Description: This is one section of The Coast Path that is best done as a circular walk as the return leg takes you into St Davids by way of a delightful back lane. It’s relatively level all the way round.
Distance: 9½ miles 14.5 km or 12½ miles 20 km for the circular walk
Public Transport: The Coastal Cruiser walkers bus service covers the entire route. For timetables go to www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/coastbus
Refreshments: Whiteasnds Bay cafe. Plenty of choice in St Davids
Nearest Tourist Information Centre: St Davids. The Grove. Tel 01437 720392 E-mail enquiries@stdavids.pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk
Route:
- Start at the car park near the tourist information centre. Head south along a lane to Caerfai Bay and turn right
- The first landmark you reach is the retreat & tiny chapel at St Non’s
- The nearby remnants of an older chapel are dedicated to St David’s mother, St Non.
- A little further on, the path descends first to the tiny inlet of Porth Clais, then to a wider beach at Porthlysgi before reaching the headland.
- This is the most westerly point of mainland Wales and a good spot to see grey seals.
- In front of you is Ramsey Sound and Ramsey Island, an important RSPB reserve.
- A line of jagged rocks, The Bitches, cuts across the tide race, providing sport for jet boats and kayakers.
- The distant lifeboat station at St Jusinian’s is where boats depart for Ramsey Island.
- Around the corner from here is a small beach at Porthselau and the magnificent sweep of Whitesands Bay.
- It may be possible to reach Whitesands from Porthselau, if the tide is right out but it’s no hardship to go along the top.
- Turn inland by the cafe and walk up the hill to a five road cross roads.
- Don’t take the sharp right, take the next right instead. It’ll lead you straight to The Cathedral.
- To complete the circuit, go up to the city centre (This is Britain’s smallest city!)
- Walk past the old cross and head up to the tourist information centre.
- If in doubt, follow the acorn symbols that indicate where the route goes
Attractions en-route: Boat trips from St Justinians. St Davids Bishops Palace. St Davids Cathedral.