12 Summer Coastal Walks in Pembrokeshire
Pembrokeshire, located in the southwest of Wales, is home to some of the most breathtaking coastal scenery in the UK. With its rugged cliffs, hidden coves, golden beaches, and charming seaside villages, it’s a paradise for walkers and nature lovers alike. Summer is the perfect time to explore this region, when the weather is warmer, the countryside is alive with color, and the air is filled with the scent of salt and wildflowers. From my own personal experience, walking along the Pembrokeshire coastline is both invigorating and peaceful, offering a rare chance to reconnect with nature and yourself.
In this blog, I will guide you through 12 must-visit coastal walks in Pembrokeshire, covering routes for beginners, experienced walkers, and those seeking a mix of nature, history, and local culture. Each walk offers a unique perspective of Pembrokeshire’s stunning coastline and its hidden treasures.
1. Pembroke to Stackpole
The walk from Pembroke to Stackpole is a perfect introduction to Pembrokeshire’s coastal charm. Starting from the historic town of Pembroke, known for its medieval castle, this route takes you through rolling farmland, wildflower meadows, and finally down to the spectacular Stackpole Estate. The estate is famous for its beautiful lakes, sandy beaches, and woodland paths.
Along the way, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the coastline and the chance to spot local wildlife such as seals and seabirds. The combination of historic landmarks and natural beauty makes this a well-rounded walk for both casual strollers and more enthusiastic hikers.
Distance: 10 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Pembroke Castle, Stackpole Lakes, Barafundle Bay
2. Barafundle Bay Circular Walk
Barafundle Bay is consistently voted one of the best beaches in the UK, and for good reason. This circular walk starts from Stackpole Quay and leads you through woodland paths and cliffs before descending to the pristine sands of Barafundle Bay. Walking here in summer allows you to fully appreciate the golden sands, crystal-clear waters, and the quiet serenity that surrounds this hidden gem.
This walk is ideal for families or those looking for a shorter, scenic route. Don’t forget to pack a picnic to enjoy on the beach — from my own personal experience, there’s nothing better than relaxing here after a brisk walk.
Distance: 4 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: Barafundle Bay, woodland paths, wildlife spotting
3. Tenby to Caldey Island
The walk from Tenby to Caldey Island combines coastal beauty with a touch of history. Tenby is a picturesque seaside town with colorful harbor walls, sandy beaches, and charming streets lined with shops and cafes. From Tenby, you can walk along the coastal path toward Caldey Island, a small island with a rich monastic history. You can also take a boat trip to the island to explore its abbey and gardens.
The route offers breathtaking views of the coastline and opportunities to see seabirds and seals in their natural habitat. This walk is a perfect blend of adventure, history, and scenic beauty.
Distance: 6 miles (coastal path; optional boat trip to the island)
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Tenby harbor, Caldey Island, cliff-top views
4. St. Davids to Whitesands Bay
St. Davids is the smallest city in the UK, yet it is packed with history, charm, and natural beauty. This walk takes you from the cathedral city of St. Davids to the wide sandy stretch of Whitesands Bay. Along the way, you will pass through coastal cliffs, rocky coves, and hidden beaches.
Whitesands Bay is also popular with surfers, so watching the waves crash against the shore adds to the excitement of this walk. The combination of historical St. Davids and the rugged coastline makes this an unforgettable experience.
Distance: 3 miles
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Highlights: St. Davids Cathedral, Whitesands Bay, cliff views
5. Newport to Druidston Haven
This lesser-known walk offers a peaceful and wild experience along the Pembrokeshire coast. Starting from the village of Newport, you will follow cliff paths toward Druidston Haven, a secluded bay with sandy beaches and dramatic cliffs. The area is quieter than more popular spots, making it perfect for those seeking solitude and a chance to reconnect with nature.
From my own personal experience, the tranquility here is unmatched, and the coastal views feel like a reward for every step taken along the path.
Distance: 5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Druidston Haven, cliffs, wildlife spotting
6. Marloes Sands Circular Walk
Marloes Sands is one of Pembrokeshire’s most dramatic beaches. This circular walk allows you to explore the beach and the surrounding cliffs. The golden sands are framed by towering cliffs, and during low tide, you can discover rock pools teeming with marine life.
This walk is ideal for photographers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone who enjoys a sense of adventure. Summer brings clear skies and calm waters, making it the perfect season to explore Marloes Sands.
Distance: 4 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Marloes Sands, cliffs, rock pools
7. Freshwater West to Castlemartin
This route is famous for its wide sandy beach, surf-friendly waves, and rugged coastal paths. Starting from Freshwater West, you can follow the Pembrokeshire Coast Path toward Castlemartin, enjoying views of dramatic cliffs, dunes, and hidden coves. The area is known for its natural beauty and often hosts wildlife like birds of prey and seals.
This walk combines adventure, coastal exploration, and a touch of solitude, perfect for those who want to escape the crowds.
Distance: 6 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Freshwater West Beach, cliffs, wildlife
8. Solva to St. Justinian
Solva is a charming harbor village with quaint cottages and a peaceful atmosphere. From Solva, you can follow the coastal path to St. Justinian, passing rugged cliffs, secluded coves, and dramatic coastal scenery. The route is dotted with historical landmarks, including old lime kilns and the lifeboat station at St. Justinian.
The walk offers a perfect mix of natural beauty and cultural heritage, ideal for history buffs and nature lovers alike.
Distance: 4 miles
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Highlights: Solva Harbor, St. Justinian, cliffs
9. Saundersfoot to Wiseman’s Bridge
This route combines the lively seaside town of Saundersfoot with the tranquil beauty of Wiseman’s Bridge. Starting in Saundersfoot, you’ll follow the coastal path through golden beaches, rocky coves, and cliff-top trails. The area is rich in wildlife, and during summer, the beaches are ideal for a refreshing swim.
The walk is a great balance of activity and relaxation, allowing you to enjoy both the bustling town and peaceful coastline.
Distance: 5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Saundersfoot, Wiseman’s Bridge, cliff-top views
10. Bosherston Lakes Walk
The Bosherston Lakes are part of the Stackpole Estate, and this walk provides a mix of coastal scenery and inland beauty. The lakes are surrounded by woodlands, meadows, and sandy shores, offering a variety of walking experiences in one route. Wildlife spotting is common, with birds, butterflies, and small mammals often visible along the paths.
This walk is perfect for those who enjoy combining water, woods, and coastline in a single scenic route.
Distance: 4 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: Bosherston Lakes, woodland paths, wildlife
11. Newport to Freshwater East
This walk stretches from Newport village along the rugged coastline to Freshwater East, a bay known for its wide sandy beach and dunes. The path passes through cliffs, fields, and small streams, offering diverse scenery and a true sense of the Pembrokeshire landscape. Freshwater East is also a great spot for swimming or just relaxing on the sand after your walk.
From my overall experience, the combination of hills, cliffs, and beaches along this route makes it both challenging and rewarding.
Distance: 6 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Freshwater East Beach, cliffs, wildlife
12. St. Govan’s Head to Bosherston
St. Govan’s Head is famous for its dramatic cliffs, historic hermitage, and stunning coastal views. This walk takes you along cliff paths to the Bosherston area, passing hidden coves, rocky outcrops, and wildflowers in abundance. The route combines natural beauty with history, offering views that are both breathtaking and serene.
This is a longer walk, ideal for those with a good level of fitness and a love for dramatic coastal landscapes.
Distance: 7 miles
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Highlights: St. Govan’s Hermitage, cliffs, Bosherston
Final Thoughts
Pembrokeshire is a haven for summer walkers, offering an unrivaled combination of natural beauty, historic landmarks, and peaceful coastal paths. From golden beaches to rugged cliffs and hidden coves, each walk offers something unique. Whether you are a casual walker, a keen hiker, or someone looking for a peaceful escape, Pembrokeshire’s coastline provides endless opportunities for exploration and discovery.
Walking here in summer allows you to fully appreciate the vibrant colors, the warmth of the sun, and the fresh coastal air. From my own personal experience, there is no better way to experience Wales than by following its coastal paths, where every step brings a new view, a new discovery, and a sense of calm that lingers long after the walk is over.