The Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail offers walkers the most spectacular coastline and wildlife to explore. Across 186 miles, it covers a large distance in this beautiful part of Wales. If you are interested in taking on the challenge of the entire coastal trail or looking to tick off some smaller sections as part of a coastal holiday, our coastal cottages are in the perfect location as a base.
Why should you go on a coastal walk?
Coastal holidays, and coastal walks in particular, are a great way to spend a holiday. If you love being outdoors in nature, beautiful scenery and wildlife, there are few things better for you both physically and mentally than a coastal walk.
Mental health and wellbeing
Going for a walk along the coast has great therapeutic benefits. Getting out into the fresh air helps you to alleviate stress, to reduce anxiety, and can help you get a good night’s rest after a day out walking. Whatever is going on in your life you can escape for a few hours into nature. Being outside, surrounded by nature and calm is good for your health.
Physical and fitness benefits
Physically, walking on a coastal trail is a good way to stay fit and active. You’ll find that you’ll burn more calories walking on uneven terrain, sand and shingle, and other surfaces when compared to walking on a flat pavement. Areas with firm, wet sand, can offer a low-impact surface that’s good for the joints, and it’s also a chance to walk at your pace, no matter how slow or fast. Just getting out and being active is healthy.
Benefits of a base when doing a coastal hike
Staying at one of our cottages (or any of the wonderful Pembrokeshire cottages along the coastal path route) is a great way to see parts of the route without causing too much strain on you physically. We do see people going on extreme hikes along the Pembrokeshire Coast path National Trail, but for others it’s about dipping in and out, doing small parts of the route at a time and returning to a base for the night on the bus or coming back in their car. This means that you can carry less weight, with a smaller bag of water, snacks, a waterproof jacket, and more, rather than a heavy-duty backpack. You’ll save energy compared with camping along the trail and carrying tents, sleeping bags etc. You can also be flexible with the weather and go when it suits you best, as you’ve unpacked at your base for a few days and are free to do what you want, when you want to.
Pembrokeshire Coastal Walks
Saundersfoot to Tenby
As Evening Star Cottages is located in Pentlepoir, just a short walk from Saundersfoot, let’s start with a coastal walk between Saundersfoot and the beautiful Tenby. Starting at Saundersfoot Harbour you’ll travel through Rhode Wood, Lodge Valley woodlands, and past Monkstone Beach before reaching Tenby Castle and St Catherine’s Island. There are some steep climbs along the way, some sections that are muddier than others, and some uneven terrain, so wear good footwear and then maybe return to us on the bus after a wander and some refreshments around Tenby. You’ll get some great photos along the route and in Saundersfoot and Tenby on this classic Pembrokeshire coastal walk.
Pembroke to Milford Haven
A 14-mile hike, this section of the coastal path is sometimes overlooked by people who think it’s too built up compared to the wildlife and nature of most of the trails. There is so much history to take in along the route though that it shows you a different side of things. There’s Pembroke Castle, which is the biggest in Pembrokeshire, the old naval dockyard and Martello Tower, and on to Cleddau Bridge for views of the estuary. The route leads you through Neyland and Llanstadwell before reaching the marina in Milford Haven. One of the biggest plus points is that there isn’t anything serious in terms of gradients, so there’s an easier walk for those looking for less stress on the joints.
St David’s to Whitesands Bay
One of the most stunning sections of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, this circular trail is 2 miles one way around. Although a short route, close to St David’s, this route provides you with some of the most rugged and dramatic views along the Pembrokeshire coast. You’ll see impressive coastal wildlife, prehistoric monuments, and walk through different types of surfaces, from flat sections through naturally uneven and rugged, rocky paths, although on the whole there is nothing too strenuous. Take in St David’s Head, Carn Llidi, and Whitesands Bay, passing by spectacular view after spectacular view.
Choose Evening Star Cottages to Explore Pembrokeshire
Use us a base for your Pembrokeshire coastal walks. Whether you want to tackle a short section at a time, coming back to us at the end of a day out hiking, or you wish to start or end your holiday with us around days of walking the coastal trail, we have the best place to relax. Book one of our coastal cottages today and experience the scenic Pembrokeshire coastline at its best.
FAQs
How long is the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path?
The Coast Path is 186 miles, but when you consider alternative routes for high tides etc, the total length that is maintained is over 193 miles.
Can I take my dog on the coastal path?
Yes, but always be careful near cliff edges or where there is livestock. Keep your dog on a lead and safe in these situations.
How easy is it to navigate the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path National Trail?
As one of 16 National Trails found across England and Wales, the trail is marked out by posts featuring the acorn symbol. This helps you to find your way along the path with ease.
Where does the Pembrokeshire Coast Path start and end?
The Pembrokeshire Coast Path runs between St Dogmaels in North Pembrokeshire to Amroth in South Pembrokeshire.
How long does it take to walk the Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail in full?
On average it takes between 10 and 15 days to walk the entire length of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, depending on how often you stop and where, and your level of experience and fitness.
Do I have to walk all of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path?
If you want to only walk certain sections of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, you can stop off at various destinations overnight, and there is also a bus service that covers the entire route, allowing you to hop on and off if you only want to walk certain parts or you are looking to go back to your coastal cottage for the night after walking one section.