It is consistently listed as one of the world’s best coastal trails
From dramatic coastlines, heather-strewn moorlands, and steep ridges to plunging river valleys and dense pine forests, Wales has an unbeatable range of walks waiting to be discovered. This small but mighty country is a hiker’s dream, with loads of short treks and loop walks.
The best part is that you don’t need to hike for days to discover Wales’ epic landscapes. There are routes you can tackle in a single day that range in length and difficulty. While summer is obviously a brilliant time to strap on your hiking boots and explore Wales, winter offers a different type of beauty and solitude.
One area I particularly love to hike is home to some of the most scenic walks in Wales. The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is consistently listed as one of the best coastal trails in the world. Renowned publisher National Geographic also ranked the Pembrokeshire Coast Path second in the world’s top 10 long-distance paths.
Stretching from St Dogmaels to Amroth, it passes soaring cliffs, beaches and small villages entirely within Britain’s only truly coastal National Park and is bursting with wildlife.
It has 240 spectacular square miles just waiting to be discovered, with the Pembrokeshire Coast Path featuring 186 miles of epic coastline. If you’re up for a challenge, you can plod the entire route in one go or split up over several shorter trips.
Be aware, though, that walking the whole path is physically demanding, with over 35,000 feet of elevation gain, and a full thru-hike typically takes between 10 and 15 days.
If you don’t fancy trekking the entire path, over 200 circular walks are available, including half-day, short, and easy access walks where you can visit beaches and spot loads of wildlife like dolphins and puffins.
Some of the most popular walks in the area include the St Davids Head circuit, the Bosherston Lily Ponds walk, and the Dinas Island circular walk. Other great options are the Porthgain to Abereiddi section and the scenic circular walk from Saundersfoot to Tenby.
The Pembrokeshire Coast Path Authority also offers an official, free certificate to anyone who completes the entire 186-mile trail. Walkers can claim their personalised completion award by tracking their progress and submitting their details through the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority website.
One of my favourite treks here is a circular 6.8km route that includes incredible spots like Stackpole, Barafundle, Bosherston and Broad Haven South, where you’ll visit sandy beaches and a lovely cafe serving homemade cake.
Starting from the National Trust car park at Stackpole Quay, the route first leads you over the cliffs and down the pine-fringed steps to the pristine, roadless sands of Barafundle Bay, which is frequently voted one of the best beaches in the UK.
After crossing this secluded cove, you will follow the rugged Pembrokeshire Coast Path westward to the vast, sweeping expanse of Broad Haven South.
The return journey brings you inland, leaving the sea breeze behind as you wander through the sheltered, tranquil woodlands of the Bosherston Lily Ponds.
With its mix of dramatic cliffs, sandy shores, and serene lakes, it is a magnificent, varied day out for the whole family.
From Stackpole, you’ll follow the coast path towards beautiful Barafundle Bay, rated as one of the best beaches in the world, holding a Green Coast and Seaside Award.
This semi-remote, east-facing golden cove offers a combination of soft sands, clear waters, dunes, cliffs, and a coastal path, making it a favourite for hikers and adventurous families.
Follow the route, and you’ll soon reach Broad Haven South, which stretches out in a golden sweep along the Pembrokeshire coast, where dramatic limestone cliffs tower above rolling sand dunes and the striking silhouette of Church Rock rises from the waves.
If you have time, walk from Broad Haven South to Bosherston, a tiny village five miles south of Pembroke. It is huddled around its 13th-century church, St Michael and All Angels and is home to magnificent lily ponds. Read more about my hike in this area here.
Another of my favourite short treks in Pembrokeshire combines sea views, ruins and a lush fish and chip shop in a tiny hamlet – the Abereiddi to Porthgain walk in Pembrokeshire, which is very enjoyable in winter.
This 6.3-km out-and-back trail is well known to cliff divers and is generally considered an easy route. It’s suitable for walkers of all levels, from beginners to experienced hikers, and has one of Wales’ best fish-and-chip spots along the way.
Your route can begin at either end, but I prefer to start at Abereiddi, which has a paid car park and toilet facilities. From the pebble-strewn car park, you’ll follow the waymarked trail over the cliffs towards Porthgain.
Along the way, you’ll pass the famous Blue Lagoon, a cliff diving hotspot that was once the main slate quarry for the St Brides Slate Company, which operated here until 1910. The leftover slate gives the water its stunning aqua-blue hue that photographers love.
Once you have passed the lagoon, keep following the cliff path that traces the craggy shoreline. The easy coast path continues over open grassland, skirting along the cliffs with gorgeous ocean views.
You’ll soon reach Porthgain, a fishing port described by The Guardian as “a prime spot for escaping the ills of the universe,” which once exported roadstone all over the UK and is now home to a pub, gallery and some of the best fish and chips in Wales at the Shed.
The Shed has won acclaim from Sunday Times writer Giles Coren, who called their fish and chip offering “as good as cod or haddock and chips can be”.
He added that it’s “light, fresh and crispy but not with one of those deep bronze, inedibly crunchy, stupidly show-offy batters you find in your urban gastropub.” Chef Stephen Terry has also praised the “really good fish and chips” here.
Bag a table and look out over the harbour while you tuck into some fresh seafood, such as monkfish and prawn curry or halibut with samphire and shallot, served with lemon and caper butter.
Hiking in Wales tips
Serious hikers should consider using a detailed OS Explorer map to find walking routes and public rights of way in Pembrokeshire and throughout Wales. You should also download the what3words location app as an extra safety measure.
Remember to take water with you for long walks as well. Download the Refill Wales App to find locations where you can fill your reusable water bottle with tap water for free.
The weather can be wildly unpredictable here in Wales, so wherever you hike, pack waterproofs, plenty of water and a hot tea or coffee flask.
That’s especially true when hiking in a mountainous region where conditions can change rapidly. Ramblers Cymru is also an excellent resource for walking tips, routes, and details on group walks in Wales.
It’s vital to carry a range of essentials for hiking in Wales, especially when rambling during a heatwave or a cold snap. Even experienced hikers should be prepared for the unexpected.
Do your research when comparing hiking backpacks. The general rule for outdoor bags is that the pack size you’ll need is usually linked to the length of your trip.
Typically, you want a pack between 10 and 25 litres for day hikes, but always go a bit bigger than you think you’ll need for an epic mountain walk so you can bring all the essentials. Gotta make sure there’s room for a family-sized bar of chocolate, right?
Look for high-quality hiking bags with features such as a bottom-access compartment, front and side pockets, a hip belt, inner and outer lid pockets, a walking-pole attachment, and, preferably, compatibility with hydration packs.
Pack a head torch, compass, map, water bottle or hydration pack, whistle, first aid kit, mobile phone, and warm layers.
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