Pembrokeshire Coast Path South

Walk Overview

The Pembrokeshire Coast Path is one of the United Kingdom’s 16 specially protected “National Trails”. It follows an extraordinary array of peninsulas, bays, coves, inlets, estuaries and headlands in the far south-west corner of Wales. At first blush, its 299 kilometre (186 mile) length seems impossible; the region doesn’t seem that big. It’s only when you look closely at a map and take in the complexity of the coastline that the distance become comprehendible.

The southern section of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path runs between Amroth and Pembroke, covering a distance of 95 kilometres (59 miles). This section of the Path takes in the most beautiful beaches in Pembrokeshire and as such can become busy in summertime. That caution applies especially to Barafundle Bay, which has been voted as one of the best beaches in the world and is only accessible by foot!

With the mighty Atlantic Ocean as your companion, the trail traverses all types of maritime landscape. There are hidden bays, sheltered coves, secluded caves, coastal woodlands  and undulating clifftops. Along the way, vivid coastal wildflowers decorate the path. Wildlife also thrive here. There is an abundance of birdlife including puffins and Manx shearwaters. Walkers regularly spot grey seals, harbour porpoise and bottlenose dolphins in the sea below.

Traditional Welsh towns and sleepy fishing villages are never far away. Tenby is a particular favourite featuring multi-coloured houses and an ancient walled harbour. Its beauty has inspired many artists.

There are many other highlights dotted along the trail, including:

• The wide sandy beach of Freshwater East

• The town of Manorbier overlooks the beach and boasts a fine Norman castle well worth exploring.

• The tiny twelfth century hermit chapel built into the cliffside at St Gowan’s Head.

• The lily ponds at Bosherton Nature Reserve, which are famous for their waterlilies and otters.

The Pembrokeshire Coast Path South ends at the larger town of Pembroke which features several historic buildings and an ancient town wall. Pembroke Castle is a magnificent sight with its medieval turrets, keeps, ramparts and stone walls. It provides a grand finale to a most memorable walk.

The complete Pembrokeshire Coast Path covers 95 kilometres (59 miles) and generally takes about five or six days of walking. Your total trip duration then depends on whether you incorporate rest days and, if so, how many.

Assistance and further information:

• A six day itinerary is described below.

• For assistance in walking all or part of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, click the button below.

• For more information on walking in Wales, click the button below.

• For a Walk Travel Advisory Blog description of undertaking the southern section of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, click the button below.

Itinerary

The walk takes about 5-6 days to complete. A typical 6 day itinerary is shown below.

Day 1

Amroth to Tenby

Distance: 11 km

Time: 3 hours

Accommodation: Bed & Breakfast; hotels

Day 2

Tenby to Manorbier

Distance: 17 km

Time: 4 hours

Accommodation: Bed & Breakfast

Day 3

Manorbier to Bosherton

Distance: 17 km

Time: 4 hours

Accommodation: Bed & Breakfast

Walk Options

Guided

There are currently no operators who offer the Pembrokeshire Coast Path South as a guided trip on a regular basis. There are some operators who offer guided walks in the Pembrokeshire area including sections of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.  Accommodation is offered at one central base.

Typically, the package offered by these operators include:

• Walking tour with professional guides

• Accommodation

• All meals

• Transfers between the trail and the accommodation

Assisted self-guided

Several tour operators offer the Pembrokeshire Coast Path South as a self-guided trip.

Typically, the service includes:

• Track notes, maps and information pack

• Accommodation, usually with ensuites (the range and quantity of accommodation available in some villages is limited; also, the basic package offered by some tour operators might not always extend to ensuites)

• Luggage transport between accommodation (and sometimes, where necessary, vehicle transfers between track and accommodation)

• Breakfasts and optional packed lunches

• 24/7 Support

The duration of the self-guided options varies depending upon how far you wish to walk each day. Accommodation options range from comfortable through to luxury, again depending upon the size of the village or town and the purchased package.

Independent

There are camping areas along the route that make camping on most nights a possibility. It’s also quite feasible to book accommodation along the route yourself and, if you require luggage transfers, to arrange that independently.

For those considering this option, it’s worth noting that the self-guided tour operators often have preferred rates with accommodation providers and luggage transfer companies. They also often have reserved allocations at the best-located/most suitable accommodation for the particular walk, so sometimes when accommodation shows no availability to an independent inquiry there’s still availability through a self-guided operator.

Also, be aware that the Pembrokeshire Coast is a popular destination for both local and overseas travellers, so during the holiday season it will usually be necessary to book accommodation well ahead of your visit.

Essential Information

Access

The starting point for the Pembrokeshire Coast Path South is either Amroth in Wales or Pembroke in Wales. 

Amroth and Pembroke are both readily accessible by public transport:

•  For Amroth, there are regular trains from London’s Paddington Station to Cardiff. From Cardiff, there are regular train connections to Kilgetty. From Kilgetty, it’s a short bus or taxi ride to Amroth.

• From Pembroke, there are regular trains to Swansea and then from Swansea to London’s Paddington Station.

Best time

The best time to do the walk is between March and October.

Difficulty

This walk is rated at a difficulty level of moderate. There is a mixture of clifftop paths, wooded trails and beach walking with some steep ascents and descents. The trail is well waymarked with posts and the white National Trail acorn symbol. There is restricted access between Bosherston and Angle due to a military firing range however there is a clear detour inland at this point.

Accommodation

There are many accommodation options at either end of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path South (Amroth and Pembroke) and, generally, plenty along the route. Accommodation options include camping, hostels, B&B’s, guesthouses, inns and hotels.

Many of the accommodation providers, particularly those near to the route, are attuned to walkers’ needs or offer amenities suited to walkers. 

We can assist walkers in choosing the accommodation options which best suit their needs.

Dining

We can assist you in choosing special dining options along the route.

Other activities

As a popular tourist destination, the Pembrokeshire Coast region offers many attractions in addition to the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.

Many walkers choose to add extra days to their trip so that they can explore these other attractions. Some will do that through rest days along the trail; others prefer ‘add-ons’ at the end of the walk. Some do both!

Popular choices are the ancient harbour town of Tenby and the medieval town of Pembroke with its imposing castle.

We can assist walkers to explore the many attractions of the Pembrokeshire Coast region.

Assistance

We can assist walkers with various aspects of their walking holidays.