Highlights
- Stroll the town and beautiful seafront in Fishguard
- Take in the dramatic Pwll Deri cliffs towering up to 230 feet high
- Visit the burial chamber of Carreg Samson in Abercastle
- Hike to the little village of Solva and cruise around Ramsey Island
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Fishguard & Bus to Newport, Hike Newport to Fishguard | Fishguard |
| Day 2 | Hike Fishguard to Pwll Deri | Fishguard |
| Day 3 | Hike Pwll Deri to Trefin | Fishguard |
| Day 4 | Hike Trefin to Whitesands & Transfer to St Davids | St Davids |
| Day 5 | Hike the Pembroke Coast, Boat Ride & Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Fishguard & Bus to Newport, Hike Newport to Fishguard
Welcome to Wales! Upon arrival at the airport, travel by train to Fishguard on the far west coast in Pembrokeshire. Enjoy the town and a walk along the seafront and get to know the coastal area, which has separate and defining parts known as Lower Town and Upper Town. Leave your bag in your guest house in town, get settled, then ready yourself for your first hike. Take the bus to Newport and detour to see a neolithic burial chamber before walking a seafront path to the old lifeboat station and climbing to cliff tops. The headland of Dinas Island is a highlight with fantastic views in all directions and its charming little settlement of Cwm-yr-Eglwys.
Day 2: Hike Fishguard to Pwll Deri
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Today, hike Fishguard to Pwll Deri. There are 98-230-foot-high (30-70 m) volcanic cliffs in this relatively deserted section of the Pembrokeshire Coastal path. Take in the excellent cliff scenery from the rocky outcrops. Heather and gorse abound, offering a dramatic blaze of color from August to September.
From Fishguard, descend to a waterfront walk in the ferry port town of Goodwick. Around the headland, reach the wooded valley of Cwm Felin and Carregwastad Point, where the French landed over 200 years ago. Further on the trail, you'll reach Strumble Head to visit the lighthouse and then move onto Pwll Deri to explore its incredible viewpoint.
Hiking distance: 10 miles (16 km)
Incline: 1,394 feet (425 m)
Day 3: Hike Pwll Deri to Trefin
Today, hike to Trefin from the path above the bay of Pwll Deri. En route, there's a wild and impressive stretch of cliffs toward the headland of Penbwchdy, as well as magnificent views of St David's Head, Strumble Head, and the Iron Age hillfort at Garn Fawr.
At Aber Bach, just before the sandy beach of Aber Mawr, take an inland detour to visit the working woolen mill at Melin Tregwynt. Further along the trail is the small port of Abercastle. Stop here and see the burial chamber of Carreg Samson.
Day 4: Hike Trefin to Whitesands & Transfer to St Davids
Today, hike Trefin to Whitesands. From Trefin, the Coast Path follows the somewhat level coastal plateau to Porthgain, a former quarry town, now a small village and harbor. Some very high, dramatic cliffs lead to steps, then down to the remote and secluded beach of Traeth Llyn.
An exhilarating hiking section leads around and above high cliffs and beneath craggy, volcanic outcrops of Pen Beri, Carn Lleithyr, and Carn Llidi. The wild and rocky peninsula of St David's Head abounds with archaeology. The section between Abereiddy and Whitesands feels wild and remote, with hardly a building to be seen. Whitesands is one of the best surfing beaches in the country.
After the day's hike, take the bus to St David's and spend some free time exploring the sites, from St David's Cathedral to St Davids Bishop's Palace.
Hiking distance: 12 miles (19.5 km)
Incline: 1,772 feet (540 m)
Day 5: Hike the Pembroke Coast, Boat Ride & Depart
Today take a hike, a boat trip, or both. Hike from Whitesands toward Solva. After rounding the main headland, the coast path snakes in and out—offering new views each time—and opening up to vistas across St Brides Bay to Skomer Island. Pass St Non's Bay, named after St David's mother, and Caerfai Bay, with its sheltered sandy beach. You can either head directly back to St Davids for a shorter walk of 8 miles (5 km) or continue to Solva; a delightful little village split into two separate areas, Upper Solva and Lower Solva.
Afterward, hop on a bus back to St Davids and do some sightseeing or go on a boat trip. While plenty of boat trips are offered, one of the highlights is cruising around Ramsey Island to see the porpoises, seals, and seabirds. Enjoy the final excursion before the journey ends, and it's time to head back home.
More Great Wales Itineraries
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