MARK Pembrokeshire Coast Path
The Pembrokeshire Coast Path is a 299 km national trail running along the entire Pembrokeshire coastline from Amroth to St Dogmaels. It's one of the most spectacular coastal routes in Europe — towering cliffs, sea arches, beaches, coves, wildlife, islands, and colourful fishing villages.
The full trail guide — stats, the four-section structure, highlights, and the planning detail you need to walk it.
At a Glance
- Best Season: April–October
- Terrain: Cliffs, beaches, headlands, coves, estuaries
The Route
🏔️ Route Character
Walkers break the Pembrokeshire Coast Path into four natural sections: the gentle golden south, the world-class limestone of the south-west, the rugged west around St Davids, and the wild northern coast to St Dogmaels.
It's one of the most spectacular coastal routes in Europe — with seals, sea stacks, and the iconic Green Bridge of Wales and Barafundle Bay.
🧰 Route Breakdown
- Section 1 — South Pembrokeshire (Amroth → Freshwater East) — Golden beaches, colourful towns and gentle cliff walking — Tenby, Manorbier Castle, Freshwater East. A relaxed, scenic start.
- Section 2 — South West Pembrokeshire (Freshwater East → Pembroke) — Sea arches, limestone cliffs and wildlife hotspots — Barafundle Bay, Stackpole Head, Elegug Stacks, the Green Bridge of Wales. World-class scenery.
- Section 3 — West Pembrokeshire (Pembroke → Whitesands) — Rugged cliffs, islands and dramatic headlands — the Marloes Peninsula, Skomer Island views, St Davids Cathedral, Ramsey Island, Whitesands Bay.
- Section 4 — North Pembrokeshire (Whitesands → St Dogmaels) — Rocky coves, steep headlands and remote cliffs — Porthgain, Strumble Head, Dinas Head, Newport Sands, St Dogmaels finish. A wild, atmospheric final section.
Practical
⚠️ Difficulty & Hazards
- Navigation: Generally easy — well-waymarked; still carry a map and GPX.
- Terrain: Steep headlands, rugged cliffs, beaches, coves and estuaries — constant elevation changes.
- Fitness: Daily mileage can be tough due to the constant up-and-down.
- Weather: Windy, exposed and rapidly changing; check Met Office coastal forecasts.
- Accommodation: B&Bs, pubs and campsites — book ahead in Tenby, St Davids and Newport.
🌠️ Who This Route Suits
- Intermediate walkers
- Fit beginners
- Anyone wanting a spectacular coastal journey
- Coastal wildlife and photography lovers
Not ideal for
- Walkers wanting flat, gentle walking — the constant cliffs are demanding
📱 Parking & Logistics
- Getting there: Start at Amroth, reached by bus from Tenby or Narberth.
- Finish: St Dogmaels connects to Cardigan by bus.
- Resupply: Coastal towns and villages throughout.
🧰 GPX & Map Notes
On OS Explorer maps 157, 158, 159, 160 and 161. Well-waymarked; a GPX helps with section planning.
⭐ MX Summary: One of the most spectacular coastal routes in Europe — 299 km of cliffs, beaches, coves, wildlife and colourful seaside towns, from Amroth to St Dogmaels.