The Best of Pembrokeshire
- Striding out along the empty clifftops high above the crashing Atlantic
- The prolific bird and wildlife of Skomer and Ramsey Islands
- Exploring St David’s Cathedral and city.
- Relaxing over a beer in the pretty fishing villages of Little Haven and Solva
- Enjoying the beauty and emptiness of this special corner of Wales
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in TenbyTenby is a charming, walled seaside-surf town in Pembrokeshire, known for its pastel-coloured houses, sandy beaches, epic castle and medieval buildings like Tudor Merchant’s House. From London, you can reach Tenby by train or coach, or if you are coming from the North of England there are also various options for train and coach connections.
The Broadmead Hotel in Tenby offers a warm and welcoming stay just a short walk from the town’s picturesque beaches and historic harbour. Guests can enjoy cosy, well-appointed rooms with modern amenities, friendly service, and a charming, relaxed atmosphere.
All the rooms are tastefully decorated and have Flat Screen Televisions with Freeview, radio alarm, hairdryer and hospitality tray which is replenished daily. Iron & Ironing Board available on request. Free security-encrypted WI-FI Access.
Today's walk is one of the most popular sections of the path. You will enjoy beaches, sheltered bays and great picnic spots. There are a few steep sections, as to be expected and paths are cleverly chosen to skirt around MoD areas. As you approach Manorbier you will spot Manorbier Castle. It is located just off the path and you may want to explore before approaching the town. (Opening times can be found online.)
Ascent: +135m / Descent: -105m
As we currently use only one accommodation in Manorbier, if it is fully booked for your chosen dates, you may need to stay overnight in Tenby for a second night. A return taxi transfer will pick you up and drop you off again the following morning.
Nestled on mature grounds Castlemead is in a wooded valley overlooking Manorbier Bay, each room features an en-suite bathroom, a flat-screen TV, and tea/coffee making facilities. Some rooms also boast far-reaching views of the sea. The family-run restaurant offers 4-star food made with locally sourced produce and a daily changing menu. You can relax in the elegant guest lounge and a cosy sun room with views of the countryside and they also have sheltered garden where you can enjoy alfresco dining in the summer.
The beautiful coastline scenery will continue today as you make your way around the green cliffs. As you pass Stackpole Quay, the cliffs progress to limestone, dropping dramatically to the sea, offering a different perspective to today's walk. Why not visit the National Trust Boathouse Tearoom, offering a selection of sandwiches and cakes?
Ascent: +345m / Descent: -315m
At the end of today's walk, depending on availability, you may be overnighting in Bosherston instead of Stackpole (this will shorten this walk by around 1 mile (1.5km).
Gary and Becky would like to welcome you to the award winning Stackpole Inn; with a restaurant and rooms. The four fabulous, newly renovated high quality king size en-suite rooms are on two levels. Breakfast is served in the restaurant with various options that can include full Welsh breakfast or smoked salmon, scrambled eggs using fresh farm eggs, fresh fruit and cereal and homemade marmalade. The chefs will cater for all special diets.
A warm welcome awaits you from Alex, Mallika and the rest of the team at this quiet country retreat where you can enjoy a restful stay or a good meal. All rooms are welcoming and comfortable with en-suite bathrooms and come with excellent facilities including Freeview TV, independently controlled central heating, tea and coffee making facilities & complimentary biscuits.
A taxi transfer takes you from the South to the Central section of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, where your walk begins in Marloes. Follow gentle cliff-top paths along dramatic coastlines, with sweeping views over the deep blue waters of St. Brides Bay. On clear days, Ramsey Island comes into view, one of many Welsh islands chock-full of wildlife. Your hike today leads you to Broad Haven, a charming beachside village popular with both locals and day-trippers. Take time to stroll along the sandy shore, feel the sea breeze, or enjoy a coffee at a cosy café while taking in the coastal scenery.
Ascent: +280m / Descent: -325m
Anchor Guest House is on the sea front and faces westwards onto the beautiful safe and sandy beach at Broad Haven. The rooms all feature flat-screen colour televisions with a built-in DVD player, a clock radio incorporating a CD player as well as tea and coffee making facilities.
Sunset B&B is a family run business situated in Broad Haven within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park with stunning views of the sea and open countryside. Both rooms are individually decorated, and all have flat screen TV’s, DVD player, hospitality tray, hairdryer and central heating.
The Pembrokeshire Coast path continues north past secretive coves and wide open beaches, popular with surfers, as you make your way to Newgale. Here, the hard work starts with some steep ascents and descents, but you can look forward to arriving in the village of Solva, probably the prettiest village in Pembrokeshire.
Ascent: +395m / Descent: -390m
If, for any reason, there are availability issues in Sovla on your chosen dates, you will spend a further night in St Davids with return transfers.
The Cambrian Inn has fresh and tastefully decorated en-suite rooms situated above the main restaurant, the rooms, each named after one of Pembrokeshire's island reserves, are designed to provide you with your own place of refuge after a hard day on the coastal path. Breakfast is served in our bright and sunny (fingers crossed!) breakfast room off the main bar. The main dining room, with its exposed stonework, original pitch pine beams and contemporary furnishings provides the perfect environment for dinner.
A warm welcome awaits you at Ramsey House in peaceful St Davids, at the heart of Pembrokeshire. Ramsey House offers you the ideal combination of professional hotel management and the warmth of a luxury 5 star family-run boutique bed and breakfast in both accommodation and fine dining, to the highest standards.
Twr y Felin Hotel in St Davids, Pembrokeshire, is a contemporary art hotel set in a beautifully converted former windmill, blending sleek modern design with a rich artistic character.
The stretch around Whitesands Bay is one of the true highlights of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, and it’s not to be missed. To make the most of it, we’ve designed the tour so you can either enjoy this section over two days or complete it in a single, longer walk—giving you the flexibility to choose the pace that suits you best.
Solva to St Davids (6 miles) – Ascent: +170m (+560ft) / Descent: -115m (-380ft). This shorter route takes you directly to Britain’s smallest city, leaving the afternoon free to explore the historic cathedral, wander its charming streets, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere. The following day, you can then opt to continue on the path to Whitesands Bay from St Davids, reducing the overall walking distance while still experiencing this epic coastal section.
Solva to Whitesands Bay (12.5 miles) – Ascent: +295m (+970ft) / Descent: -275m (-905ft). Walk the full Pembrokeshire Coast Path section from Solva to Whitesands Bay in one go, taking a local bus back to St Davids in the late afternoon. Doing it this way means you leave your final day free to rest, explore St. Davids, or make plans to visit Skomer Island for a memorable wildlife experience.
A warm welcome awaits you at Ramsey House in peaceful St Davids, at the heart of Pembrokeshire. Ramsey House offers you the ideal combination of professional hotel management and the warmth of a luxury 5 star family-run boutique bed and breakfast in both accommodation and fine dining, to the highest standards.
Twr y Felin Hotel, offers luxury accommodation located on the spectacular St Davids Peninsula making it the perfect venue for exploring the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. The accomodation has been meticulously restored and extended, the former windmill tower dating back to 1806 is now Wales' first contemporary art hotel. The accommodation has a restaurant, free private parking, bike storage, a bar and a garden. Among the facilities at this property, 41 ensuite bedrooms are offered, including one accessible room and each one is a contemporary space, furnished with handcrafted furniture, luxurious textiles and bespoke artworks.
Ideally located for exploring some of Pembrokeshires most beautiful beaches, the Grove Hotel is a fantastic place to relax after your walk. As well as comfortable rooms, the Grove Hotel also offers a fantastic restaurant with options to suit every taste.
Today you have a free day in St Davids. If you are looking for an activity instead of a rest day, we suggest 2 options: either walk the Whitesand Loop if not already done the previous day, or explore (booked independently) the famous Skomer Island or Ramsey Island.
Slomer is the largest of the Pembrokeshire Islands is home to the largest colony of seabirds in southern Britain. At its best in spring and early summer, thousands of puffins, Manx shearwaters, razorbills and kittiwakes breed on the island. Look out for seals and dolphins on the short boat trip to the island where you can enjoy an excellent 6.5 km (4-mile) walk that explores the best of the fauna, flora and history of Skomer.
Ascent: +65m / Descent: -35m (If walking on Skomer Island).
IMPORTANT: Skomer Island is a highly popular destination, especially from May to July when puffins are present, and ferries operate only from late April to late September. Tickets must be pre-booked online at pembrokeshire-islands.co.uk as availability is limited, and booking early after confirming your trip is strongly advised. Follow the operator’s social media for updates if booking far in advance. Note that boats do not land on the island on Mondays (only offer cruises), so avoid starting your trip on a Tuesday if you plan to walk on the island.
A local bus runs the route from St David's to Skomer Island or you can opt to take a taxi. We provide more information in the Macs app for visiting Skomer Island.
A warm welcome awaits you at Ramsey House in peaceful St Davids, at the heart of Pembrokeshire. Ramsey House offers you the ideal combination of professional hotel management and the warmth of a luxury 5 star family-run boutique bed and breakfast in both accommodation and fine dining, to the highest standards.
Twr y Felin Hotel, offers luxury accommodation located on the spectacular St Davids Peninsula making it the perfect venue for exploring the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. The accomodation has been meticulously restored and extended, the former windmill tower dating back to 1806 is now Wales' first contemporary art hotel. The accommodation has a restaurant, free private parking, bike storage, a bar and a garden. Among the facilities at this property, 41 ensuite bedrooms are offered, including one accessible room and each one is a contemporary space, furnished with handcrafted furniture, luxurious textiles and bespoke artworks.
Ideally located for exploring some of Pembrokeshires most beautiful beaches, the Grove Hotel is a fantastic place to relax after your walk. As well as comfortable rooms, the Grove Hotel also offers a fantastic restaurant with options to suit every taste.
St Davids doesn't have a train station but you can reach Haverfordwest (1 hour) or Swansea by bus (3 hours). If your departure falls on a Sunday you need to book a taxi in advance to Haverfordwest as there is no bus transport.
This trip has a carbon score of 13kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 13kg is equivalent to 4 cheeseburgers. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information about how we've carbon counted our trips.
Other Information
Is it for me?This trip is perfect for you if you want to discover the best walking in Wales, quaint fishing villages, prolific wildlife and buckets of history in a fabulous week.
Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way in Scotland, the world renown Tour Du Mont Blanc and Germany's Moselle Cycle Path, to name but a few!
Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&Bs, inns, and guesthouses.
Solo Travellers
The walk is on well-maintained footpaths, clifftops, beaches and woodland trails. It does involve some steep ascent and descent especially in the northern sections of the path.
We take great pride in carefully selecting the accommodations we use on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path to ensure you enjoy every minute of your stay. We work with B&B’s, Guest Houses, country hotels and charming inns which are normally of 3 or 4 star standard with en-suite bathrooms.
Solo Walkers & Single Rooms
This holiday is available to solo walkers, although a solo supplement is payable.
If you require single rooms within your party we would be happy to accommodate your request, although it is not generally possible to secure more than three single rooms in a party. A single supplement is payable.
Meals
A hearty breakfast is included each morning. Most hotels and B&Bs offer a continental and full cooked breakfast, which should keep you going for hours.
Lunch and dinner are not included so you are free to choose from the available options. Most of your accommodations will be more than happy to provide a packed lunch on request and this can be booked on arrival. Alternatively, your info pack includes details of local shops and convenient lunch stops on the way. Dinner is available either at your accommodation or nearby pubs and restaurants and your info pack will, of course, have details.
Additional Nights and Extensions
Many of our clients choose to add extra nights along the walk to sample more of the wonderful walking and attractions available on the Coast Path. St Davids, Pembroke and Tenby are great choices for extra days. Solva is a magical village tucked into the hillside and there are plenty of circular walks over the cliffs that can demand an extra day.
The Pembrokeshire Coast Path is well waymarked with wooden posts and acorn symbols. We provide you with detailed turn-by-turn route notes and maps and you will also have access to the Macs Adventure Smartphone App enabling you to follow the route using your phone's GPS so you will have no problems finding the way.
- Overnights in B&B's, small hotels, guest houses and country inns
- Daily breakfasts
- Luggage transfers
- A detailed info pack, guide book and map
- Access to the Macs Adventure Smartphone App
- Emergency telephone support from our office in the event of a problem
- Ferry to Skomer
- Travel to the start or from the finish of the walk.
- Lunches, dinners, snacks and drinks.
- Travel Insurance.
- Personal Equipment.
- Additional nights
The Best of Pembrokeshire is available to start on any date during the season of April to early October. Select your preferred start date on the calendar to book your trip.
Skomer Island Tours (2023 & Beyond)
IMPORTANT: The landing on Skomer Island excursion is extremely popular - especially during the peak season of May through to July when the puffins are on the island. It is always recommended to check availability at: https://www.pembrokeshire-islands.co.uk/ to ensure there is plenty of space left on the boats before booking. As soon as your trip is confirmed we recommend buying your tickets as soon as possible. Please also be aware that the boats to Skomer Island do not land on the island on Mondays. Therefore if wish to visit Skomer Island you should not start your trip on a Saturday. There are however alternative cruise boats that sail around the island these days.
Skomer Island Need to Knows:
- Skomer Island Tours are now working on an online pre-booking system and tickets must be purchased in advance of your visit: https://www.pembrokeshire-islands.co.uk/
- The are no boats that land on Skomer Island on Mondays (only cruise boats that go around it). Therefore if wish to visit and walk on Skomer Island you should not start your trip on a Saturday
- You MUST pre-book the ferry in advance to avoid disappointment - be sure to check there is plenty of space on the date you want to go. We then recommend booking the tickets as soon as your trip is confirmed.
- If you are booking a year in advance we recommend following the boat tours' social media for updates when the boats are in operation: https://www.facebook.com/pembrokeshireislands
- The Skomer Island ferries only operate from the end of April to the end of September. The start/end dates vary from year to year
By Train - Regular trains run to Milford Haven from London (5h00), Cardiff (2h50), Bristol (3h50) and other UK destinations (www.nationalrail.co.uk) for timetables and tickets. You can then take a bus (40 minutes/3 per day) or taxi (20 minutes/approx £20) to Dale.
By Car - You can leave your car in Dale and return at the end of your trip by bus (1h35).
By Air - Cardiff is the closest airport, Bristol is also an option as are the London airports. Getting from St David’s By Bus/Train - Catch the hourly bus to Haverfordwest (50 minutes) and train from Haverfordwest. Alternatively, you can catch the bus to Fishguard and onward train.
By Bus - St Davids doesn't have a train station but you can travel by bus to your onward destination. To Swansea, it takes approx 3 hrs.
A good source of reference for travel details is the travel line website: http://traveline.info/
Your bags will be transferred from your accommodation as per your itinerary and moved onto your next overnight accommodation. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 18kg per person. Please ensure that you do not bring more than one bag of 18kg, as if this occurs, the luggage transfer company will ask you to pay an additional fee (approx. £8.00 per day, per bag). This additional payment, should it be necessary, needs to be made locally to the driver and in cash. All luggage needs to labelled as if they are not labelled we cannot guarantee that they will reach you at the next accommodation.
If you are travelling from far afield and do have more than one bag it is possible to arrange for the extra luggage to be stored whilst you are on the tour. (There may be a small charge for this). These additional bags would be picked up at your accommodation at the start point and dropped off wherever you finish depending on the itinerary you choose to do. Please contact us if you are interested in this option.
Useful Websites
There is a great wealth of information on the National Trail Website and this also has up-to-date diversions so it is worth a look before you set off on your walk. Another good website is the Visit Pembrokeshire Website which has detailed information and may help with deciding on which part of the trail you are looking to walk.
Skomer Island Tours (2023 & Beyond)
IMPORTANT: The landing on Skomer Island excursion is extremely popular - especially during the peak season of May through to July when the puffins are on the island. It is always recommended to check availability at: https://www.pembrokeshire-islands.co.uk/ to ensure there is plenty of space left on the boats before booking. As soon as your trip is confirmed we recommend buying your tickets as soon as possible. Please also be aware that the boats to Skomer Island do not land on the island on Mondays. Therefore if wish to visit Skomer Island you should not start your trip on a Saturday. There are however alternative cruise boats that sail around the island these days.
Skomer Island Need to Knows:
- Skomer Island Tours are now working on an online pre-booking system and tickets must be purchased in advance of your visit: https://www.pembrokeshire-islands.co.uk/
- The are no boats that land on Skomer Island on Mondays (only cruise boats that go around it). Therefore if wish to visit and walk on Skomer Island you should not start your trip on a Saturday
- You MUST pre-book the ferry in advance to avoid disappointment - be sure to check there is plenty of space on the date you want to go. We then recommend booking the tickets as soon as your trip is confirmed.
- If you are booking a year in advance we recommend following the boat tours' social media for updates when the boats are in operation: https://www.facebook.com/pembrokeshireislands
- The Skomer Island ferries only operate from the end of April to the end of September. The start/end dates vary from year to year
Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes and a day pack.
Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate walkers with dogs as many of the accommodation providers we use do not accept pets.
MPORTANT: The landing on Skomer Island excursion is extremely popular - especially during the peak season of May through to July when the puffins are on the island. It is always recommended to check availability at: https://www.pembrokeshire-islands.co.uk/ to ensure there is plenty of space left on the boats before booking. As soon as your trip is confirmed we recommend buying your tickets as soon as possible. Please also be aware that the boats to Skomer Island do not land on the island on Mondays. Therefore if wish to visit Skomer Island you should not start your trip on a Saturday. There are however alternative cruise boats that sail around the island these days.
Skomer Island Need to Knows:
- Skomer Island Tours are now working on an online pre-booking system and tickets must be purchased in advance of your visit: https://www.pembrokeshire-islands.co.uk/
- The are no boats that land on Skomer Island on Mondays (only cruise boats that go around it). Therefore if wish to visit and walk on Skomer Island you should not start your trip on a Saturday
- You MUST pre-book the ferry in advance to avoid disappointment - be sure to check there is plenty of space on the date you want to go. We then recommend booking the tickets as soon as your trip is confirmed.
- If you are booking a year in advance we recommend following the boat tours' social media for updates when the boats are in operation: https://www.facebook.com/pembrokeshireislands
- The Skomer Island ferries only operate from the end of April to the end of September. The start/end dates vary from year to year
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