Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
PEMBROKESHIRE COAST PATH
Straddling the line where Pembrokeshire drops suddenly into the sea, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path (PCP) is one
of the most spectacular long-distance routes in Britain. Established in 1970, it meanders along 186 miles of Bri-
tain's most dramatic coastal scenery running from Amroth to St Dogmaels, passing knobbly hills of volcanic
rock, long thin harbours formed from glacial melts, and stratified limestone pushed up vertically and then eroded
to form natural arches, blowholes and pillars. Again and again along its route stretches of towering cliff quickly
give way to perfect sandy beaches, only to resume around the headland.
The route takes you from popular holiday spots to long stretches where the only evidence of human existence
are the ditches of numerous Celtic forts. Marine life is plentiful, and rare birds make the most of the remote cliffs,
with peregrine falcons, red kites, buzzards, choughs, puffins and gannets to be spotted.
If you don't have the time or the stamina for the full route, it can easily be split into smaller chunks. You can
walk the trail in either direction, but a south-north route allows an easy start in populated areas and builds up to
longer, more isolated stretches. Skip from Angle to Dale by bus to avoid two days of industrial landscapes around
Milford Haven.
Some sections look deceptively short but expect endless steep ascents and descents where the trail crosses har-
bours and beaches. Referring to a tide table is essential if you want to avoid lengthy delays in places.
The weather can be quite changeable and mobile phone coverage is unreliable; come prepared, bring wet
weather gear and something warm, even in summer. You'll find a wealth of information and tips on the
National
Trails
(
www.pcnpa.org.uk
) website.
Maps
The route is covered by Ordnance Survey (OS) Explorer 1:25,000 maps No 35 (North Pembrokeshire) and No 36
(South Pembrokeshire). The official national trail guide,
Pembrokeshire Coast Path
by Brian John has detailed
route descriptions. Ten single-sheet Trail Cards with basic maps also cover the route and are available from tour-
ist offices and National Park Centres.
When to Walk
Spring and early summer are good times to walk when wildflowers litter the hills, birdlife is abundant and the
school holidays are yet to begin in earnest. Late summer tends to be drier and you might spot migrating whales
out to sea, but it can be busy and hard to find a bed for a single night. In autumn the crowds die down and seals
come ashore to give birth to their pups. Many hostels and campgrounds close from October to Easter and buses
are far less frequent. Although walking in winter may be exhilarating, in the wind, rain and cold it may not be the
most enjoyable (or safest) experience.
Our Favourite Sections
»
Marloes Sands to Broad Haven
(4½ to six hours, 13 miles) A wonderful walk along dramatic clifftops ending
in an impressive beach. Many access points and regular public transport make it good for short circular walks too.
»
Whitesands to Porthgain
(four to five hours, 10 miles) A beautiful but taxing section worth tackling if your
time is limited. Within easy reach of St Davids and offers the reward of some excellent nosh at the end of your
day.
»
Porthgain to Pwll Deri
(four to six hours, 12 miles) An exhilarating section with sheer cliffs, rock buttresses,
pinnacles, islets, bays and beaches but some steep ascents and descents in between. Magnificent views of St
Davids and Strumble Head.
»
Newport to St Dogmaels
(six to eight hours, 15.5 miles) A tough, rollercoaster section with frequent steep
hills but spectacular views of the wild and rugged coast and its numerous rock formations, sheer cliffs and caves.
