If you’re searching for the very best Pembrokeshire Coastal Walks, you’re in for something special. Stretching along the rugged edge of southwest Wales, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is home to dramatic cliffs, wildlife-rich headlands, and some of the UK’s most breathtaking hidden coves.
From iconic viewpoints to secret beaches you’ll feel like you’ve discovered yourself, this guide covers 15 unforgettable routes—complete with parking tips, walk difficulty, and what to expect when you get there.
15 Best Pembrokeshire Coastal Walks & Hidden Coves
1. Barafundle Bay (Iconic Hidden Gem)
- 📍 Location: Barafundle Bay
- Parking: Stackpole Quay (National Trust car park)
- Walk: 1 mile (moderate, steps and cliffs)
- Facilities: Toilets & café at Stackpole
Why go: Frequently ranked among the best beaches in the world, yet still feels remote.
Tip: Go early morning for calm water and fewer people.
2. St Davids Head Coastal Loop
- 📍 Location: St Davids Head
- Parking: Whitesands Bay car park
- Walk: 4 miles (moderate)
- Facilities: Toilets & café nearby
Why go: Wild, prehistoric-feeling landscapes with epic sea views.
Tip: Watch for seals along the cliffs.
3. Strumble Head Lighthouse Walk
- 📍 Location: Strumble Head Lighthouse
- Parking: Small layby near headland
- Walk: 1–2 miles (easy)
- Facilities: None
Why go: One of the best spots in Wales for dolphin watching.
Tip: Bring binoculars—porpoises are common here.
4. Marloes Peninsula & Gateholm Island
- 📍 Location: Marloes Sands
- Parking: National Trust car park
- Walk: 3–5 miles (moderate)
- Facilities: Toilets & seasonal café
Why go: Vast sandy beaches and tidal island adventures.
Tip: Check tide times before crossing to Gateholm.
5. Stackpole Quay to Broad Haven South
- 📍 Location: Broad Haven South Beach
- Parking: Stackpole Quay
- Walk: 2–3 miles (easy–moderate)
- Facilities: Toilets nearby
Why go: Lily ponds, cliffs, and a huge golden beach.
Tip: Combine with Barafundle for a full-day walk.
6. Porthgain to Abereiddy Blue Lagoon
- 📍 Location: Blue Lagoon Abereiddy
- Parking: Porthgain harbour or Abereiddy
- Walk: 2 miles (moderate)
- Facilities: Pub & toilets in Porthgain
Why go: A dramatic flooded quarry with turquoise water.
Tip: Brave swimmers love coasteering here.
7. Tenby to Saundersfoot Coastal Path
- 📍 Location: Tenby → Saundersfoot
- Parking: Multiple car parks in both towns
- Walk: 4 miles (moderate)
- Facilities: Plenty in both towns
Why go: Colourful seaside views and accessible walking.
Tip: Perfect sunset walk.
8. Freshwater West Beach Walk
- 📍 Location: Freshwater West
- 🚗 Parking: Beach car park
- 🥾 Walk: Flexible (easy)
- 🚻 Facilities: Café & toilets
Why go: Wild surf and cinematic landscapes (featured in films).
Tip: Great for photographers and storm watching.
9. Dinas Island Circular Walk
- 📍 Location: Dinas Island
- 🚗 Parking: Pwllgwaelod or Cwm-yr-Eglwys
- 🥾 Walk: 3 miles (moderate, steep in places)
- 🚻 Facilities: Limited
Why go: One of the best compact coastal loops.
Tip: Do clockwise for easier climbs.
10. Solva to St Davids Coastal Walk
- 📍 Location: Solva
- Parking: Solva harbour car park
- Walk: 6 miles (moderate–challenging)
- Facilities: Cafés & toilets in Solva
Why go: A classic stretch of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.
Tip: Arrange transport or walk back inland.
11. Ceibwr Bay Hidden Cove Walk
- 📍 Location: Ceibwr Bay
- Parking: Small car park near cliff
- Walk: Short (easy) or extendable
- Facilities: None
Why go: A peaceful, lesser-known rocky cove.
Tip: Ideal for avoiding crowds even in summer.
12. Mwnt Beach & Chapel Walk
- 📍 Location: Mwnt Beach
- Parking: National Trust car park
- Walk: Short but steep (moderate)
- Facilities: Toilets
Why go: Dolphin spotting and iconic hilltop chapel views.
Tip: Climb the hill for one of Wales’ best viewpoints.
13. Newgale Sands Coastal Stretch
- 📍 Location: Newgale Beach
- Parking: Roadside parking
- Walk: Flexible (easy)
- Facilities: Cafés & toilets
Why go: Two miles of uninterrupted beach walking.
Tip: Best at low tide for maximum space.
14. Skrinkle Haven & Church Doors Cove
- 📍 Location: Church Doors Cove
- Parking: Stackpole Estate
- Walk: Short but steep steps (moderate)
- Facilities: Limited
Why go: Dramatic limestone arches and turquoise water.
Tip: Visit at low tide to explore safely.
15. Abercastle Harbour Walk
- 📍 Location: Abercastle
- Parking: Small harbour car park
- Walk: 1–2 miles (easy)
- Facilities: Limited
Why go: A quiet fishing harbour with scenic coastal paths.
Tip: Perfect for a relaxed, shorter walk.
Tips Before You Go
- Check tide times – many coves disappear at high tide
- Wear proper footwear – paths can be uneven and cliffside
- Pack layers – Pembrokeshire weather changes quickly
- Download offline maps – signal can be limited
- Respect wildlife & cliffs – especially during nesting season
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