With Summer swirling in over the horizon like the first waves of a rising sun, it’s time to rejoice in the transition from the dark and gloomy days of Winter and thankfully into the longer, warmer and more fervently fecund days of Summer. I think we can all finally say “Ahhh!”
Sure, there are some Winter warriors out there who love the cosy quietude of the cold season, but there’s something inspiring about the introduction of Summer every year. It’s a little bit of the longer, brighter days, the warmth, the sun, and a big, big part is the life seemingly appearing out of nowhere into nature once more.
*Queue The Lion King music* It’s the ciiircle of liiiife!
And for a lot of us that means finally getting to take advantage of Wales’s stunning countryside. Wales is a famously rural marvel; no wonder St David’s day is synonymous with the first signs of Spring. And one of Wales’s prettiest pastoral pleasures is the vast and radiantly green county of Pembrokeshire, with its ruggedly rocky bays, luscious lagoons and sprawling field of golden green.
History & Heritage of Pembrokeshire
Pembrokeshire is one of Wales’s largest counties situated all the way over at the most western point of South Wales. It is home to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park which constitutes more than a third of the area within Pembrokeshire county. So yeah, a lot of greenery. Not to mention the sea scenery (or seanery!), which is abundant along Pembrokeshire’s famous 310km coastal path.
The county has mining and fishing to thank for much of its historical settlement. Not a surprise with its spiritual ties to the sea. Speaking of which, Pembrokeshire is undoubtedly one of the UK’s top hotspots for bucket-list worthy beach trips, with many of its celebrated beaches winning renown with awards and official recognition.
The region has continued throughout history to attract settlers from far afield, from the Romans to the Flemish later on in the Middle Ages. But it wasn’t just the fascinated Flemish who floundered toward the land beyond Ferryside. Irish, Saxon, Norman and Norse settlement also widely took place in the Medieval period and is believed by some to be the origin of the epithet “Little England beyond Wales”, characterised by the largely English-speaking population and persevered by the popularity of Pembrokeshire for English émigrés enticed by its bountiful shores.
And when you really take in what Pembrokeshire has to offer, you won’t be surprised. With it’s spectacular views, beautiful beaches and golden sands, it really is one of the most beautiful destinations in all of the UK.
And so, to celebrate Pembrokeshire and the coming of spacious Summer, we’re giving you the ultimate 5 best walking spots to hit up in Pembrokeshire, no matter what the season, even in the rain for those brave enough! Pembrokeshire deserves to be loved, and we’re helping you do that this Summer, showing you how to navigate it’s national trails, rugged cliffs and Blue Flag beaches. Let us be your travel guide for these amazing yet accessible walks.
P.S. For all those rural work-from-homers out there, we see you! These are great for getting away from the home office on the weekend. Ah, the perks of rural living.
Porthgain to Blue Lagoon: Where to go coast steering in Pembrokeshire
This picturesque four-mile hike takes you from the historic fishing village of Porthgain along the vast and epic Pembrokeshire coast westwards through heady headlands and rugged rockfaces until you come to the descent that takes you down to Blue Lagoon. Here, a drowned slate quarry has left day-trippers and water-lovers a deep aqua green pool ripe for coast steering and diving into.
This hike truly exhibits nature’s triumph over Wales’s industrial past in a unique portrait that combines ruined relics and coastal marvels.
Solva and the Gribin Headland: A short stroll
Make sure to take in all Solva has to offer before making your journey away from it. Solva is a quaint and artsy estuary village with plenty of charm and colour, so don’t forget to lend some of your time to its craft shops and quirky cafes.
Once you’ve had your fill you’ll want to head up the Gribin toward the Iron Age fort that stands atop it to take in the magnificent harbour views.
Following on from that you’ll find yourself coming down the hillside to a small pebble beach called the Gwadn. Go onwards on the path inland crossing the steam and climbing the ridge to come through the woodland to be welcomed once again by Solva to complete this more leisurely one mile stroll.
Stackpole: Pembrokeshire’s best beach
Though the Stackpole Estate consists of six miles of walking, this ramble can feel more like an amble due to its gentle nature. And yes, the National Trust-owned land may be less rugged than its Pembrokeshire counterparts, but it is no less scenic.
Stackpole’s varying landscapes are sure to keep your eyeballs busy, from its lily ponds to its wonderfully constructed bridges, the estate is guaranteed to keep you occupied as you move fluidly from the Deer Park all the way across the coast to one of Pembrokeshire’s finest beaches: Barafundle Bay. Stackpole most certainly offers a diverse range of scenes.
Carry on to Broadhaven South before returning to your starting point, by which point we’re sure you’ll be ready for a cold drink or an ice cream!
St David’s Peninsula: The smallest city in the UK
St David’s Peninsula is Pembrokeshire’s famous place of pilgrimage with its connection to Wales’ Patron Saint and all the renowned relics that accompany that history.
For this walk you’ll want to start at Wales’ smallest city, St Davids, and march on down Goat Street until you find yourself at St Non’s Bay.
Here you can find the remains of St Non’s Chapel with its Holy Well. Make sure to take in that spiritual feeling and rich history as you look upon the site. After that you’ll want to circle the creek at Porth Clais and go onwards to Pen Dal-aderyn.
On your way you’ll pass the ruined Treginnis Copper Mine, where, as the legend tells, St Justinian crossed from Ramsey Island with his head tucked under his arm. Don’t forget to use this part of the walk to look out for Pembrokeshire’s marine life, as dolphins, seals and porpoises are known to play about in the blue waters here. Finish your walk at Whitesands, the location that legend relays to us that St Patrick sailed for Ireland.
In total you’re looking at a hefty nine mile hike, and so it would be well worth catching the shuttle bus back to your starting point at St Davids. Back in the mini-city you’ll have plenty more history to explore if that’s your thing, including the epic cathedral. And by this point you’ll probably be wanting food, well no worries, you’ll be spoilt for choice in this department, after all, you’re in the city!
Strumble Head: Where to spot dolphins in Pembrokeshire
Pulling up to the car park in Strumble Head the first thing that’s likely to stand out is the iconic lighthouse (one of the last to be built in the UK). Perched atop a rocky islet, the century old lighthouse stands as the perfect starting destination for this Pembrokeshire coastal hike.
Go on eastwards passing along the path furnished with blossoming flowers and take a look over into the emerald ocean for potential marine life sightings consisting of bottle-nosed dolphins and grey seals.Take a moment to admire the memorial stone to the French invasion before turning to take a trip inland onto Trenewydd before taking the country lanes back to the lighthouse. This hike covers six miles and passes through some rough and rocky clifftop paths that, with their rising-and-falling character, resemble something like a natural rollercoaster, so keep that in mind when attempting to take this one on.
The Expert’s Guide to Pembrokeshire
Now, Pembrokeshire’s pretty remote (that’s the beauty of it!), which means that those outside of Pembrokeshire looking to explore all of its incredible potential are probably looking at a pricey weekend away full of lengthy travelling over not so well-connected road/rails. Pembrokeshire is best enjoyed by its locals.
Have you thought about getting away from the city life and resettling in somewhere beautiful and green like Pembrokeshire? Where you can enjoy these luscious walks and views every single day? We wouldn’t blame you! Maybe you’re thinking, but the job opportunities in Pembrokeshire are few and far between. You’d be right. Thank modern technology for the work from home wave that is allowing thousands of workers across Wales to work where they want!
The only problem? Rural Wales undoubtedly suffers from notoriously poor internet connection. Which kind of sucks when you consider that home working’s biggest requirement, literally, is a fast and reliable internet connection.
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