Walking In Pembrokeshire

We are very fortunate to be located just on the edge of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park (the only fully coastal National Park in the entire UK) – which means we are spoilt for choice when it comes to walks!

Whether you prefer coast, country, beaches, woods, or hills – we have ALL these types of walks on our doorstep. We’re also lucky that with this much choice, you can tailor it to your needs – from all-day hikes for ‘serious’ walkers, to shorter child-friendly wanders, with a dog or without…there’s absolutely no reason why you can’t get out into our local countryside and get walking!

Here’s a summary of some of our favourite places for walking :

Beaches

‘I can see the sea!’ …it’s the refrain from the back seat of many a journey towards our beautiful coastline! One of the great delights of coming to Pembrokeshire is our many and varied beaches. Each one has its own character – from the small pebbly cove of Ceibwr Bay, where you might see a seal pop up to greet you, to the wide sandy arc of Poppit Sands with its dunes at the back, rockpools to one side, and the interest of boats large and small edging out of the estuary into Cardigan Bay.

Travel round the coast a short way and you’ll come to Newport Sands – different again with the imposing sight of Carn Ingli mountain rising up behind it, bird watchers lining the white iron bridge as the estuary meets the sea at one end, and a small waterfall with cliffs and caves accessible at low tide, at the other end.

Travel further afield and you’ll come to Cwm Yr Eglwys with just one wall of its ruined chapel remaining, and Pwllgwaelod, which together act like two bookends at either end of Dinas Head.

And of course, if you fancy a day out there are dozens more beaches, large and small, dotted along the coastline, although we do have a soft spot for our local beaches naturally!

The Coastal Path

If you really want stunning scenery the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path won’t disappoint. Make sure you have your camera with you. The entire path is 186 miles long, so most people tend to tackle a section at a time. If you want to get a flavour of it, the coastal bus service is a great help in getting you back to your starting point, rather than having to take two cars, although services are reduced during winter months.

How about walking round Dinas Head, or from Ceibwr Bay to Newport, via the Witches’ Cauldron for an introductory walk? Both routes have conveniently located pubs for reviving yourself after the walk!

The Preseli Hills

Dominating the area inland are the Preseli Hills (or mountains – you’ll hear them called both). With breathtaking panoramic views inland and out over the coast, these hills combine wild moorland, heath, grassland and rocky outcrops.

You’ll come across many pre-historic remains with burial cairns dating from the Bronze Age, Iron Age hill forts, standing stones, banks and ditches, stone circles and quarry remains – possibly even the source of the famous Bluestones of Stonehenge.

You can choose whether you want short steep walks, or a longer flatter walk along the spine of the hills (The Golden Road route). Also there are plenty of parking places along the tops of the hills if you have young children and just want at shortish walk without little legs getting too tired.

Keep a lookout for sheep and groups of Welsh Mountain Ponies – no doubt they will hear you long before you see them, but they are relatively used to seeing walkers if you want to get close enough for photographing them.

As with all upland walking, weather conditions can change fast, so be sure to dress appropriately and take suitable supplies with you.

Woodlands

If you prefer the shelter of woodland, with ancient trees, moss covered stones, ferns and tumbling streams we have several nearby which are well worth a wander around.

Pengelli Forest is part of the largest block of ancient Oak woodland in West Wales, and hugs the back of the Castell Henllys Iron Age Fort site, so could also be combined with a visit there.

Ty Canol Woods is part of the larger Ty Canol Nature Reserve near Pentre Ifan, a Neolithic Burial Chamber. Explore the craggy stones on the open heathland at the top, before descending into the magical moss clad woodland below.

The Welsh Wildlife Centre and Teifi Marshes Nature Reserve combines woodland walks along Cilgerran gorge, with nature trails and bird hides along the marshy edge of the estuary, so there is wildlife galore to be on the lookout for.

The Gwaun Valley with its steeply wooded sides and river winding along its base feels like stepping back in time. Here you can enjoy woodland walks, riverside stretches, and even just a meander along the quiet lanes. Life takes on a slower pace here, and it’s definitely worth stopping at the tiny Dyffryn Arms (known by all around these parts simply as “Bessie’s” – the name of the landlady) which has been in the same family since 1840, and where your pint is served the old-fashioned way, poured from a jug, through a serving hatch.

As you can see, we have so many different walks here locally that there’s something to suit every level of fitness, and all ages. Better still, if you’re staying with us at Croft Farm & Celtic Cottages you can come back at the end of your walk to relax next to a cosy log wood-burner in your cottage (excepting The Hayloft and The Granary), or unwind in the heated indoor swimming pool and sauna.

Be sure to get in touch with us on 01239 615179 to find out about our cottage availability and any special offers we might have! Our cottages range in size from sleeping 1 up to 12 people, so we can accommodate solo travellers, couples, and most group sizes, plus we are dog-friendly, and family-friendly with lots of onsite facilities for children of all ages.

We look forward to seeing you.