Planning a Weekend Walk Along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path

Why the Pembrokeshire Coast Path is perfect for a weekend

The Pembrokeshire Coast Path stretches for 186 miles around the south-west corner of Wales, but you do not need to tackle the whole thing in one go. A weekend is ideal for sampling a section, and the path is well waymarked, with plenty of villages and car parks along the way. You will find dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, sandy beaches and a rich variety of wildlife. The catch is that this is a living coastline: tides, weather and ground conditions all shape your day. A little planning turns a good walk into a great one.

Choose a stretch that fits your time and ability

Most weekend walkers cover between six and twelve miles a day. The terrain is rarely flat: expect steep steps cut into the cliff, short sharp climbs and boggy patches after rain. Popular sections include St Davids to Solva (about eight miles), Newport to Poppit Sands (about nine miles) and Tenby to Manorbier (about seven miles). If you want a bigger challenge, the stretch from Porthgain to St Davids is roughly twelve miles and includes some of the wildest scenery. Check the elevation profile before you commit, and remember that a coastal path mile often takes longer than an inland one.

Check the tides before you set off

Tide times are not a minor detail on this path. Several sections cross tidal creeks or beaches that are only passable around low water. The crossing at Sandy Haven, near Herbrandston, is a classic example: you need to time your walk within a couple of hours either side of low tide. The Gann estuary near Dale is similar. Even where there is no official crossing, beaches such as Newgale and Broad Haven shrink at high tide, forcing you onto the road or a lengthy cliff detour. Tide times shift daily, so consult a local tide table or a reliable app on the morning of your walk. If you are unsure, plan your day so that any tidal section is tackled at low water, and build in a backup route.

What to pack for a day on the coast

Coastal weather changes quickly, even in summer. A waterproof jacket and a warm mid-layer are essential, along with sturdy footwear that can handle mud, rock and sand. Bring plenty of water, high-energy snacks and a flask of something hot. A paper map and compass are wise, as phone signal can vanish in coves and behind headlands. Add sun cream, a hat, a small first aid kit and a printed tide table. Carry cash for parking or a pub stop, and pack a lightweight sit mat so you can rest without getting damp.

Great places for a mid-walk rest

Half the pleasure of a coastal walk is the stop. The sheltered harbour at Porthgain is perfect for a breather: sit on the wall, watch the boats and refuel. Whitesands Bay offers a long sweep of sand at low tide, with benches above the beach. The grassy headland at St Davids Head is a fine spot for a flask and a sandwich, though it can be breezy. For a pub lunch, the harbourside in Solva or the village of Newport has welcoming gardens, but book ahead on summer weekends. Manorbier has benches overlooking the beach and castle, and the cafe at Freshwater East is handy if you need a proper sit-down. Wherever you stop, take your litter home and leave the spot as you found it.

Stay safe and tread lightly

Cliff edges are unstable, especially after rain, so keep to the path and never shortcut down to a beach unless it is an official access point. Sheep and ponies graze on many sections, so keep dogs on a short lead and give livestock plenty of room. Between spring and summer, nesting birds on the cliffs mean you should keep noise down and stick to the route. Check the weather forecast before you leave, and turn back if conditions worsen. In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the coastguard. Finally, respect the landscape: close gates, do not climb fences, and take all rubbish with you. A well-planned weekend walk here will leave you planning the next one before you have even taken your boots off.