×
Pembrokeshire Coast Path

the UK🇬🇧 | hikesPembrokeshire Coast Pathclifftop trails, sandy coves, seabird colonies | things to do and best time to go

Explore Hadrian’s Wall PathExplore Pennine Way

Backpacking in Pembrokeshire Coast Path
🌟 Highlighthike ranked #5
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 15, 2026

Most people only realize halfway through that the Pembrokeshire Coast Path is basically a hop-on, hop-off epic: you can bite off brutal full days or just ride the bus to the next cove and cheat a little. It runs along the wild western edge of Wales in the UK, roughly 300 km of cliffs, beaches, and wind that slaps you awake. The scenery swings hard: razor-edged headlands, sea arches, tiny harbours, and long, empty sands where your calves scream in soft sand. It’s not easy—constant steep ups and downs add up—but trains to places like Fishguard and buses along the coast make logistics surprisingly forgiving. Compared with other UK coastal trails, it feels wilder than the South West Coast Path but more polished than the Anglesey Coast Path. I’ve ended days wrecked, salt-crusted, then revived by a pub fire and a pint within 10 minutes of the trail.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 the UK Travel Guide.
Best time to go: April - October
Duration: 10 to 15 days
Distance: 299 kilometers
Total ascent: 8,000 meters


example page 0 from our offline Travel Guide for United Kingdom
example page 1 from our offline Travel Guide for United Kingdom
example page 2 from our offline Travel Guide for United Kingdom
example page 3 from our offline Travel Guide for United Kingdom
example page 4 from our offline Travel Guide for United Kingdom
example page 5 from our offline Travel Guide for United Kingdom
example page 6 from our offline Travel Guide for United Kingdom
example page 7 from our offline Travel Guide for United Kingdom
Loading the map 🌍
CLICK TO FILTER
cities
towns
villages
landmarks
national parks
hikes
beaches
attractions
festivals
regions
SHOW COUNTRY’S BESTSHOW ALL

✨ Why go?
Ranked #5 hike in the UKWhat makes this hike worth hiking

The Pembrokeshire Coast Path in the UK is a magnet for backpackers craving a mix of challenge and reward. Picture this: you’re striding along rugged cliffs, the salty breeze whipping through your hair, with the Atlantic crashing below. The scenery-to-effort ratio is off the charts. You’ll sweat a bit, but each step reveals jaw-dropping views that make your heart race.

Access is a breeze, thanks to public transport options that drop you right at the trailheads. You can hop on a bus from towns like Tenby or St. Davids, making it easy to tailor your hike. Want a short stroll or a multi-day trek? The flexible distances let you choose your adventure.

And let’s talk cost: it’s low. No pricey permits or entry fees here—just you, your pack, and the wild beauty of the coast. This path fits seamlessly … read more 👉
The Pembrokeshire Coast Path in the UK is a magnet for backpackers craving a mix of challenge and reward. Picture this: you’re striding along rugged cliffs, the salty breeze whipping through your hair, with the Atlantic crashing below. The scenery-to-effort ratio is off the charts. You’ll sweat a bit, but each step reveals jaw-dropping views that make your heart race.

Access is a breeze, thanks to public transport options that drop you right at the trailheads. You can hop on a bus from towns like Tenby or St. Davids, making it easy to tailor your hike. Want a short stroll or a multi-day trek? The flexible distances let you choose your adventure.

And let’s talk cost: it’s low. No pricey permits or entry fees here—just you, your pack, and the wild beauty of the coast. This path fits seamlessly into a longer backpacking route, allowing you to explore more of the UK’s stunning landscapes. After a day of hiking, nothing beats that first cold beer at a local pub, celebrating the grit of the trail and the thrill of the journey.

💡 HighlightsPlaces and moments you shouldn't skip

  1. St David’s Head — Rugged cliffs jutting into the Irish Sea, giving proper cliff-edge panoramas of Ramsey Island and the open ocean. The rock formations and narrow coves change with the light; go on a clear day for views that make the rest of the path look tame by comparison. Good for storm-watching and quick, dramatic photos.
  2. Barafundle Bay — A sheltered, postcard-perfect sandy cove bobbing with dunes and turquoise water. It feels remote even when busy because access is a short walk down from the path; perfect for a long lunch, a swim, or just lying quiet while the tide does its thing. My personal favorite — nothing beats that first glimpse of the bay after the last headland.
  3. Skomer Island (puffins & seals) — Not technically on the footpath but a short boat hop from the coast and worth
… read more 👉
  1. St David’s Head — Rugged cliffs jutting into the Irish Sea, giving proper cliff-edge panoramas of Ramsey Island and the open ocean. The rock formations and narrow coves change with the light; go on a clear day for views that make the rest of the path look tame by comparison. Good for storm-watching and quick, dramatic photos.
  2. Barafundle Bay — A sheltered, postcard-perfect sandy cove bobbing with dunes and turquoise water. It feels remote even when busy because access is a short walk down from the path; perfect for a long lunch, a swim, or just lying quiet while the tide does its thing. My personal favorite — nothing beats that first glimpse of the bay after the last headland.
  3. Skomer Island (puffins & seals) — Not technically on the footpath but a short boat hop from the coast and worth it if you care about wildlife. Skomer’s puffin colonies in spring/summer are world-class; you’ll also see razorbills, guillemots and seals lounging on the rocks. Limited visitor numbers keep it wild and intimate.
  4. St Govan’s Chapel — A tiny, ancient chapel tucked into a cliff face with an atmosphere that feels half-myth, half-epic. The stone steps down the slope and the views from the little niche make it a memorable cultural pause on the route — you can almost hear the old stories in the wind.
  5. Bosherston Lily Ponds & Elegug Stacks — A lovely contrast: calm, lily-strewn ponds inland (great in summer) set beside dramatic sea stacks on the coast. The Elegug Stacks are a striking geological punctuation mark, especially when the light slants across the water at golden hour.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

🌤️ When to go?When to go for the best experience

  • Weather: The Pembrokeshire Coast Path faces the brunt of Atlantic winds and sudden showers. Late spring through early autumn (May to September) offers the driest, most stable weather, though you’ll still want a waterproof shell ready. Winter months bring relentless rain and biting winds that can turn the trail into a muddy slog.
  • Temperature: Summer highs hover around 17-20°C (63-68°F), perfect for long days without overheating. Spring and autumn dip to 10-15°C (50-59°F), which feels brisk but manageable with layers. Winters drop below 10°C (50°F), often chilling to the bone on exposed cliffs.
  • Daylight Hours: Peak summer gifts you up to 16 hours of daylight, maximizing your trekking window. By late autumn, daylight shrinks to 8-9 hours, forcing earlier starts and quicker finishes.
  • Crowds: July
… read more 👉
  • Weather: The Pembrokeshire Coast Path faces the brunt of Atlantic winds and sudden showers. Late spring through early autumn (May to September) offers the driest, most stable weather, though you’ll still want a waterproof shell ready. Winter months bring relentless rain and biting winds that can turn the trail into a muddy slog.
  • Temperature: Summer highs hover around 17-20°C (63-68°F), perfect for long days without overheating. Spring and autumn dip to 10-15°C (50-59°F), which feels brisk but manageable with layers. Winters drop below 10°C (50°F), often chilling to the bone on exposed cliffs.
  • Daylight Hours: Peak summer gifts you up to 16 hours of daylight, maximizing your trekking window. By late autumn, daylight shrinks to 8-9 hours, forcing earlier starts and quicker finishes.
  • Crowds: July and August pack the path with weekenders and families, especially near popular spots like St. Davids. Shoulder seasons (May-June, September) offer quieter trails and a more intimate connection with the rugged coastline.
  • Seasonal Activities: Summer brings local festivals, coastal boat tours, and open pubs, adding layers of culture and celebration to your hike. Off-season, many amenities close or scale back, so plan accordingly.
  • Price Fluctuations: Accommodation and transport costs spike in summer. Booking early is essential. Shoulder seasons see better deals and fewer crowds, making them the sweet spot for budget-conscious backpackers.
Pro-tip: Aim for late May or early September—mild weather, thinner crowds, and still enough daylight to chase the horizon without racing the clock.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: below average for travelingFEBFebruary: below average for travelingMARMarch: fair for travelingAPRApril: good for travelingMAYMay: excellent for travelingJUNJune: excellent for travelingJULJuly: highly recommended for travelingAUGAugust: highly recommended for travelingSEPSeptember: excellent for travelingOCTOctober: good for travelingNOVNovember: fair for travelingDECDecember: below average for traveling
United Kingdom - the Pembrokeshire Coast Path

✈️ The backpacker research shortcutthe UK Travel Guide

An offline-friendly backpacking guide with optimized travel routes, ranked highlights, transport advice, and the best areas to stay.
example page 0 from our offline Travel Guide for United Kingdom
example page 1 from our offline Travel Guide for United Kingdom
example page 2 from our offline Travel Guide for United Kingdom
example page 3 from our offline Travel Guide for United Kingdom
example page 4 from our offline Travel Guide for United Kingdom
example page 5 from our offline Travel Guide for United Kingdom
example page 6 from our offline Travel Guide for United Kingdom
example page 7 from our offline Travel Guide for United Kingdom
The digital guide (526 pages) contains:
✅ 146 highlights, ranked by travel appeal
✅ Optimized 7, 14 & 21-day travel routes
✅ Cities, national parks, landmarks, beaches
✅ How to get around
✅ Offline-friendly for travel without Wi-Fi
👉 Click to see all 30+ guide features

📅 Plan smarter in minutes, not weeks
✅ Month by month travel advice
✅ Festivals & national holidays
✅ Budget expectations

🗺️ Go to the right places, skip the overrated ones
✅ Honest pros & cons of destinations
✅ Top hikes, parks & viewpoints
✅ Lesser-known places most travelers miss
✅ Clear “worth it vs skip it” guidance

🛏️ Travel smoothly without rookie mistakes
✅ Best areas to stay
✅ Transport systems explained simply
✅ Common scams & safety advice
✅ SIM cards, money & practical tips

🌍 Understand the country, not just visit it
✅ Culture & traditions
✅ Local customs
✅ Festivals worth planning around
✅ Traveler-friendly historical context
✅ Insights that make places more meaningful

📱 Built for real travel conditions
✅ Fully downloadable PDF
✅ Works completely offline
✅ Optimized for phone use
✅ Useful in remote areas & buses
✅ Everything in one place
Stop searching, start planning
Get instant access to your full guide. 30‑day money-back guarantee.
+ Add another guide for just

By proceeding you agree to our terms.
Sent to your inbox immediately after payment • 100% Secure Checkout
Best Backpacking Travel Advisor 2025 tourism awardBest Backpacking
Travel Advisor
2025
What others say about Take Your Backpack Guides:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fantastic, amazing amount of information!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My goodness this is amazing, it's what I've been looking for hats off too you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I think this is absolutely BRILLIANT
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Very complete and informative. It's still missing places, but I gotta to commend you
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is truly amazing, thank you, can't wait to explore it with my kids!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Awesome resource, thank you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is amazing! Can't wait to explore the ones I haven't seen
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I love this! Well done, great idea.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thanks for taking the time to make this gem!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This might be the best website I've ever seen.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Congratulations, and thank you so much for your work; it's incredibly valuable.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
In all seriousness I think you did a great job pointing out the important spots
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
10/10 very good
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
As someone who's only just starting to visit regularly this is awesome, thank you.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you very much! I'm going to visit my dad, it's going to be very useful!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is really cool! We'll be travelling for the first time and this definitely come in handy.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
You are now our minister of culture, congratulations 👨‍💼
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Just wanted to tell you that this is a pearl! Going to follow your recommendations.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is so cool. I'll definitely be using the resource for my travels soon.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is very impressive! Good work.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is an amazing and informative site. Very well done!

🛏️ Where to stay?How to pick the right area

If you enjoy meeting fellow travelers, consider choosing hostels with high ratings for atmosphere. On the other hand, if you prefer having your own space, a hotel might be a better option.

Best hostels in the UK


Best quality hotels in the UK

🥾 Hike detailsEverything you need to know before hiking Pembrokeshire Coast Path

Total Distance: The Pembrokeshire Coast Path stretches approximately 186 miles (299 km) along the stunning coastline of Pembrokeshire, Wales.

Estimated Duration: Most people hike it in about 10 to 15 days, depending on your pace and how many side trips you take. If you’re in a rush, you could do it in a week, but you’d miss some gems along the way.

Difficulty Level: This trail is generally rated as moderate to challenging. You’ll encounter some steep climbs and descents, rocky sections, and potentially muddy paths, especially after rain. But hey, that’s what makes it an adventure!

Starting … read more 👉
Total Distance: The Pembrokeshire Coast Path stretches approximately 186 miles (299 km) along the stunning coastline of Pembrokeshire, Wales.

Estimated Duration: Most people hike it in about 10 to 15 days, depending on your pace and how many side trips you take. If you’re in a rush, you could do it in a week, but you’d miss some gems along the way.

Difficulty Level: This trail is generally rated as moderate to challenging. You’ll encounter some steep climbs and descents, rocky sections, and potentially muddy paths, especially after rain. But hey, that’s what makes it an adventure!

Starting Point: The trail begins in St Dogmaels, which is easily accessible by public transport.
  • By Train: The nearest train station is in Cardigan. From there, you can catch a local bus or taxi to St Dogmaels.
  • By Bus: Several bus services run to St Dogmaels from nearby towns and cities.

Major Landmarks Along the Route: You’ll pass some breathtaking spots, including:
  • Pembroke Castle: A stunning medieval castle that’s worth a detour.
  • Stack Rocks: Impressive sea cliffs that are a photographer’s dream.
  • Tenby: A picturesque seaside town with colorful buildings and lovely beaches.
  • Marloes Sands: A beautiful stretch of beach, perfect for a picnic.

Type of Terrain and Scenery: The path varies quite a bit. Expect rocky coastal paths, grassy cliffs, and sandy beaches. The views are jaw-dropping, with the rugged coastline meeting the Atlantic Ocean. You’ll also find tranquil coves and bustling harbors along the way.

Typical Vegetation and Wildlife: The trail is rich in biodiversity.
  • Vegetation: Look out for wildflowers, gorse, and heather, especially in spring and summer.
  • Wildlife: Keep your eyes peeled for seals, dolphins, and a variety of seabirds. If you’re lucky, you might spot a puffin or two!

This trail is a real treat for independent hikers looking for a mix of challenge and beauty. Just remember to pack your camera and some snacks!
⚠️ Hiking info can sometimes be outdated or inaccurate. Before you hit the trail, check the latest conditions with locals. If you do spot anything that's off, I'd love to hear from you, so I can update it for fellow travelers.

🛡️ SafetyScams, Hazards, and Annoyances

The Pembrokeshire Coast Path is a stunning stretch of rugged beauty, but it demands respect. Weather can shift quickly; one moment you’re basking in sunshine, the next, you’re dodging rain. Dress in layers and pack a waterproof jacket.

The terrain varies from smooth coastal paths to steep, rocky sections that require careful footing. Navigation is straightforward, but keep an eye on trail markers, especially in fog. Some areas may have narrow paths with drops, so take your time and stay focused.

Wildlife encounters are part of the charm. Seals bask on the rocks, and seabirds swoop overhead. Keep your distance; it’s their home, after all.

First-timers often underestimate the physical demands. Pace yourself, especially on the more challenging stretches. A sturdy pair of boots is essential, … read more 👉
The Pembrokeshire Coast Path is a stunning stretch of rugged beauty, but it demands respect. Weather can shift quickly; one moment you’re basking in sunshine, the next, you’re dodging rain. Dress in layers and pack a waterproof jacket.

The terrain varies from smooth coastal paths to steep, rocky sections that require careful footing. Navigation is straightforward, but keep an eye on trail markers, especially in fog. Some areas may have narrow paths with drops, so take your time and stay focused.

Wildlife encounters are part of the charm. Seals bask on the rocks, and seabirds swoop overhead. Keep your distance; it’s their home, after all.

First-timers often underestimate the physical demands. Pace yourself, especially on the more challenging stretches. A sturdy pair of boots is essential, and don’t skimp on water and snacks. The reward? Those breathtaking views and the satisfaction of conquering the trail. Plus, that first cold beer at the end? Pure bliss.
Check Country Safety

FAQCommon questions from travelers

The Pembrokeshire Coast Path hike typically takes 5 to 7 days to complete, covering about 186 miles (300 kilometers). Most hikers plan for around 6 days to balance distance and sightseeing.
The difficulty of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path is moderate to challenging due to its rugged terrain, frequent ascents and descents, and exposed coastal sections. Hikers should be prepared for uneven paths and some steep climbs, especially in windy or wet conditions.
No guide or permit is required to hike the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. The trail is well-marked and open to the public year-round, though hiring a guide can enhance the experience for those unfamiliar with the area.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other British hikes near Pembrokeshire Coast Path

Explore more nearby:


💡 Not sure where to go next?
Create a personalized itinerary for the UK including Pembrokeshire Coast Path and the places that fit your trip.

Generate my itinerary

👉 Discover all hikes

Or checkout all the UK has to offer (think cities, towns, villages, national parks, hikes, beaches, festivals)
Explore the UK
Country photo of the UK
© Google Images

We 💚 feedbackSumming up the experience

The Pembrokeshire Coast Path is a wild symphony of cliffs and crashing waves that’ll make your heart race. You’ll feel the burn in your legs as you tackle those steep ascents, but the payoff? Epic views that stretch for miles. Just know, the weather can flip on you faster than a coin toss—be ready for rain. Still, that first cold beer in a cozy pub after a day on the trail? Worth every drop of sweat.

✈️ When did I visit the UK?
United Kingdom being my neighbour country with just the North Sea separating us, I visited it multiple times. In May 2015 I had a car trip through Southern England and Wales. In July 2023 I backpacked through Northern Ireland and in October 2023 I visited a friend I met in Pakistan, who showed me around Isle of Skye and Ullapool.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in the UK, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



🙋‍♂️ Give feedback

👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?

Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

The goal is to provide realistic, experience-driven guidance — not generic itineraries — so you can explore destinations with better context, clearer expectations, and more confidence.

Read the full story