Wales Walking

The Pembrokeshire coastline in the South West of Wales has long been a popular tourist destination, and it’s easy to see why. A designated National Park, the coastline is known for its variety of habitats and landscapes, and is rich with wildlife and scenic vistas, including heath and moorland, coastal slopes, mountains, and a vast number of blue flag beaches, such as those at Newport Parrog (a haven for boating), Goodwick Parrog (good for watersports), and Broadhaven South (good for swimming and sunbathing).

In short, the county is an ideal place to visit for those who enjoy the outdoors, with most watersports, boat trips to offshore islands like Skomer, horse riding, and cycling on offer at various locations. Unsurprisingly the area also attracts large numbers of walkers, particularly in the summer season, who enjoy mapped out routes through the National Park, or along the Pembrokeshire Coast National Trail. There are circuits around the National Park to suit everyone from short strolls to half day walks, and even short routes suitable for wheelchair users. Example routes include West Williamston to Carew, a 1 hour and 30 minute walk, and the Dinas Island walk, which will take approximately 3 hours 30 minutes to complete.

The National Trail is slightly different, running in a line from St Dogmaels to Amroth for a distance of 186 miles. Like many of the National Trails, it can be completed in one go, which would take around 12 days, or divided up into sections.  There are recommended routes that cover 1 to 2 miles of the path, and a more challenging 16 mile stretch, which takes full advantage of the ascents and descents that this coastal trail is known for.  Getting around the area before, after, or in between any of these walks won’t be a problem, as the local council provide 5 coastal bus services that run 7 days a week during the summer and less frequently in the winter.

These bus services are useful both for walkers, and those who want to take a break and explore all the local area has to offer. Towns and villages throughout the county, including well known spots such as Haverfordwest, Tenby, Fishguard, and Newport, have a variety of attractions and services for visitors, including heritage sites, theme parks, museums and gardens, hotels, and shops, along with hotel  and self catering accommodation. Newport and Tenby, along with Carew, Castell Henllys, and Oriely Parc Landscape Gallery also house visitor centres, who run frequent education sessions and events about the Pembrokeshire Coast. Castell Henllys is also a tourist attraction in its own right, attracting visitors to the prehistoric Iron Age Fort and Roundhouses, while Carew is home to a castle which is a mix of Norman fortification and Elizabethan architecture.

There’s an interesting mix of countryside pursuits, historic sites, interesting towns, seaside activities, and wildlife habitats to experience along the Pembrokeshire coast, and it’s this alongside some of the best coastal walks in the country, that will continue to attract visitors long into the future.