Pembrokeshire has one of the most spectacular coastlines in the British Isles. This walk includes some of its most beautiful stretches, featuring magnificent cliffs, hidden beaches, varied birdlife and some interesting fishing villages and historic towns, including the cathedral town of St. Davids. The Coastal Bus makes possible a flexible walking programme.
Itinerary:
Day 1. Newport
Arrival Newport, Pembrokeshire, a small town at the mouth of the Afon Nyfer (River Nevern).
Day 2. Newport - Moylgrove Coastal - Newport
Take the Bus to Moylgrove Coastal and then walk back to Newport in about 5.5 hours via the coastal path. You start from 150m high cliffs with spectacular views and finish on the flat Newport Sands at the mouth of the Afon Nyfer. Overnight in Newport
Walking: 15 km
Day 3. Newport - Fishguard
A hike of about 6 hours to the larger town of Fishguard. Walk around beautiful Dinas Island, in fact a peninsula, enjoying the richly coloured moors on the coastal hills. Overnight in Fishguard
Walking: 18 km
Day 4. Fishguard - Trefin
Today you walk mostly along the rugged rocky coast, and around Strumble Head. The rocks of the hinterland of Pembrokeshire provided the building blocks for the magnificent stone circle at Stonehenge. After about 6.5 hours, you reach the hamlet of Tref Asser and then using the Coastal bus drive 25 minutes to the friendly village of Trefin, near the coast. Overnight in Trefin
Walking: 20 km
Day 5. Trefin
Return by bus to Tref Asser and continue along the coastal path from where you left it yesterday, passing some beautiful sandy coves in the lee of rocky cliffs. Hiking time: about 5.5 hours. Overnight in Trefin
Walking: 18 km
Day 6. Trefin - St. David's
From Trefin walk to Porthgain where you see the remains of the slate industry in Wales and continue along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path to White Sands Bay. Here you can take a bus for the short 2.5 km run to St. Davids, a pretty town hidden in the Alun Valley. Total walking time to St. David's is approximately 6.5 hours. Overnight in St. David's.
Walking: 19 km
Day 7. St. David's - White Sands Bay - St. David's
Take the bus to White Sands Bay and the coastal path continues to the fishing village of Solva. Below the cliffs are inaccessible beaches, populated by seals in the autumn. In Solva, take the bus back to St. David’s, walking time: 5.5 hours. You can also visit the bird-rich Ramsey Islands or do a Whale Safari (www.ramseyisland.co.uk). Overnight in St. David’s.
Walking: 19 km
Day 8. Deprature
The tour ends after breakfast.
Practical information: ► You will walk between 13 and 18 km per day over beaches, cliffs, and (un)paved roads, with a height between 350 and 550 m. There are some short, steep climbs, but these are very well maintained. Sometimes, you will walk inland from the coastal path to reach your accommodation or bus stop. ►Because the accommodation is a short distance from the coast, the coastal bus is essential. The Coastal Bus (eg Poppin Rocket and Puffin Shuttle) travels up and down the coast between villages. You usually overnight for two nights in each destination, and the walking programme is formulated to tie in with the bus schedule. The rides last 10-30 minutes. The advantage of this is that you can easily insert a day of rest, or walks can be shortened in case of bad weather. A weekly pass costs approx. £60 ►Cardiff is the closest airport, walkers will have to take a bus from the airport to Rhoose (bus 905) train station and then train to Haverfordwest, changing at Bridgend with a final bus to Newport (412/T5). Alternatively you could take the T9 bus from Cardiff airport to Cardiff, then take a train to Haverfordwest from Cardiff Central and then take the 412/T5 bus to Newport. Journey time approx. 5 hrs. To get back to Cardiff from St David's, customers would take the 411 bus to Haverford West and then train either to Cardiff Central or to Rhoose via Bridgend. Train table and prices can be checked here: www.nationalrail.co.uk
Recommended travel period of the year: April - October
Nessesary equipment: sturdy walking boots and walking socks (with a change of socks in rucksack), small rucksack/day pack, 1 x water bottle with 1 litre capacity, insect repellent, sun glasses, sun hat, sun block/cream, compass, torch, first-aid kit