Hike the Pembrokeshire Coast

Welcome to Tenby – a harbour town deep in southwest Wales. All that’s planned for today is a welcome meeting with your leader and fellow travellers in the late afternoon – refer to the ‘Joining Point Instructions’ of your Essential Trip Information for further details. The town of Tenby can be easily reached by train or bus from Cardiff – it takes approximately 2–4 hours, sometimes with a change in Carmarthen. On arrival, settle into your accommodation, attend the all-important briefing, then take a walk along the waterfront with your group. Afterwards, why not keep the introductions going with a meal at a pub or restaurant in town – your leader will know of some great places.

Catch a morning bus with the group to the village of Amroth. Be sure to check out the beautiful and super-long beach nearby! On arrival, lace up your walking shoes as it’s time to hike. It’s pretty simple today – turn west and follow the coast all the way back to Tenby. Expect the trail to undulate quite a bit, as you hike through a mix of low-lying woodlands and elevated tracks that give some great views over the water. After a few solid hours of walking, arrive back in Tenby for an evening at your leisure.

This morning, begin your hike from right in Tenby and head west on the coast. You’ll soon understand why this is one of the most popular stages of the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path – cliffs, headlands, sweeping stretches of sand and lush green countryside greeting you along the way. About halfway, pass by the grand Manorbier Castle – a Norman-built fortress dating back to the 11th century. Spend a short while here, then continue on the trail as you hike towards Stackpole Head. This section of the coast feels as lot wilder than previous, and given the constant ascents and descents you’ve endured during the day, you’ll be surprised that you’re never more than 100m above sea level! Take in the stark ocean vistas and watch as the clear seas crash up against the cliffs. High fives all ‘round – you’ve completed a tough day hiking! Take a well-deserved short transfer back to Tenby and relax for the night.

Phew – yesterday was a big day, so let’s take it easier today. From Tenby, hop on a small boat for a short crossing to Caldey Island – one of Britain’s so-called ‘holy islands’. Home to a monastery, an abbey and not too much else, it’s a great place to go exploring. Cistercian monks who live on Caldey Island still carry on traditions dating back to Celtic times. Have a leisurely walk around the island – a couple of kilometres in any direction will get you to the edge – and have some time to explore at your own pace. Later on in the day, catch the boat back to Tenby for – you guessed it – a night free for you to chill out.

After breakfast, transfer northwest to the coastline a few kilometres north of St Davids. On arrival, embark on a hike around St Davids Head – one of the most scenic parts of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, full of cliffs, coves and promontories to explore. Peer down at the deep blue ocean below and be sure to take a few panorama photos for safekeeping. Continue on to St Davids – known as Britain’s smallest city. Check out its renowned cathedral, as well as some of the interesting shops and cafes dotted along the small roads. If you’ve got time, be sure to visit the Pembrokeshire National Park’s visitor centre at Oriel y Parc, which doubles as an art gallery with various exhibitions housed within the award-winning eco building. After you’ve seen it all, transfer back to Tenby with your small group.

With no activities planned for today, you are free to leave the accommodation any time after breakfast. With easy train and bus connections to Cardiff, you may wish to continue your adventure elsewhere in Wales, or begin your homeward journey. If you would like to spend more time in Tenby, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).