Pembrokeshire Coast Path

Opened in 1970, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path was one of the earliest National Trails and quickly established itself as one of the finest coastal routes in Europe. It follows the coastline of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park — the only national park in the UK designated primarily for its coastline — on a route that takes in sea-stacks, natural arches, sandy beaches, estuaries and Iron Age headland forts.

For trail runners the route offers some of the best coastal running in the UK. The north coast between Cardigan Bay and St Davids is wild, rugged and seriously undulating — dozens of steep cove descents with corresponding climbs in quick succession. The south coast is gentler and more pastoral, with long sandy beaches around Tenby and Saundersfoot.

The path is well-waymarked with the acorn symbol and route-finding is generally straightforward, though several sections have been rerouted due to cliff erosion. The total ascent of around 10,500 m is more than Everest base camp to summit — earned almost entirely from the relentless up-and-down of the cove crossings.

Most trail runners cover the path in four to eight days. Pembrokeshire is English-speaking at the south but Welsh-speaking at the north — a reminder that this is genuinely Welsh coast throughout.

North coast (St Dogmaels to St Davids, ~120 km): The most dramatic and demanding section. The cliffs between Newport and Fishguard are among the highest in Wales. The Pembrokeshire Peninsula (Strumble Head) is a landmark. Whitesands Bay before St Davids gives the first easy beach running.

Peninsula tip (St Davids to Angle, ~100 km): Around St Brides Bay and the Dale Peninsula. The Marloes Peninsula and the islands of Skomer and Skokholm are visible offshore — puffins in summer. Several estuary crossings need to be timed with the tide.

South coast (Angle to Amroth, ~80 km): Easier terrain. Pembroke Dock, the Cleddau estuary, Tenby's beaches, Saundersfoot and the wooded coast to the finish at Amroth. Strong finish country.

Start: St Dogmaels, near Cardigan. Cardigan has limited bus connections from Aberystwyth and Carmarthen. The nearest railway stations are Fishguard (seasonal ferry to Ireland) and Haverfordwest.

Finish: Amroth, south coast. Bus to Tenby (8 km), which has a train station on the Swansea–Pembroke Dock line.

Accommodation options are extensive in summer, limited in winter. St Davids, Fishguard, Newport, Haverfordwest and Tenby are the main service centres. Many dedicated Coast Path B&Bs and hostels operate along the route.

Tide crossings: The Gann Estuary near Dale must be crossed at low tide. Check times in advance. The Cleddau crossing can be done by bridge or seasonal ferry.

Best time: May to September. Wild flowers on the clifftops peak in May. Seabirds (puffins, razorbills, guillemots) are present on offshore islands April to July.