Pembrokeshire Coast Path

A walk around Wales's wildest coast, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path runs 299 km (186 miles) from Amroth in the south to St Dogmaels in the north, hugging the cliffs of Britain's only fully coastal national park. It takes most walkers ten to fifteen days and is famous for its seabirds, wildflowers and dramatic rock scenery.

The coastline is endlessly dramatic: folded cliffs, sea stacks and hidden coves, the puffin colonies of Skomer offshore, surf beaches, and the tiny cathedral city of St Davids. Ancient forts, holy wells and standing stones add depth, while grey seals haul out on the beaches in autumn and choughs wheel along the cliff edges.

Walking is moderate with no serious altitude, but the endless up-and-down over headlands totals more than 10,000 metres of ascent across the full path. There are no huts; the route links villages, harbours and B&Bs, with campsites and baggage transfer widely available, so light-pack section walking is easy. The path lies within a national park, and no permit is required.

Opened in 1970 as a National Trail, the path protects and connects a coastline long valued for its beauty and wildlife. The prime season is April to October; spring brings the richest wildflowers and nesting seabirds, while early autumn offers calm seas and seal pups. The exposed cliffs can be wild and windy in any season, so walkers stay well back from crumbling edges.