Description: A very scenic and varied walk that takes in some of Pembrokeshire’s most remarkable beaches. Gradients aren’t too taxing but it’s strenuous nonetheless.
Distance: 14½miles 23 km
Public Transport: Tenby to Pembroke via Lydstep service no 349
The Coastal Cruiser walkers bus service covers the entire route
For timetables go to www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/coastbus
Refreshments: Cafe & restaurant by the beach at Freshwater East. Cafe at Stackpole Quay. Pub & cafe in Bosherston.
Nearest Tourist Information Centre: Pembroke Visitor Centre, The Commons. Tel 01646 622388. E-mail pembroke.tic@pembrokeshire.gov.uk (Open Easter to October) Tenby, Upper Park Road (Next to the bus station) Tel 01834 842404 E-mail tenbytic@pembrokeshire.gov.uk
Route:
- Start from Lydstep Head car park, overlooking Lydstep Haven caravan park
- After half a mile take a detour down steps on the left, down a dry valley. It leads to a superb low-tide beach with caves
- Back on the path, continue west past the Youth Hostel and inaccessible Skrinkle Haven.
- The path detours around Manorbier camp but is well signed.
- Continue to Manorbier beach past the Neolithic burial chamber of Kings Quoit
- The moderately strenuous path continues up & down to the isolated Swanlake Bay and then on to Freshwater East (Cafe, restaurant and toilets)
- It’s possible to scramble down to the beach at its eastern end of Fresh’ East if the tide is out.
- Head for the slipway, along the road for a few feet and along a wooded path back onto the cliff top.
- A reasonably level path continues to Stackpole Quay (Cafe & toilets).
- Climb up and down again to the stunning Barafundle beach
- The easy path up to Stackpole Head continues almost on the level all the way to St Govans, except when it drops down to Broad Haven South Beach.
- Clamber down the rocks and walk across the beach if you can or detour round to the Lily ponds if you have time.
- Head up the steps on the far side of the beach (Toilets & Ice Cream van)
- West of here is the super little low-tide beach at Trevallen
- If the ranges are closed, this is as far as you can go. Tel 01646 662367 to check.
- St Govan’s Head is an easy stroll from here. The chapel is only a little further on.
- Turn inland here to go to Bosherston Village
- If in doubt, follow the acorn symbols that indicate where the route goes
Attractions en-route: Manorbier Castle. Bosherston Lily Ponds. St Govan’s Chapel