Best of the Pembrokeshire Coast

Whitesands Bay and Carn Llidi hill near St David's City in West Wales, a surfing destination with a shop and cafe.
Duration: 7 nights
Type: Guided trails
Walking Grade: 3
from £1,399pp

From our base in St Davids, Britain’s smallest city, you’ll strike out on some of north-west Pembrokeshire’s most scenic walks. Be wowed by the dark sands of Abereiddy, home to Wales’ very own blue lagoon and enjoy coastal walks past awe-inspiring natural wonders including the sea arch at Gewni Island and rock formations at The Cradle. Along the way there’ll be wow-factor photo opportunities, plenty of wildlife watching, plus a chance to summit Carningli – the myth-steeped Welsh mountain strewn with ancient ruins and megalithic cairns.

What you’ll love

  • Walking the wild, rugged coastal paths of south-west Wales  
  • Spotting sea birds, grey seals, basking sharks, and dolphins  
  • Discovering the purple-hued sandstone cliffs of Caerfai Bay 
  • Admiring the views from Carningli (Mount of the Angels)  
  • Exploring Parrog, Newport’s oldest harbour 
  • Staying in St Davids, on the doorstep of Pembrokeshire’s finest walks 
  • A more personalised experience thanks to small group sizes (maximum 15 people)

What’s included

  • Comfortable en-suite rooms in our partner accommodation(s) 
  • Cooked or continental breakfast every morning 
  • Three-course evening meals, plus tea & coffee  
  • Guided walks with an experienced HF Holidays Leader 
  • All transport to and from walks where necessary 

Trip Notes

Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date.

All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.

You're welcome to check in at St Davids Cross Hotel from 3:30pm onwards. Located right in the centre of Britain’s smallest city, it will be our base for the next few days. Your HF Holidays Leader will be on hand from 6:30pm, when we’ll gather to give you a warm welcome and explain the plan of action before dinner.

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Distance: 9.5 miles (15km)
Ascent: 1,025ft (315m)

From St Davids, we’ll walk out across farmland to join the coastal path at Porthclais Harbour. Once a bustling port, it’s now popular with kayakers and coastal path walkers. From here we’ll wind along the high cliffs with views over Ramsey Island and pass through Porthlysgi Bay, Castell Heinif, St Justinian's, Porthselau Beach, and Whitesands Beach - renowned for being one of the best surfing beaches in the country. We’ll then loop inland to return to St Davids. It’s well worth keeping an eye out for seals, dolphins, and a variety of birds along this stretch of coast.

Various boats in the small sheltered harbour at Porthclais, Pembrokeshire, Wales


Distance: 8.5 miles (14km)
Ascent: 1,650ft (500m)

We join the coast at Pwllcrochan and enjoy good views as we make our way to the pretty bays of Aber Bach, and Aber Mawr, the most important Ice Age settlement in Pembrokeshire. A short detour inland takes us to the delightful 17th century whitewashed woollen mill, Melin Tregwynt. After visiting, we'll retrace our steps back to the coast and continue our journey. There's also Castell Coch, the remains of an Iron Age promontory fort. The peninsula treats us to even more wow-worthy vistas, which are well worth the effort, before the going gets gentler as we approach the hamlet of Abercastle and the beach of Aber Draw to Trefin.

 

 

 

 

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Today you have free time to explore Britain’s smallest city or simply relax. Visit St Davids Cathedral, The Bishop’s Palace, or take a boat trip to the wild offshore islands for even more wildlife-spotting opportunities.

St Davids cathedral in South Wales


Distance: 9 miles (14.5km) Ascent: 1,400ft (425m)

Leaving Newport, we’ll ascend to Carningli (The Mount of Angels), a summit steeped in legend and history. On a clear day we’ll have stunning 360-degree views across Pembrokeshire. 

After exploring the remains of the ancient hillfort here and soaking up the scenery, we’ll start a steady descent back to the coastal path, passing through the wooded valley of Cwm Rhigian on our way.

Quaint coastline and idyllic sandy coves line the way to Parrog, Newport’s oldest port. Before silting the estuary in the late 1800s, slates, herrings, wool, and other local products were exported from here. A gentle path leads us back into the town centre.

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Distance: 9.5 miles (15km)

Ascent: 1,985ft (605m)

Porthgain is a fascinating village, moulded by a short-lived Industrial Revolution in Pembrokeshire. The small harbour was used between 1837 and 1931 to export stone, slate, and bricks.

Further along the coast we’ll encounter Abereiddy, a popular bay with deep blue water and extraordinary dark sand. From here there’s a fabulous few miles of clifftop walking before we go round the wild heather-covered section of St Davids Head to uncover the crescent-shaped beach of Whitesands Bay. You have the option of catching the Celtic Coaster bus back to St Davids or returning on foot.

The Blue Pool at Abereiddy on the Pmebrokeshire coast in Wales


Distance: 10 miles (16km)

Ascent: 1,970ft (600m) 

We’ll take the bus out to Newgale to enjoy an exhilarating walk back to St Davids along this classic stretch of coastline. And with one of Pembrokeshire’s most impressive sandy beaches behind us, we’ll walk over grassy slopes and clifftops to emerge at the old fishing village of Solva with its disused Lime Kilns positioned directly on the water's edge.

A steep climb out of the harbour gets us on to an undulating path along the cliff tops. We’ll search out the stunning natural sea arch at Gewni Island as well as interesting rock formations at ‘The Cradle’. There’s also Caerfai Bay’s purple sandstone cliffs where you’re treated to views out to Skomer and Skokholm island.

On the final stretch of our walk, we’ll see St Non's Chapel, the birthplace of St David – a fitting finale to this week of extraordinary walking.

Solva Harbour in the estuary of the River Solva viewed from The Gribin at Solva in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, We…


Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before check-out at 10:30am.

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Itinerary map for Best of the Pembrokeshire Coast

St Davids Cross Hotel - Pembrokeshire Coast Path

Boasting an enviable location in the heart of Britain’s smallest city, St Davids Cross Hotel puts you on the doorstep of Pembrokeshire’s finest walks. This history-steeped hotel dates back over 200 years, but after a full refurbishment in 2016, it now offers 16 comfortable en-suite rooms, plus a popular bar and restaurant where you can wind down after a day’s walking and choose from a selection of delicious dishes. There’s also free internet access and parking available, too. The hotel is dog-friendly so you may meet four legged friends in some of the communal areas.

Food & drink

Our holiday in Pembrokeshire is half-board. Breakfast and evening meals are provided at the hotel. Packed lunch provisions can be purchased locally.  

Dietary requirements 

Our partner hotels can cater for most dietary requirements, but it is important you advise us of any allergies and dietary restrictions you have at the time of booking. 

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Getting to St Davids Cross Hotel - Pembrokeshire Coast Path

Find out more about this location including travel details and room types.

More Information

Essential information

The UK has a famously unpredictable climate so it's best to be prepared for weather that’s sunny one minute and raining the next.  To make it easier, here’s a list of items you should consider packing.   

Essentials  

  • Suitable footwear such as waterproof walking boots that provide ankle support and good grip  
  • Waterproof and windproof jacket 
  • Comfortable clothing (jeans & waterproof capes are not suitable)  
  • Mid-layer(s) to keep you warm. Fleeces make a good choice
  • Waterproof overtrousers  
  • Gloves and a warm hat  
  • Rucksack with waterproof liner 
  • Flask for hot drinks   
  • Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity)  
  • Sunscreen  
  • UV sunglasses  

Recommended  

  • Several base layers (long-sleeve or short-sleeve)  
  • Cushioned walking socks to avoid blisters  
  • First aid kit, including plasters and insect repellent 
  • Sit mat   
  • Waterproof pouch for valuables  
  • Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace)  
  • Wallet/purse  
  • Camera 
  • First-aid kit 

Guest reviews

All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.

Non-member fee: £30 per person.


Holiday prices

Date (Start - End) Itinerary Double / Twin Room Single Room Notes / Offers Trip Notes Book
2025

14 Jun - 21 Jun 2025

7 nights

Guided Trail

Single Call to Enquire
Double Call to Enquire
Call to Enquire Call to Enquire Trip Notes

19 Jul - 26 Jul 2025

7 nights

Guided Trail

Single Call to Enquire

Double from

£1,399 pp

from

£1,399 pp

Call to Enquire Trip Notes
Book Now

13 Sep - 20 Sep 2025

7 nights

Guided Trail

Single Call to Enquire

Double from

£1,399 pp

from

£1,399 pp

Call to Enquire Trip Notes
Book Now
Duration:
7 nights
Type:
Guided trails
Walking Grade:
3

7 nights from £1,399pp

or call 020 3974 8865

For group bookings of 10+ guests click here

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Carbon Footprint 136Kg of CO₂e

Average carbon footprint per person Learn More

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