Where to Walk in Pembrokeshire?

Why Pembrokeshire Is One of the Best Places to Walk in Wales

Pembrokeshire is different from most walking destinations in the UK because it never commits to a single mood. One stretch of coast feels wild and exposed, with cliffs dropping straight into the Atlantic. A few miles later, the landscape softens into sheltered coves, wooded estuaries, and quiet inland lanes where walking becomes reflective rather than demanding. That contrast is what makes Pembrokeshire walking routes so enduring. You can come here for challenge, solitude, recovery, or simple movement, and the land accommodates all of it without feeling staged.

The county sits at the far western edge of Wales, which shapes how people experience it on foot. Paths don’t just exist to connect viewpoints. They follow ancient boundaries, working harbours, and grazing land that still functions as it always has. When you walk in Pembrokeshire, you are rarely separated from real life. You pass farms, coastguard stations, lifeboat houses, and fishing villages that rely on the same terrain you’re moving through. That authenticity is what gives Pembrokeshire hiking routes their weight.

For walkers, hikers, runners, and cyclists, Pembrokeshire offers something that many popular outdoor destinations don’t: space to move without pressure to perform.

 

The Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail

The backbone of walking in the county is the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, one of the most complete and varied coastal trails in Europe. Stretching for around 186 miles, it wraps almost the entire county, passing cliffs, beaches, estuaries, headlands, and quiet harbour towns. Unlike many long-distance trails, this one never settles into a single rhythm. Elevation comes and goes. Surfaces change constantly. Weather alters the feel of the same section from one hour to the next.

Walking the full Pembrokeshire Coast Path is a serious undertaking, but most people experience it in sections. That’s where its strength lies. You don’t need to commit weeks to feel its character. A single afternoon walk can deliver the same sense of exposure, effort, and reward as a longer trek elsewhere.

Some sections are forgiving, with wide grassy paths and gentle gradients. Others are physically demanding, with steep climbs that accumulate over distance. The trail never hides its difficulty, but it also never feels hostile. The effort always feels justified by the views, the air, and the sense of moving through a landscape that hasn’t been overly managed for visitors.

Best Pembrokeshire Coastal Walks

 

St Davids to Whitesands Bay

This walk captures the spirit of the county in a relatively short distance. Starting near St Davids, the UK’s smallest city, the path quickly leaves behind human scale and opens into wide, exposed coastline. Cliffs rise and fall gently, with long sightlines out to sea. On clear days, you can see the outline of Ramsey Island, reinforcing how close the wild feels here.

The walk to Whitesands Bay is manageable for most walkers, but still engaging enough to feel earned. The path is well defined, but weather can change quickly, especially with Atlantic winds. This makes it a good example of why preparation matters even on shorter Pembrokeshire hikes.

 

Stackpole to Barafundle Bay

Often described as one of the most beautiful coastal walks in Wales, this route is popular for a reason. The path passes through wooded sections, open clifftops, and finally drops down to Barafundle Bay, a sheltered beach that feels almost Mediterranean on calm days.

Despite its popularity, this walk doesn’t feel diluted. Early mornings or quieter weekdays offer space to move without interruption. The terrain is relatively friendly, making it suitable for dog walkers and less experienced hikers, but the constant change in scenery keeps it engaging.

 

Solva to Newgale

This section shows the more dramatic side of the Pembrokeshire coast. The path climbs steadily, exposing walkers to big skies and long views across St Brides Bay. Newgale’s wide, pebbled beach contrasts sharply with the sheltered harbour at Solva, giving the walk a clear sense of progression.

Wind plays a major role here. On calm days, the walk feels expansive and steady. In stronger conditions, it becomes physically demanding, reminding you that coastal walking is as much about adaptation as distance.

 

Pembrokeshire National Trail Experience

The Pembrokeshire Coast Path is officially designated as a National Trail, and that status is well earned. Unlike some trails that rely on signage and infrastructure to define their importance, this one stands on geography alone. The trail exists because the coast demands to be followed on foot.

For those interested in multi-day walking, the trail can be broken into logical stages, each anchored by towns or villages with accommodation and supplies. This flexibility allows walkers to build an experience that fits their ability and time, rather than forcing a rigid itinerary.

It’s also one of the few National Trails where public transport integration works reasonably well. Buses and local services make it possible to walk linear sections without retracing steps, which is rare for coastal routes of this length.

 

Pembrokeshire Walking Trails Inland

While the coast gets most of the attention, inland Pembrokeshire walking trails offer a different kind of movement. Valleys soften the terrain. Rivers shape the routes. Woodland replaces exposure with enclosure.

The Preseli Hills are the most notable inland feature. Though modest in height, they carry cultural and historical weight, often linked to ancient routes and landmarks. Walking here feels quieter, more introspective, and less influenced by weather extremes than the coast.

Inland routes are ideal for days when coastal conditions are harsh, or when you want distance without constant elevation change. They’re also better suited to longer steady efforts, including extended walks that mirror the effort of a long run or endurance hike.

 

Pembrokeshire Dog Walks

Pembrokeshire is one of the most dog-friendly counties in Wales, but timing matters. Many beaches have seasonal restrictions, particularly during summer months. Coastal paths themselves are generally dog-friendly, but livestock management is important. Leads are often required where sheep graze close to the path.

Some of the best Pembrokeshire dog walks are those that combine open clifftop paths with quieter inland sections. This allows dogs to move freely while avoiding crowded beach access points. Woodland sections inland also provide shelter and softer ground, which can be easier on paws over longer distances.

Responsible walking here means respecting both the land and the communities that rely on it. That balance is part of what keeps these paths accessible year-round.

 

Pembrokeshire Bike Trails and Shared Paths

Although Pembrokeshire is best known for walking, there are growing options for cyclists. Traffic-free sections, converted railway lines, and quieter inland roads offer opportunities for long rides without constant vehicle interaction.

Cycling here is rarely about speed. It’s about terrain management and endurance. Rolling hills, exposed sections, and changing surfaces reward riders who pace themselves rather than chase averages. Many walkers who enjoy longer coastal sections also use inland bike trails for active recovery days, maintaining movement without the same joint load.

This crossover between walking, hiking, and cycling is part of what makes Pembrokeshire suitable for extended active stays.

 

Walking the Pembrokeshire Coast Path vs Hiking Inland

Coastal walking in Pembrokeshire is about rhythm disruption. Elevation rises unexpectedly. Wind alters effort. Terrain shifts from grass to rock to sand. Inland hiking, by contrast, allows for steadier pacing and longer uninterrupted movement.

Both have value. Coastal sections sharpen awareness and strength. Inland routes build endurance and consistency. Many people combine the two over a week, alternating intensity naturally without structured planning.

 

Where to Walk in Wales Beyond Pembrokeshire

Pembrokeshire often features in broader searches for where to walk in Wales, and rightly so. It offers a concentration of coastal variety that’s hard to match elsewhere. But its appeal also lies in how it contrasts with other Welsh regions.

Snowdonia demands vertical effort. The Brecon Beacons emphasise open upland exposure. Pembrokeshire sits between those extremes, offering challenge without intimidation. It’s accessible without being easy, wild without being remote.

This balance is why people return. The walking never feels completed. There’s always another section, another condition, another way to experience the same ground.

 

Practical Preparation for Pembrokeshire Walking

Weather is the primary variable to respect. Coastal conditions can change quickly, and wind amplifies effort dramatically. Layering matters more than distance planning. Footwear needs grip rather than cushioning. Water availability varies by section, so carrying enough matters even on shorter walks.

This is where simple, reliable kit earns its place. Breathable layers that don’t trap moisture, shorts or trousers that allow movement on climbs, and lightweight outer layers that block wind without bulk make a tangible difference over hours of walking. Hydration matters too, especially on exposed sections where wind masks dehydration.

For longer days, carrying essentials comfortably matters more than what those essentials are. A stable backpack, dependable bottle, and clothing that doesn’t require adjustment let attention stay on the landscape rather than logistics.

 

Movement Culture in Pembrokeshire

What makes walking in Pembrokeshire feel sustainable rather than performative is how it fits into daily life. Locals walk sections as part of routine, not as events. Paths are used year-round, in all conditions. There’s no sense of saving the trail for special days.

This mirrors how many people approach movement elsewhere. Consistency matters more than intensity. Showing up regularly, moving with intent, and respecting recovery keeps people active longer than chasing extremes.

That philosophy underpins how we think about movement at Fittux. Whether it’s walking coastal miles, building toward a longer hike, or maintaining fitness between runs, the goal is support rather than spectacle.

 

Building Walking Into a Wider Training Routine

For runners, hikers, and gym-based athletes, Pembrokeshire walking trails offer something unique: natural cross-training. The climbs strengthen stabilisers. The descents condition joints. The uneven surfaces build proprioception that flat roads never provide.

Many runners use coastal walking days as active recovery, especially after harder sessions. The effort remains meaningful without the impact load. This complements structured training well, particularly for anyone working toward endurance goals like a faster 10km or longer trail runs.

If you’re curious how walking and running intersect in performance, it’s worth understanding how terrain and pacing affect output, something we explore in depth in What Is a Good 10km Run Time?. The same principles apply whether you’re moving quickly or steadily.

 

Pembrokeshire as a Long-Term Walking Destination

Pembrokeshire rewards repetition. Walking the same section in different seasons reveals how much the environment shapes experience. Winter brings exposure and quiet. Spring softens the land. Summer adds colour and crowds. Autumn restores space and clarity.

Unlike destinations built around novelty, Pembrokeshire doesn’t rely on first impressions. Its value grows over time, through familiarity and respect. That’s why it remains one of the most recommended places for walking in Wales, not just for visitors, but for those who return year after year.

 

Why Walking Here Works

The reason Pembrokeshire works as a walking destination is simple. The land sets the terms. You adapt, not the other way around. That creates honest effort and genuine reward.

Whether you’re exploring short coastal walks, committing to sections of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail, or mixing inland routes with longer hikes, the experience stays grounded. There’s no pressure to optimise or perform. You move, you observe, you finish, and you feel better for it.

For those building consistent movement into everyday life, that matters more than any headline view.

If walking, hiking, or outdoor training is part of your routine, you’ll find practical support in everyday kit that prioritises comfort and reliability. Essentials like breathable FITTUX Training T-Shirts, flexible FITTUX Performance Running Shorts, lightweight layers, dependable hydration bottles, and hydration backpacks are designed to support real movement, not one-off moments. You can explore the full range and discover what’s new at Fittux.com.