with guillemots, fulmars and razorbills nesting in the cliffs, whilst grey seals, porpoises and dolphins can often be seen in the clear waters below.
We have chosen comfortable, family run B&Bs throughout with full Welsh breakfasts included as standard. There are two night stays in Newport and Fishguard and three nights in St David's to make the most of the wide choice of pubs, restaurants and cafes available locally, with private transfers provided to take you to and from the route.
The walking is mainly along coastal tracks and paths. There are frequent steep ascents and descents. As you are walking over high cliffs, often with sheer drops down to the sea, a head for heights is necessary.
Arrive in Newport. Flanked by Carningli mountain and the sandy shores of the Nevern estuary, it's one of Pembrokeshire's most scenic towns. There's time to explore before your briefing on the week's walking.
You stay at Cnapan B&B.
Cnapan B&B, Newport
Shops
Bank
Cash machine
Mastercard
Visa
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Tea/coffee
The family run Cnapan in the centre of Newport takes its unusual name from a Celtic form of medieval football which was played every Shrove Tuesday between the men of Newport and the men from neighbouring Nevern. Set in a traditional Welsh cottage, this pretty B&B boasts lovely sunny gardens to the rear, a cosy lounge with wood burning stove and a licensed bar. The recently renovated bright and airy bedrooms all come with ensuite bathrooms with shower.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
A short transfer takes you to St. Dogmaels and the official start of the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path. Today's route is demanding, with frequent very steep sections, but the views over to Cardigan Island make it well worth the effort, and there's a good chance of spotting nesting guillemots, razorbills and even the rare chough if you're lucky! At rocky Ceibwr Bay, pass the Witches' Cauldron (Pwll-y-Wrach) - a blowhole caused by the collapse of a cave roof with a nearby stream emptying into the 'cauldron'. End the day with a descent to dune backed Newport Sands before crossing the Iron Bridge into Newport itself.
Another wonderful day following a roller-coaster cliff top route dipping in and out of small coves backed by surprisingly verdant valleys. The cliffs today are not as high as yesterday, but they are just as impressively wild and rugged. There's the option to extend the walk around Dinas Head (142m) - the breeding ground for herring gulls, razorbills and guillemots which nest on Needle Rock, a 50m high offshore stack. Pass the ruins of the 18th century Fishguard Fort - with its cannon still pointing out to sea - to enter Fishguard via its pretty harbour, once busy with trading vessels but now home to leisure boats.
You stay at Manor Town House.
Manor Town House, Fishguard
Shops
MarketBankCash machineVisaHairdryerTVTea/coffee
Set in a stunning Georgian town house in central Fishguard, the Manor Town House oozes charm and comfort. The beautifully appointed ensuite bedrooms come with TV, DVD and digital radio complete with ipod dock; dressing gowns and bottled water are also provided. There is a tranquil garden terrace at the rear of the B&B with sea views to die for over Lower Fishguard and Cardigan Bay. For a real treat, cream teas and gourmet packed lunches are also available (bookable in advance).
Room upgrades: Sea view room
After a short transfer to Pwll Deri you begin the day by exploring its spectacular surroundings and mighty cliffs before making your way to Strumble Head and its dramatically perched lighthouse. Known as the Pencaer Peninsula, it is not a peninsula at all but flanked by the sea with a line of low hills on the inland side giving the impression of being cut off. Pass Carreg Wastad Point, where French soldiers invaded British shores in 1797 - the last ever troops to do so - then make your way back to Fishguard over clifftop heathland and with the chance of spotting seals, porpoises and even dolphins in the clear waters below.
A transfer to Pwll Deri means you can start the day on a high - literally and figuratively. Surrounded by some of Pembrokeshire's most beautiful scenery the route takes you along an airy clifftop ridge, with pebble beaches and crashing waves below, before dropping down to the pretty harbourside hamlet of Abercastle. A short detour from the coast takes you to Carreg Samson, a 5000 year old Neolithic burial site, gazing out across the bay; then it's an undulating path with lovely sea views to Trefin.
You stay at T?֬? Boia B&B.
Tŷ Boia, St David's
ShopsCash machineHairdryerWiFiTVTea/coffee
You're guaranteed a warm Irish-Welsh welcome by owners Steve and Orla at the Ty Boia B&B, with hot drinks and freshly baked treats at check in! Just a stone's throw from St David's famous cathedral and the shops, pubs, cafes and restaurants in this tiny city, the breakfasts here are of great repute locally, with Steve and Orla making their own preserves, marmalade, seasonal compote, soda bread and Glamorgan Sausages for their guests.The bedrooms here are contemporary and comfortable, and decorated with local woollen fabrics and artwork.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Your last day on the wild and undulating north coast takes in high cliffs, secluded settlements and atmospheric heathland as you make your way to Abereiddy Bay - a dark sand bay made of crushed grey slate. The same slate gives a brilliant deep blue colour to the water in the nearby 'Blue Lagoon', formed when an old quarry was opened up to allow the sea to flood in. You'll find remains of the quarry buildings and old tramway lines here too. Continue along the coast to round St. David's Head with its prehistoric remains, craggy little tor-topped hills and superb views over Ramsey Island, before descending to the pristine sandy beach at Whitesands Bay.
Having turned the corner of St. David's Head, the scenery changes for your final day's walk. Gone are the dramatic, imposing cliffs to be replaced by sandy beaches and pretty coves. From Whitesands Bay, follow a delightful section of coast that includes St Justinian's, with its dramatically situated lifeboat stations nestled in the low cliff face, and views over to Ramsey Island. Continue along the coast to round Pen Dal-Aderyn - Wales' most westerly point - for sweeping views over the vast expanse of St. Brides Bay before reaching pretty St. David's with its quaint streets, cute cafes, boutiques, galleries and, of course, famous cathedral.
If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights we recommend: Tŷ Boia, St David's.
Tŷ Boia, St David's
ShopsCash machineHairdryerWiFiTVTea/coffee
You're guaranteed a warm Irish-Welsh welcome by owners Steve and Orla at the Ty Boia B&B, with hot drinks and freshly baked treats at check in! Just a stone's throw from St David's famous cathedral and the shops, pubs, cafes and restaurants in this tiny city, the breakfasts here are of great repute locally, with Steve and Orla making their own preserves, marmalade, seasonal compote, soda bread and Glamorgan Sausages for their guests.The bedrooms here are contemporary and comfortable, and decorated with local woollen fabrics and artwork.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
We do not currently have departure dates and prices available on-line. The season may have ended for this tour, or we are still in the process of adding these details to our website.
Please contact our sales team on 01606 720199 to for further details or to discuss alternavie trip options.
Self-guided walking
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 3
Stretching
11.0Kg CO2e
Printed route
directions
