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 the Cnapan B&B (breakfast included)
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.
You stay at the Cnapan B&B (breakfast included)
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 the Manor Town House B&B (breakfast included)
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.
You stay at the Manor Town House B&B (breakfast included)
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 the Tŷ Boia (breakfast included)
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.
You stay at the Tŷ Boia (breakfast included)
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.
You stay at the Tŷ Boia (breakfast included)
During your holiday you stay at the following hotels. If you'd like to extend your time at any of these or, if you'd like to enhance your stay with an upgraded room, just let us know at the time of booking.
To find out more call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199, use our live webchat or email sales@headwater.com
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Room upgrades: Sea view room
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
If you'd like to extend your trip with extra nights at the start or end, or if you'd like to arrange a stop off point en-route, then we recommend the following hotels.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Call now to speak to our specialist team at 0044 1606 720199 or email us at sales@headwater.com for enquiries or to book your trip.
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We had a hugely enjoyable time in 2023 on the White Villages of Andalucia trip with Headwater. Therefore we decided to book a couple more trips with Headwater. The booking process went smoothly thanks to personalised support from Andrew Palmer. We are hoping our 2024 Headwater experience’s will be as enjoyable as Andalucia.
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You can be confident that our pricing includes all the standard requirements of your holiday and many additional extras. Always ensure that you are comparing like for like when booking your holiday.
This 7 night self-guided walking holiday includes:
Hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of and hotels
All breakfasts
Briefing at the start of your holiday
Comprehensive route directions provided prior to departure
Luggage transfers between hotels
Walking transfers
Map case
How to book:
To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'book now' or 'check availability' button below.
To book this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'check availability' button below.
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 us for further details.
Minimum group sizes
No minimum group size, however transfers are subject to at least 1 people (in total) booked on each departure.
Solo travellers
Please call for details and prices
Children
This holiday is unsuitable for children.
Holiday type
Self-guided walking Managed by Headwater rep.
Departures
Meals
All breakfasts
This holiday does not include any flights or rail.
To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'book now' button above.
If you need further information before you book simply complete our Holiday Enquiry Form and a member of our sales team will get back to you.
To book this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'Check availability' button below.
