Pembrokeshire's best known footpath is the Pembrokeshire Coast Path which winds its way around the magnificent bays and spectacular headlands and is one of only 18 National Trails in the UK and Europe's premiere coastal walking experience. The 186 mile, 299km trek is a strenuous undertaking if you want to complete the route from start to finish. The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority (tel 0845 345 7275) produces a listing of accommodation within 2 miles of the path on their web site www.pcnpa.org.uk (opens new window) Or tel 08705 103103 for a free copy of the Pembrokeshire Guide which includes over 400 accommodation options.
If you haven't got the 10 to 15 days needed to complete the whole coast path, you can opt to do smaller sections. A few suggestions for day routes have been outlined here, but if you intend to work out a circular route an Ordnance Survey map might be useful for finding footpaths away from the coast. Alternatively, visit one of our Tourist Information Centres who have a number of inexpensive leaflets produced by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.
Cemaes Head, a rugged and wild section of intensely folded high cliffs. Start at the car park at Poppit near St Dogmael's and walk up the road past the Youth hostel. Follow the coast path to Ceibwr Bay, a distance of 51/2m/7km. By the time you've returned, across country, you'll have covered 9½ miles or 16km. Catch the
Take a circular route around the Marloes Peninsula, starting at either Marloes beacon or the National Trust car park for Marloes beach. It covers a distance of 61/2miles/11km
Another good circular route is around the Dale Peninsula, starting from the car park near St Ann's head. The path follows some dramatic cliff tops, dropping down to several lovely sandy coves on the way. Total distance is about 6miles/10km.
South of Milford Haven, another circular route is possible around the Angle Peninsula, starting from either Freshwater West or from West Angle Bay. Travelling in a clockwise direction, you are treated to one of the most dramatic views in Britain as you come over the ridge and see the magnificent beach at Freshwater West stretching away into the distance. Total distance is around 9miles/15km.
Other leaflets are available which outline points of interest, walks and historical connections for the following communities:
- Amroth and Summerhill
- Angle
- Begelly and Kilgetty
- Bosherston
- East Williamston and Broadmoor
- Hundleton and Maidenwells
- Jefferyston, Loveston, Yerbeston and Cresselly
- Lamphey and Hodgeston
- Llanteg
- Milton and Carew Cheriton
- Manorbier
- Redberth
- St Florence
- Saundersfoot
- Stepaside, Pleasant Valley and Wisemans Bridge
- The Rhos
Away from the coastline there are several disabled friendly walks:
Blackpool Mill. Situated at the heart of Canaston Woods a wheelchair accessible path has been cleared, alongside the river.
Bosherston. The link from Stackpole Centre to Broad Haven beach, via Grassy Bridge, is complete and is a beautiful walk that everyone can enjoy.
Carew Mill Pond. A circular route on mostly level surfaced path or tarmac. Disabled toilet facilities at Carew Mill when open.
Manorbier. A flat, surfaced path has now been created to enable access from Manorbier Car Park to the beach. Disabled toilet facilities available here.
Pembroke Castle. Two paths along The Castle Walls and The Millpond. Both paths are tarmac and generally level.
Penally. The path from Penally railway station to the beach is popular with all users. The route has wheelchair-friendly kissing gates. Disabled toilet facilities available here.
St Florence. The riverside path has been surfaced allowing users to step from the heart of the village, near the shop, to the site of the Old Mill.
Milton Nature Reserve. A disabled path has been established in Milton Nature Reserve, with a parking area located near the shop, offering access to Carew Cheriton.
Withybush Woods. A 1-mile trail through the woods, suitable for both physically and visually impaired.
For further ideas the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority has produced a book entitled ‘Easy Access Routes'and is available on their web site. The Pembrokeshire Access Group has produced a book entitled ‘Guide for people with disabilities in Pembrokeshire'. They are on sale at all Tourist Information Centres in the county and available mail order from Haverfordwest Tourist Information Centre. Call 01437 763110
