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The land of mystery and enchantment

Walking the Pembrokeshire Coast Path

Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail
Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail
Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail
Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail

About the Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail

The Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail is a long distance walking route. Its 186 miles (300 km) twist and turn through some of the most breathtaking coastal scenery in Britain. Lying almost entirely within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park (Britain’s only coastal national park), the trail displays an array of coastal flowers and bird life, as well as evidence of human activity from Neolithic times to the present.


When walking the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, you will start in St Dogmaels in the north and end at Amroth in the south, taking in almost every kind of maritime landscape from rugged cliff tops and sheltered coves to wide-open beaches and winding estuaries. Both the Wales Coast Path and the International Appalachian Trail follow the route of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.


As well as offering walkers spectacular coastal scenery and wildlife, the Trail passes through a landscape rich in the history of human occupation and maritime history. Walking the Pembrokeshire Coast Path reveals Neolithic cromlechs, Iron Age promontory forts, churches and chapels of the seafaring early Celtic saints and their followers, links with the Vikings through place names such as Goodwick and the islands of Skomer and Skokholm, massive Norman castles such as those at Pembroke, Tenby and Manorbier and later Napoleonic forts along the south coast and the Milford Haven waterway.


Throughout the length of the Trail small quays, lime kilns and warehouses, and sites like the brickworks at Porthgain, are reminders of an industrial tradition. The Milford Haven waterway, whose natural harbour once so impressed Nelson, is still an industrial hub. But it is in the quieter, remote and wild places, populated largely by birds and visited occasionally by grey seals, that the spell of old Pembrokeshire - the ancient ‘Land of Mystery and Enchantment’ (Gwlad Hud a Lledrith) remains.  



Check Out Our Pembrokeshire Coast Path Merchandise  

Whether it’s a map or guidebook you need to help you along your journey, The Trails Shop has everything you need. Check out our collection which also includes merchandise to commemorate your achievement. 

How Long Does Walking the Pembrokeshire Coast Path Take, End to End?  

The official guidebook recommends walking the Pembrokeshire Coast Path in twelve days (at around 15 miles (24 Km) each day). This is quite a challenging pace day after day and it is worth planning for at least some shorter days or spreading the walk over a series of visits. You can of course vary the route depending on your physical ability and whether you want to spend extra time admiring the sights.  

How Hard is Walking the Pembrokeshire Coast Path?  

In its entirety the Coast Path can represent a formidable physical challenge - it has around 35,000 feet of ascent and descent. However, it can also be enjoyed in shorter sections which are accessible to people of all ages and abilities.

When Walking the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, Which Direction Should I Go?  

Many people walk the route from St Dogmaels in the north to Amroth in the south. There are guidebooks written in both directions (the Aurum book is written from north to south (St Dogmaels to Amroth) whilst the Cicerone and Trailblazer guides are written south to north (Amroth to St Dogmaels).

Who Can Enjoy Walking the Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail?  

The National Trail is designed for walkers and most of the PembrokeshireCoast Path is only available to people on foot. There is a bridleway section between Stack Rocks and St Govan’s. Parts of the Trail between Amroth and Saundersfoot are cycleways.  

Can I Bring My Dog While Walking the Pembrokeshire Coast Path?  

Your dog is welcome to join you in walking the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. Many stiles have been changed to gates and dog gates have been installed on some stiles. However there are a number of stiles that your dog will have to climb or be lifted over. Please take special care on exposed cliff paths, one of the most common call outs for the cliff rescue/coastguard is to help people who have lost their dogs over the cliff.

Some of the Trail passes through farmland where stock may be grazing so please respect farmers and their animals by keeping your dog on a lead when near livestock. Cows with calves are very protective and can be aggressive towards dogs. Try to avoid walking close to cows with calves, if you encounter any aggression release your dog, do not try to pick it up.  


What is the Best Time of Year for Walking the Pembrokeshire Coast Path?  

The Pembrokeshire Coast Path has something to offer all year round and many people prefer to walk when it's cooler in spring or autumn, or even on exhilarating winter days. The best time depends very much on you, your interests and whether you enjoy the busy holiday season or would prefer to visit during the quieter months. In summer it can be difficult to find accommodation especially for single nights, so you are advised to book well in advance. Spring is best for seeing migrating and breeding birds and wildflowers. Autumn is good for migrating birds, and seeing seal pups.  

Can I Buy Pembrokeshire Coast Path Merchandise?  

We sell a range of Pembrokshire Coast Path merchandise including sew on badges, enamel badges, mugs and other gifts.

Can I get a Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail completion certificate?

Our personalised Pembrokeshire Coast Path certificate is a great momento for anyone that has completed the trail.

Guidebooks and Maps for the Pembrokeshire Coast Path

Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail Poster - a Trail to Remember Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail Poster - a Trail to Remember loading
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Pembrokeshire Coast Path Art Print Pembrokeshire Coast Path Art Print loading
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Pembrokeshire Coast Path Completion Certificate Pembrokeshire Coast Path Completion Certificate loading
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Wales Coast Path Completion Certificate Wales Coast Path Completion Certificate loading
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Pembrokeshire Coast Path enamel badge Pembrokeshire Coast Path enamel badge loading
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Pembrokeshire Coast Path Merchandise

Pembrokeshire Coast Path Art Print Pembrokeshire Coast Path Art Print loading
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Pembrokeshire Coast Path Completion Certificate Pembrokeshire Coast Path Completion Certificate loading
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Wales Coast Path woven badge Wales Coast Path woven badge loading
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Pembrokeshire Coast Path enamel badge Pembrokeshire Coast Path enamel badge loading
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Pembrokeshire Coast Path woven sew-on badge Pembrokeshire Coast Path woven sew-on badge loading
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Pembrokeshire Coast Path woven patch badge Pembrokeshire Coast Path woven patch badge loading
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National Trail Mug National Trail Mug loading
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National Trail souvenir signs National Trail souvenir signs loading
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Mini National Trail Fingerpost Mini National Trail Fingerpost loading
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Trail Tealight Holder Trail Tealight Holder loading
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National Trails boot jack National Trails boot jack loading
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National Trails 'Follow the acorn' Compass T-Shirt National Trails 'Follow the acorn' Compass T-Shirt loading
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'Follow the acorn' National Trail Men's Compass Hoody 'Follow the acorn' National Trail Men's Compass Hoody loading
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Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail Poster - a Trail to Remember Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail Poster - a Trail to Remember loading
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National Trail souvenir signs  - small size National Trail souvenir signs  - small size loading
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Map of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path