If you’re craving salty sea air, golden beaches, and rugged cliffs, Pembrokeshire is the answer. Tucked into the southwestern corner of Wales, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is the only coastal national park in the UK—and it’s a hiker’s paradise.
Whether you’re after breezy clifftop walks, ancient headlands, or hidden bays, Pembrokeshire offers trails to suit every mood and ability. As an official ambassador for the Wales Coastal Path I love exploring every section of my home country’s coastline. As a result, I wanted to share eight of the best hikes in Pembrokeshire to add to your Welsh walking wishlist.
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1. Barafundle Bay via Stackpole Quay
🗺 Distance: 4 miles (6.5 km) round trip
⏱ Time: 1.5–2 hours
📍 Start point: Stackpole Quay NT car park
This is the postcard-perfect hike that every visitor should try. Starting from the charming harbour at Stackpole Quay, you’ll follow the clifftop path to Barafundle Bay, a stunning arc of golden sand backed by dunes and pine trees.
The route is short and family-friendly, but the views are unbeatable. Barafundle has been named among the best beaches in the world—and once you set foot on it, you’ll see why.
Top tip: Arrive early or out of season for a peaceful slice of paradise.
2. St David’s Head Loop
🗺 Distance: 3.5 miles (5.5 km)
⏱ Time: 1.5–2 hours
📍 Start point: Whitesands Bay car park
For a walk that blends coastal drama with ancient history, head to St David’s Head. This short circular route begins at Whitesands Bay and winds along the cliffs to a headland dotted with Neolithic tombs and Iron Age ramparts.
Expect sweeping views out to Ramsey Island and the Irish Sea, plus the chance to spot seals or porpoises if you’re lucky.
St David’s is the smallest city in Wales and well worth exploring during your visit. Be sure to add it to your Wales bucket list!
Wandering Welsh Girl Tip: Pack binoculars—this is a fantastic walk for wildlife watching and I usually see seals on my visits.
3. Porthgain to Abereiddy (and the Blue Lagoon)
🗺 Distance: 3 miles (4.8 km) one way
⏱ Time: 1.5–2 hours
📍 Start point: Porthgain Harbour
This rugged section of the coast path is packed with industrial history and natural beauty. Starting at the quaint harbour of Porthgain, you’ll follow the coast to the eerie ruins of brickworks and on to Abereiddy Bay, home to the famous Blue Lagoon—a flooded slate quarry now popular with coasteerers and cliff jumpers.
The Blue Lagoon is a top sight to see in South Wales – check out this blog post to see what else made the list!
Top tip: Bring a camera—the contrast between slate cliffs and turquoise water is breathtaking.
4. Tenby to Saundersfoot
🗺 Distance: 4.5 miles (7 km)
⏱ Time: 2–2.5 hours
📍 Start point: Tenby North Beach
This scenic walk links two of Pembrokeshire’s most popular seaside towns, passing through sandy beaches, shady woodland, and quiet coves. Start in colourful Tenby, then climb up and over the coast to arrive in Saundersfoot, where you can reward yourself with an ice cream on the harbour.
Make it a day: Hop on the coastal bus or walk back for a full-day adventure.
5. Strumble Head Circular Walk
🗺 Distance: 6 miles (9.5 km)
⏱ Time: 3–4 hours
📍 Start point: Strumble Head car park
This is one of the most wild and remote-feeling walks in Pembrokeshire. The loop around Strumble Head offers craggy cliffs, a dramatic lighthouse perched on an islet, and possibly the best chance to see dolphins or porpoises in the area.
The landscape feels raw and windswept—ideal if you’re craving solitude and sea spray.
6. Bosherston Lily Ponds to Broadhaven South
🗺 Distance: 3.5 miles (5.5 km)
⏱ Time: 1.5–2 hours
📍 Start point: Bosherston National Trust car park
This gentle walk combines freshwater and saltwater beauty. Begin at the tranquil Bosherston Lily Ponds, where you might spot otters, dragonflies, and swans. The trail leads through woodland and dunes to Broadhaven South Beach, a glorious sweep of sand framed by cliffs.
The Bosherton Lily Ponds loop made it on to my list of the best hikes in Wales – click here to see what else made the list!
Look out for Church Rock, a sea stack rising dramatically from the bay.
7. Marloes Peninsula Circular
🗺 Distance: 6.5 miles (10.5 km)
⏱ Time: 3–4 hours
📍 Start point: Marloes Sands car park
This circular hike shows off Pembrokeshire’s coastal variety—towering cliffs, secret beaches, seabird colonies, and possibly even grey seals. Walk the perimeter of the Marloes Peninsula, passing Gateholm Island, and enjoy endless ocean views.
Best in late summer or early autumn when the seals are pupping on the rocks below.
8. Newport to Dinas Head Circular
🗺 Distance: 7 miles (11 km)
⏱ Time: 3.5–4.5 hours
📍 Start point: Newport Parrog
This trail blends coastal path and inland charm, starting from Newport’s estuary and heading west toward Dinas Head. The circular loop climbs above Cwm-yr-Eglwys and returns through wooded valleys and farmland.
It’s a quieter alternative to better-known spots, perfect for those who like a bit of variety underfoot.
9. Dale Peninsula Circular
🗺 Distance: 7 miles (11 km)
⏱ Time: 3–4 hours
📍 Start point: Dale village
This peaceful circular walk around the Dale Peninsula offers a quieter slice of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, with expansive sea views, dramatic cliffs, and sheltered coves. Highlights include West Dale Bay, the remote beach at Watwick Bay, and the imposing St Ann’s Head Lighthouse at the tip of the peninsula.
You’ll also pass wartime relics and may spot seals and seabirds along the way.
Wandering Welsh Girl Tip: End the walk with a coffee or pint at the Griffin Inn right on Dale’s waterfront—local seafood is a must-try!
10. Freshwater West to Angle Bay
🗺 Distance: 9 miles (14.5 km) one way
⏱ Time: 4–5 hours
📍 Start point: Freshwater West car park
A wilder, more remote section of the coast path, this hike from Freshwater West to Angle Bay is for those who love raw, open landscapes and fewer crowds. Starting at one of Pembrokeshire’s best surfing beaches (and a filming location for Harry Potter), the trail climbs and dips along dramatic cliffs and past rocky coves.
The route ends in the charming village of Angle, with views over the Milford Haven Waterway.
Top tip: This is a linear route—arrange return transport or combine with the coastal bus in summer.
What to Pack for a hike in Pembrokeshire
- Waterproofs – of course, it’s Wales and we get lots of rain!
- Food & water – filtering water bottles are very handy for safely refilling in streams and rivers. You can read more about filtering water bottles in this guide. Psst! I’ve secured a deal for all readers of this website. Simply use the code WWG15 at checkout to get a 15% discount off all Water-to-go bottles and filters.
- Hat, gloves and warm layers for the summits
- Quality hiking boots are a must
- The relevant map and compass, and the ability to use them!
- A first aid kit for hiking
- These paths are also marked on various mapping apps. A great free option is maps.me, although the free features have now become limited. I have an annual subscription to OS which means I have access to all UK OS maps on my mobile. I can definitely recommend it if you’re a regular hiker/walker.
These are just some of the essentials, but for a complete list of things to take on a hike in Wales, take a look at this guide!
Pembrokeshire Walks: Final Thoughts
With these 10 unforgettable hikes, Pembrokeshire proves why it’s one of the UK’s most beloved outdoor destinations. Whether you want sea spray in your hair, history beneath your boots, or seals playing in the surf below, you’ll find a trail here that hits the spot.
🌊 Which hike will you try first?