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Holidays

Self Guided Walking: Pembrokeshire Coastal Path

Wales
Walk & Trek
Self-Guided
MODERATE MODERATE

Discover a majestic seascape rich in wildlife and maritime history within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park on this self-guided walking holiday

Trip Code: MPC8
Holiday Grades

Our Holiday Grades Explained

To show the relative difficulty of our holidays, each trip is graded on a scale of 1 to 12, with 12 being the most challenging. Although we have tried to make our grading system as clear as possible, it cannot take into account your personal interests, abilities or experience. If you have any questions about the nature of a particular trip or its suitability for you, please read the 'Is this holiday for you?' section or contact us.

 1 - 3 LEISURELY
1 - 3 LEISURELY

Suitable for most people in good health, holidays at this grade include only limited amounts of activity.

View leisurely holidays
4 - 6 MODERATE
4 - 6 MODERATE

Suitable for reasonably fit individuals, such as weekend walkers and cyclists. There can be the occasional more difficult day.

View moderate holidays
7 - 9 CHALLENGING
7 - 9 CHALLENGING

Physically challenging holidays, where you need to be prepared before you go.

View challenging holidays
10 - 12 TOUGH
10 - 12 TOUGH

Our toughest holidays, involving many long days, often in isolated areas. A high level of fitness and previous wilderness and mountain experience is essential.

View Tough holidays

Self Guided Walking: Pembrokeshire Coastal Path

Highlights
  • Recognised by Lonely Planet as one of the best long distance trails in the world, this is exceptional self-guided coastal walking
  • Walk through thousands of years of human maritime history from Neolithic cromlachs, Iron Age forts, Celtic chapels and imposing Norman castles
  • Enjoy the rich diversity of sea-life from birds thriving on the dramatic cliff faces to the myriad of plants and flowers flouring along the trail
  • Tackle challenging sections of the trail with demanding descents or ascents or split it into shorter more accessible sections
  • Extensive route notes, recommendations for local meals, daily luggage transfers and B&B in local guesthouses included in the holiday price

At a Glance
  • Self-guided
  • 7 days walking
  • Average of 14 km per day walking
  • Packed lunches available on request
  • Recommendations for excellent local meals
  • Join In St David's / Ends in St Dogmaels

Accommodation & Meals
  • 8 Breakfasts
  • 8 nights Guesthouse
Overview

The British coastline offers up spectacular scenery but Pembrokeshire in south west Wales is amongst the very best. Between St. Dogmael’s in the north to Amroth in the south, the trail covers 186 miles of almost every kind of maritime landscape from steep limestone cliffs, red sandstone bays, volcanic headlands, white sandy beaches and flooded glacial valleys. If that doesn't convince you, Lonely Planet judged the coast path "one of the best long distance trails in the world".

This is a landscape rich in wildlife especially sea birds which flourish on the inaccessibly cliffs and there’s an amazing array of flowers and plants to be seen. This is also an area redolent of maritime history and ancient human occupation. You’ll find Neolithic cromlechs, Iron Age promontory forts, churches and chapels of the seafaring early Celtic saints, links with the Vikings, Norman castles at Pembroke, Tenby and Manorbier and Napoleonic forts along the south coast.

We offer 9 different itineraries, from the entire Pembrokeshire Coast Path at 167 miles to a 43 mile stretch between Milford Haven and St. Davids. Our easiest itinerary is just 9 miles a day for 5 days, perfect for shorter Spring days or choose the full itinerary, 13 miles a day over 13 days, for a boast-worthy summer challenge. Please ask for details.

Is this holiday for you?

This is not a technically difficult walk and should be easy to tackle for most reasonably fit people. The paths are good, and there are no major route finding challenges. This northern section contains the hilliest parts on the entire route.Terrain: A coastal path mainly through farmland and moorland on the cliff tops, with stretches along sandy beaches.What’s it like underfoot? Generally good p …

This is not a technically difficult walk and should be easy to tackle for most reasonably fit people. The paths are good, and there are no major route finding challenges. This northern section contains the hilliest parts on the entire route.Terrain: A coastal path mainly through farmland and moorland on the cliff tops, with stretches along sandy beaches.What’s it like underfoot? Generally good paths and tracks, although a few sections can get muddy after heavy rain.How Much Up & Down? More than you'd think! Although you never reach more than 200m above sea level there are many short steep sections. Most days involve ascents of 200-500m metres, although no section is very steep for very long.Signposting: Good - the path is well waymarked.Navigation: Pretty straightforward – good signposting, and generally well defined tracks.Weather: You may be lucky enough to encounter warm, dry weather over the whole route and enjoy dry paths and tremendous views, but you must be prepared because the weather can change quickly. Good clothing and waterproofs are essential, but don't forget you sunhat, sunblock and shorts!

Why KE?

We operate this trip in collaboration with our sister company Mickledore Travel, which is also based in Keswick in the Lake District. Mickledore have a long tradition of operating self-guided walking holidays along some of the finest trails in England, Scotland and Wales. Route notes, maps, luggage transfers and bed & breakfast accommodation in the best B&Bs, guesthouses and inns along the way are all included. Recommendations are also made for the best places to find delicious local meals at each night stop.

Mickledore have a near perfect customer satisfaction score (99%), and we have no doubt that you will find their knowledgeable and friendly team able to answer even the most detailed of questions.

Different durations of this holiday are available on request from the entire section of the 186 miles trail to a short highlights section of 48 miles. Please ask for details.

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Itinerary

Arrive at your accommodation in St David's

Accommodation

Guesthouse

This is a stunning section of coastline which includes a visit to one of Pembrokeshire's many fabulous sandy beaches, Whitesands Bay. As the path journeys further west the scenery becomes progressively wilder. There's a real sense of isolation as you make your way along the windswept headlands by Ramsey sound.

Accommodation

Guesthouse

Meals

B

Distance

13 KM

The rugged coastline of the St David's peninsula makes this a dramatic day. The path can prove a little indistinct in places as you cross the rocky heathland and fields enclosed by stone walls. However, providing you keep the sea on your left you really can't go too far wrong. At Aberweiddy beach look out for the remains of the old quarrymen's houses destroyed by floods in the 1920s.

Accommodation

Guesthouse

Meals

B

Distance

19 KM

A memorable day, particularly as you follow a lovely line of snaking cliffs to the hamlet of Abercastle situated at the end of one of Pembrokeshire's countless pretty coves. Just prior to Abercastle be sure to spot the stones of Carreg Sampson, marking the site of a Neolithic burial chamber dating back 5000 years.

Accommodation

Guesthouse

Meals

B

Distance

19 KM

A wild section today, where the going can be rough in places. The cliffs are less sheer than other parts of the coast path and at times are relatively low however they are rugged and hide countless rocky coves and bays. The path makes its way along heathland and bracken to Porthsychan Bay. Reserve a little energy to make a quick detour onto the heathery hill at Carreg Wastad to view the stone commemorating the last invasion of Britain.

Meals

B

Distance

11 KM

Another fabulous day. At Pwllgwaelod a decision must be made! Do you wish to include the peninsula of Dinas Island in your walk? If the answer is no, then simply follow the well-made path through the valley to Cwm-yr-eglwys. If however you've chosen to take in the peninsula then take the easy to follow path climbing steadily through heather and bracken to reach the 142m Pen y Fan, the summit of Dinas Head. Take time to watch the sea birds on Needle Rock.

Accommodation

Guesthouse

Meals

B

Distance

18 KM

A demanding day. Once over the Afon Nyfer the path follows the northern edge of the estuary through bushes and bracken to Newport Sands. Then it's up onto high cliffs passing through a beautiful heathland nature reserve which in summer months is alive with butterflies. Frightening barren cliffs shelter spectacular bays as the path climbs gradually higher and higher reaching 150m where the hill of Foel-Goch plunges into the sea. Beyond here the path drops down to lower cliffs finally arriving at the remarkable formations of the Witch's Cauldron.

Accommodation

Guesthouse

Meals

B

Distance

11 KM

A tough but rewarding final day lies ahead. Spectacular cliffs with impressive folds of rock will have you looking in wonder. Today the path offers up a series of demanding descents and ascents, at times climbing some improbably steep slopes. The highest point of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path is reached at 175m. The steep slopes of bracken sweeping down to the sea certainly remind you of your elevated position. Beyond here the path drops to the Broad Cames Head before making its way to Poppit Sands.

Accommodation

Guesthouse

Meals

B

Distance

11 KM

Your trip ends after breakfast in St Dogmaels.

Accommodation

Guesthouse

Meals

B
Download Trip Notes
The Route
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Direction Direction
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Essential Information

We've compiled some of our Frequently Asked Questions to help you learn more about this amazing trip.

  • All accommodation as described
  • Meals as described in the Meal Plan
  • Self-guided information pack containing your map and route notes
  • Luggage Transport

  • Travel Insurance
  • Evening meals
  • Packed lunches (can be booked at an additional cost)
  • Off road parking (available at most locations on request)
  • Transport to the start and away from the finish
  • Personal equipment
  • Any additional activities/excursions indicated as optional

This holiday is operated by our sister company, Mickledore Travel. KE is not acting as an agent, but is marketing the holiday on Mickledore’s behalf. All bookings and payments will be processed by Mickledore, and you will enter into an agreement directly with them under the terms of their booking conditions.

You will be posted your self-guided holiday pack once we have received the balance (normally around 8 weeks before the start of your holiday).  We supply one holiday pack per booking and this will be posted to the person that made the booking. Extra packs can be purchased at £30 per pack. Please contact us a minimum of 6 weeks in advance if you require an extra pack. 

Your holiday pack comprises of:

  • Your itinerary with details of each night’s accommodation; information on your evening meals, as well as luggage transport and transfers, (where applicable).
  • Directions and detailed maps to each accommodation
  • A guidebook that describes the route in detail, and covers the whole route with a series of maps, as well as providing a wealth of background information.
  • Map(s) which cover the entire route(s).
  • Luggage Tags (if luggage transport booked) which the luggage courier will use to identify your bags.
  • Information on local facilities, such as cafes and other recommended places to eat, cash points, taxi companies, etc.

As part of the standard charge we will issue the following:

  • 1 guidebook and map for up to 4 people
  • 2 guidebooks and maps for 5-7 people
  • 3 guidebooks and maps for 8 people or more

You may purchase extra copies from us at a discounted price.

This holidays starts at your accommodation in St David's. All of our self-guided holidays are sold on a land only basis allowing you the flexibility to choose the travel method which best suits you.

Detailed instructions on getting to your first night's and returning from your last night's accommodation by car, or on foot from the nearest train or bus station, will also be included in the holiday pack on individual accommodation maps.

This holiday is on a B&B basis. Packed lunches are available on request, and we have many recommendations for excellent local meals.

Water is drinkable from the taps on this holiday. Please fill your personal bottles for your day in the morning. We do not encourage the purchasing of single use plastic bottles.

Your evening meal isn’t included in the package, but we include full details and recommendations for each evening meal in your itinerary. You will normally be within walking distance of a pub and/or restaurant, or where there is good food available at the accommodation, we’ll book that for you. Allow about £20 per person per night.


Pack lunches can be provided on this holiday for an additional cost from £55 per person. We recommend this as there will not always be a handy shop or cafe on the route.

Whilst we can cater for vegetarians, albeit sometimes with a more limited choice, we cannot always provide special diets.  Due to the nature of some of the trips that we operate and the countries in which we operate them, it can be very hard (and sometimes impossible) to cater for a wide range of dietary choices and you may have to supplement your diet with food/snacks from home.  If you have specific dietary requirements please do speak to our sales team and they will be able to advise you whether or not we will be able to offer your specific choice.  Please note that we are unable to provide separate menus and cannot accept liability for any problems arising from special dietary requirements or intolerances.

Good accommodation and friendly hosts are an essential part of any holiday. We understand this and go out of our way to find the best. We put a great deal of effort into hand picking our accommodation and matching it to individual customer requirements. As well as visiting the accommodation ourselves, we ask all our customers to complete a short evaluation on each night’s accommodation, which then gives us an insight in to the day-to-day operation, and lets us spot any potential issues before they become a problem.

We use a variety of accommodation, including small country house hotels, guest houses in market towns, bed and breakfasts in farm houses, country cottages and Victorian town houses. In selecting the accommodation we look for helpful, friendly hosts with good quality, characterful accommodation close to the trail. For example, over the course of your trip you might stay in a village inn, a bed and breakfast in a converted barn, a Victorian guest house, on a working farm, and in a Georgian hotel.

We always try to arrange en suite accommodation, i.e. rooms with their own bathrooms for each night of your stay. However, in some of the more remote locations accommodation is limited and occasionally we may have to book rooms with shared bathrooms for one or two nights of your holiday, (especially if the booking is made at short notice), but we will always let you know if this is likely to be the case.

For each holiday there is a minimum number of participants required to enable it to go ahead. Once the minimum number is reached, the trip status will change from 'Available' to 'Guaranteed to run'. You can check the trip status for each departure in ‘Dates and Prices’ table. Other than in exceptional circumstances, we will not cancel a trip once it has achieved this guaranteed to run status and so you are free to proceed with your international flight booking and other travel arrangements.

The information that we provide is for UK passport holders. A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required, and you should have at least 2 blank pages for each country that you visit.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Please ensure that you check for the latest advice before travel. For the most up to date information on entry requirements, please visit the UK Government website.

If you have a severe allergy please inform the KE office before you travel. We will do all we can to help, but we cannot guarantee an allergy free environment on KE trips. You will need to carry your own treatment for the allergy with you, as 'adrenaline auto-injectors' are not carried as standard by KE leaders and staff. You should inform your leader on arrival of your allergy, and let them know where you keep your adrenaline pen.

Severe Allergies

Please inform our KE Sales and support team of any severe allergies you may have before travel. We will always do our best to help but we are unable to guarantee an allergy free environment on our KE trips. We advise that you always carry your own treatment for the allergy with you such as 'adrenaline auto-injectors' if required.  We also recommend that you discuss this with your accommodation on arrival so that they can better assist you.

As a reputable tour operator, KE supports the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's ‘Travel Aware’ campaign to enable British citizens to prepare for their journeys overseas. The 'Travel Aware' website provides a single, authoritative source of advice for all kinds of travellers and we recommend that prior to travel, all KE clients visit the official UK Government website at travelaware.campaign.gov.uk and read the FCDO Travel Advice for their chosen destination. North Americans can also check out the U.S. Department of State website: www.travel.state.gov for essential travel advice and tips.

KE treat the safety and security of all clients as the most important aspect of any trip we organise. We would not run any trip that we did not consider reasonably safe.  Should the FCDO advise against travel for any reason, we will contact everyone booked to travel to discuss the situation.  We receive regular updates direct from the FCDO and are in constant touch with our contacts on the ground.  If you have any questions about government travel advice, please call our office.

KE do not encourage the use of single use plastic items. We are ensuring that our agents all over the world are working together to reduce the problem and educate those around them. We are leading by example in our KE office by reducing our plastic use.

It is an essential condition of joining a holiday with KE Adventure Travel that you have a valid travel insurance policy to cover the cost of medical treatment and to protect the value of your holiday in the event of cancellation.  When taking out insurance please ensure the policy you choose covers you for the activities and altitude included in your itinerary.

For appropriate insurance cover we recommend Campbell Irvine Direct.  Please go to our Travel Insurance page for further information and to get a quote.

Where luggage transport is included in the price, this will be a standard of 1 piece of luggage per person, usually up to 20kg in weight. On some routes the weight limit may be less, but we will advise you if this is the case. If you leave your luggage at your accommodation in the morning, it will be waiting for you on arrival at the B&B that evening. Any extra bags can be transported (at an additional charge) as long as they are pre-booked.

On certain holidays we also offer a storage service for extra luggage not needing to be transported for the holiday. Please contact us for for information on which holidays and a quotation.

All you need to carry is a small day sack to hold your waterproofs, personal items, packed lunch, map, guidebook and camera. You should be prepared for all weathers, at all times of year.

YOU SHOULD BRING THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:

  • Walking boots – need to be comfortable and well broken in
  • Several pairs of thick walking socks
  • Mittens/gloves
  • Warm hat and/or sun hat
  • Raincoat: (waterproof and windproof with a hood)
  • Waterproof trousers
  • Thermal long-johns & thermal top
  • Jacket
  • Fleece tops
  • Fleece or polypropylene trousers (no denim or cotton)
  • Spare clothing for the evening
  • Shorts and t-shirt (ideally made from synthetic fibres)
  • Map case
  • Compass
  • Torch: with spare batteries
  • First aid kit: insect repellent, sunscreen, blister kits, pain relief and assorted bandages
  • Water bottle
  • Walking poles (if you already use these)
  • Small day sack (20-30L) for carrying your personal items
  • Day sack liner / black bin bag / day sack waterproof cover
  • Camera and memory card
  • Phone and charger
  • Binoculars
  • Sunglasses
  • Whistle
  • GPS (if you already use one)

Cotswold Outdoor Red PantonMany of the Equipment items listed above are available from Cotswold Outdoor - our 'Official Recommended Outdoor Retailer'. When you book a holiday with KE you will receive 12.5% discount voucher from Cotswold Outdoor and other retailers.
>> Find out more

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