Pembrokeshire is an area of Wales full of stunning scenery, and the best way to experience it is by taking a walk.
Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike or a leisurely stroll, there are plenty of amazing options to choose from.
In this article, I’ll share with you the 15 best walks in Pembrokeshire, ranging from the rolling hills of the Preseli Hills to the rugged coastline of Fishguard Bay.
From the wild Cwm Gwaun Valley to the majestic Cilgerran Castle, you’ll find plenty of breathtaking sights along the way.
So grab your walking boots and let’s get started!
Preseli Hills
Take in the breathtaking views of the Preseli Hills – the rolling hills of green and purple heather, dotted with bright yellow gorse – as you go for a stroll. Perfect for any outdoor enthusiast, the Preseli Hills are the hiker’s paradise, offering an abundance of trails for all levels of hikers.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, you’re sure to find a route to suit your needs. From the steep slopes of Foel Cwmcerwyn to the gentle paths of Foel Drygarn, the Preseli Hills offer a wide variety of terrain.
The Preseli Hills are home to a variety of wildlife, including the rare chough and raven. Keep your eyes peeled and your ears open, as you might just catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures. The area is also great for birdwatching, with over 40 species of birds making their home in the hills.
So don’t forget to bring your binoculars and keep an eye out for some of the more elusive species. With its stunning views and abundance of wildlife, the Preseli Hills make for a great day out and a wonderful place to explore.
Pembrokeshire Coast Path
Stroll the Pembrokeshire Coast Path for stunning views and unforgettable experiences. This 180 mile long path has been around since the 1970s and is one of the most popular trails in the United Kingdom.
The path follows the rugged coastline of Wales and offers a unique mix of stunning seascapes, hidden coves, and quaint fishing villages. There are plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife, including dolphins, seals, and even puffins.
The path is divided into several sections and can be completed in its entirety or done in smaller segments, depending on your preference.
The Pembrokeshire Coast Path is a great way to explore the region as it provides access to many historical sites, including Iron Age hill forts, ancient churches, and spectacular castles. You can also find plenty of traditional pubs and restaurants along the way, as well as a wide range of accommodation options.
Whether you’re looking for a challenging walk, a leisurely stroll, or something in between, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path has something for everyone.
Heatherton Country Park
Experience the beauty of Heatherton Country Park, a breathtaking landscape of stunning coastal scenery, rolling hills, and woodlands.
With more than 100 acres of beautiful countryside to explore, Heatherton Country Park offers plenty of adventure for nature lovers.
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll, an invigorating hike, or just a chance to relax and take in the views, this park is the perfect place to spend a day in the great outdoors.
The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including red deer, pheasants, and wild ponies, as well as a variety of birds.
The best way to experience the park is to follow the well-marked paths around the grounds, taking in the spectacular views, and exploring the various trails.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful walk through the woods or an adrenaline-filled adventure, Heatherton Country Park has something for everyone.
Cwm Gwaun Valley
Explore the Cwm Gwaun Valley for a truly breathtaking experience, where the rolling hills and lush landscapes will captivate your senses.
This wonderful area of Pembrokeshire is the perfect place to explore, whether you’re taking a leisurely stroll or a full-on hike.
Along the way, you’ll encounter a variety of wildlife, birds, and plants, as well as some spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.
The Cwm Gwaun Valley is also part of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, so it’s the ideal spot to explore the area’s stunning coastline.
Whether you’re after a peaceful walk or an adventure-filled day out, the Cwm Gwaun Valley has something for everyone.
With its picturesque trails and spectacular scenery, this is one of the best places in the region to explore on foot.
Ceibwr Bay
Take a refreshing dip in the shimmering blue waters of Ceibwr Bay, where you can enjoy stunning views of the rugged coastline and the surrounding countryside.
Lying on the south west coast of Wales, Ceibwr Bay is home to some of the most spectacular scenery in the Pembrokeshire region. The vast expanse of the bay stretches out to the horizon, with the rocky headland of Dinas Island jutting out from the shoreline.
A walk along the bay’s sandy beach is a great way to take in the stunning views, while the crystal-clear waters make it the perfect spot for a swim.
The area is a haven for wildlife, with a variety of birds, dolphins, and seals often spotted in the bay. The surrounding cliffs are also home to a range of seabirds, making the area a great spot for birdwatching.
With so much to explore, Ceibwr Bay is the ideal place to enjoy a leisurely stroll and take in the stunning views. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a leisurely walk, Ceibwr Bay is the perfect place for a refreshing adventure.
Abereiddy Beach
From Ceibwr Bay, the next stop on my best walks in Pembrokeshire tour is Abereiddy Beach.
Abereiddy Beach is a stunning cove with crystal clear waters, making it the perfect spot for a nice walk.
Located in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, the beach is surrounded by cliffs, making it a great spot for spotting sea birds and marine life.
It’s an ideal destination for a leisurely stroll, and for those who are feeling more adventurous, a longer hike can be taken along the clifftop path.
The views are breathtaking and there are plenty of places to explore.
The beach also has an interesting history; it was once the site of a quarry and is now a popular spot for coasteering, a sport which involves swimming, climbing, and jumping around the rocks.
Visiting Abereiddy Beach is a great way to experience the beauty of Pembrokeshire and take in some of its incredible scenery.
Bosherston Lily Ponds
Heading south from Abereiddy Beach, a visit to Bosherston Lily Ponds is the perfect way to enjoy Pembrokeshire’s lush greenery and natural beauty.
The lily ponds are a group of two beautiful lakes set in a stunningly picturesque valley surrounded by rolling hills, with the backdrop of the nearby sea.
The ponds are a haven for wildlife such as otters, kingfishers, and herons, as well as a variety of wetland plants.
The area is popular with walkers and cyclists alike, with a circular path around the lake and a number of trails through the woodland.
The area is also home to a variety of wildflowers, including the rare marsh helleborine.
On a sunny day, the lily ponds make a great spot for a picnic, and the crystal clear water is perfect for a refreshing swim.
The Bosherston Lily Ponds are a must-see for anyone wanting to experience the beauty of Pembrokeshire.
Colby Woodland Garden
Explore the stunning landscape of Colby Woodland Garden for a truly unforgettable experience. Located near the village of Amroth in Pembrokeshire, this award-winning garden is a must-see for nature lovers.
It covers over 55 acres and features an eclectic mix of woodland, meadows, ponds, streams, and even a walled garden. The garden is brimming with wildlife and beautiful plants, and offers plenty of opportunities for leisurely strolls and bird-watching.
Colby Woodland Garden is also home to the National Collection of Sorbus, a genus of flowering trees and shrubs, as well as a wide variety of ferns, wildflowers, and shrubs. The garden also boasts a number of historic features, including a medieval deer park and a Victorian kitchen garden.
There are plenty of benches and picnic spots to enjoy the picturesque views, and the friendly staff are always available to help with any questions.
Stackpole Estate
Take a journey to Stackpole Estate, the perfect destination for a getaway. Located in the south of Pembrokeshire, the estate is made up of a variety of landscapes, from woodlands and parklands to rocky coastlines and sandy beaches, making it an ideal spot for a day of exploring.
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a more vigorous hike, Stackpole Estate has something for everyone. The estate is home to miles of well-marked trails, taking in a number of sights and attractions. Walkers can enjoy the breathtaking view from the top of Stackpole Head, explore the tranquil Bosherston Lakes, or take a stroll along the Heritage Coast.
Whatever your choice of route, you’ll be surrounded by some of the most stunning scenery in the country. With a variety of trails to choose from, Stackpole Estate is the perfect place for a peaceful walk in the countryside.
Caldey Island
Just a short boat ride away from Stackpole Estate lies Caldey Island, a stunningly beautiful island with lush green landscapes and crystal clear waters. It’s an ideal destination for long walks, with plenty of coastal and inland trails to explore.
The island is home to the Cistercian monks of Caldey Abbey, who’ve lived on the island since the 6th century. The island’s main attractions are its beaches, with golden sands and crystal clear waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
There are also plenty of spots to take in the stunning views of the island and the surrounding coastline, as well as the wildlife that inhabit the island, such as seals, porpoises, and seabirds. The island is also home to a variety of flora and fauna, including wildflowers, rare plants, and butterflies.
A visit to Caldey Island is a great way to explore the beauty of Pembrokeshire and enjoy a peaceful and tranquil walk.
Skomer Island
Head over to Skomer Island for a truly unique and unforgettable experience!
Located off the coast of Pembrokeshire, this island is home to thousands of birds, including puffins, guillemots, razorbills, and gannets.
It’s a wildlife-lover’s paradise, and the perfect spot for a peaceful and invigorating walk.
There are 4 miles of paths to explore, and plenty of opportunities to spot the island’s unique inhabitants.
Skomer is also a great destination for stargazing – its dark sky status means you can see the Milky Way and many of the constellations.
With its stunning views of the Pembrokeshire coast and its abundance of wildlife, Skomer Island is an ideal spot for a walking excursion.
Dinas Island
Dinas Island is an oasis of beauty situated off the Pembrokeshire coast. Let yourself be immersed in its tranquility and explore its stunning scenery.
On the island, you’ll find a wide variety of flora and fauna, from wildflowers and shrubs to seabirds, seals, and dolphins. The island is also home to the oldest known archaeological site in Wales, dating back to the Neolithic period. Take the time to explore the ruins of the ancient fort and appreciate its history.
Take a leisurely stroll along the island’s coastal path, and you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Pembrokeshire coast. Keep an eye out for the diverse wildlife that inhabits the island, and take a break to soak in the tranquil atmosphere of the island.
A walk around Dinas Island will be an unforgettable experience, allowing you to connect with nature and appreciate its beauty.
Fishguard Bay
Explore the stunning shoreline of Fishguard Bay and spot the abundant wildlife that calls it home. Looking out over Fishguard Bay, you can see the rocky crags that jut out from the depths of the sea. Here you can spot seabirds, seals, and porpoises. Enjoy the cool sea breeze and the sound of the waves lapping against the shore.
Take the time to appreciate the natural beauty of the bay and the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
The perfect way to explore Fishguard Bay is to take a leisurely stroll along the coastal path. This path will take you through a variety of different habitats, from heathland to woodland, and you can spot wildflowers, insects, and birds along the way.
Take a break to have a picnic while admiring the views of the bay, and if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even take a dip in the sea!
St. David’s Head
Take in the stunning views of St. David’s Head as you wander along the coastal path. Located in the far west of Wales, St. David’s Head is one of the most eye-catching spots in Pembrokeshire.
The coastal path here runs along the cliff edge, offering dramatic views of the sea, craggy rocks, and the occasional seal bobbing in the waves. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the rare choughs that can be found in the area.
The views here are truly breathtaking, and provide an unrivaled experience of the stunning Welsh coast. With its dramatic rock formations, meandering paths, and secluded coves, it’s easy to see why this is one of the most popular spots for a coastal walk.
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or want to take on a more challenging hike, St. David’s Head is the perfect spot to take in the best of Pembrokeshire’s natural beauty.
Cilgerran Castle
Leaving St. David’s Head, I decided to make my way to Cilgerran Castle. It’s a short drive, and I was soon at the entrance to the castle.
The trail that winds around the castle is a great way to take in the stunning scenery of the Pembrokeshire countryside. The path follows the river Teifi, and along the way you can spot rare wildlife like otters, herons, and kingfishers.
The ruins of the castle itself are a sight to behold, with parts of it dating back to the 13th century. Even if you don’t go inside, the stunning views from the grounds are worth the journey.
The walk around the castle offers a great chance to take in the history and the beauty of the area in one go.
Conclusion
Wrapping up my list of the 15 best walks in Pembrokeshire, I can safely say that any of these hikes or nice walks will provide an unforgettable experience.
From the rugged Preseli Hills, to the beautiful Dinas Island, each route offers something unique and special.
Whether you’re a local looking for a change of scenery or a visitor hoping to discover the best of the area, Pembrokeshire has something for everyone.
Each walk will leave you with lasting memories and a real appreciation for the stunning natural beauty of this part of Wales.