Dogs are most welcome in the National Park.
On the coast there is the 186-mile National Trail that will tire you as well as your dog. It will take almost 14 days to complete in one go or you can tackle a small section each time you visit. With plenty spectacular viewing points to take that well earned rest such as dolphin and porpoise watching off Strumble Head. Why hurry?
The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority are fitting dog gates to many new and replacement stiles on the path and have decreased the number of stiles from 530 in 1993 to the current total of 135. 40 of those left have ‘dog gates’. Where ‘dog gates’ are fitted they are usually designed to exclude lambs; this construction unfortunately may not allow a big enough gap for the largest of dogs.
There is a real possibility that you will come across both wildlife and farm animals in the National Park, so you will need to keep your dog under control. The coast path can also be a dangerous place and an uncontrolled dog may lead to accidents as the path, in some parts, is very close to the cliff edge. Current conservation initiatives within the Park may mean you will find more sheep and ponies grazing on the coastal slopes so be vigilant.
All the coastal bus services running from Poppit Sands in the north to Bosherston in the south welcome dogs aboard, providing your dog is clean and on a lead. Call 01437 776313, any Tourist Information Centre or visit www.visitpembrokeshire.com for details of routes and timetables.
The National Park covers a third of Pembrokeshire, but isn’t limited to the breathtaking coastline; it also covers the rolling Preseli Hills with its wild ponies and the Gwaun Valley near Fishguard, thought by many to be the most beautiful valley in Pembrokeshire. The Gwaun Valley woodlands, made a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1954, provide a wonderful setting for those long, or shorter, spring walks, with all the flowers in full bloom. A beautiful place in any season.