7 Days & 6 Nights

4.6

Pembrokeshire Coast Path North | 7 Days

Walk the Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail
Hidden bays and sleepy fishing villages
The city of St David's, surprisingly the smallest in Britain
Spot seals and puffins in their natural habitat
Follow trails atop cliff’s, with the crashing Atlantic waves below

The northern section of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path presents the walker with challenging but rewarding days along wilder and more remote terrain. The route follows rugged coastline along the westerly peninsula of Wales. Secluded beaches, castle ruins and sleepy fishing villages are a few of the sights you will see on this walk which skirts the Pembrokeshire National Park. Breathe in the scent of wild herbs and flowers as you follow undulating cliff tops trails, listening to waves crashing in the sea caves below. Watch for puffins and seals who enjoy the coastal habitat and take a well deserved rest in one of the many secluded coves en route. This walk will leave you energised, revived and will inspire the senses.

From £960.00

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Itinerary

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Day 1 Arrive St David's and overnight

St Davids is the smallest city in Britain and no visit to this area would be complete without a visit to St Davids Cathedral. There is no train station but you can reach the city by bus, from Swansea takes around 3 hours.

Overnight St Davids

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Ty-boia | Bed and breakfast

Centrally located, we are just a short walk to the historic St. David’s Cathedral, Bishops Palace, local restaurants, cafe’s and pubs, shops and galleries. The renowned Pembrokeshire Coast Path is minutes away, as are the many beautiful beaches and coves this special place has to offer – whether you are walking, cycling, busing or driving. Tŷ Boia offers private parking, bike facilities and the bus stop is about 50 yards up the street. The B&B has its own separate access, hallway and stairs, so there’s no need for tiptoeing around, equally as beneficial to us as to you with our two young children!

Ty Helyg | Bed and breakfast

Tŷ Helyg is a newly refurbished family run quality Bed and Breakfast set within the UK’s smallest city, St Davids, Pembrokeshire. They are proud to present a B&B with ample parking just minutes walk from city centre and the most visited heritage site in Wales, St Davids Cathedral, along with its shops, restaurants and public houses. They have 3 modern bedrooms, each with en-suite shower or private bathroom, flat-screen Freeview TV and full tea and coffee making facilities. WiFi access is also available throughout.

The Waterings | Bed and breakfast

The Waterings derives its name from a sheltered cove on Ramsey Island, the only deep water safe haven of the St David’s Peninsula, where in days gone by sailing ships anchored overnight and took on fresh water. Situated in a quiet relaxing location close to the National Park Visitor Centre, the Waterings is a short walk from the city centre and its 800 year old Cathedral.

Day 2 St Davids to Whitesands Bay. Take bus back to St David's 8.5 miles / 14 km

On today's walk you will experience a feeling of isolation as you wander along the windswept wild headlands. If you are lucky you may spot seals along the shoreline or perhaps a school of dolphins on a clear day.

Tonight you will be staying overnight in St Davids. It is a short bus journey from Whitesand's Bay and details of this are in your digital documents. Out of season, a taxi will need to be organised.

Ascent: +66m / Descent: -115m

Overnight St Davids

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Ty-boia | Bed and breakfast

Ty Helyg | Bed and breakfast

The Waterings | Bed and breakfast

Day 3 Bus to Whitesands Bay. Walk to Abercastle 14 miles / 22 km

After a short bus transfer back to Whitesand's Bay, embark on your walk to Abercastle. In some coves, you will find the remains of old mining buildings and tram lines.

Ascent: +770m / Descent: -775m

There is limited accommodation in Abercastle. Therefore if the accommodation is full, we will arrange included return transfers via Fishguard or Goodwick.

Overnight Abercastle

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Garn Isaf | Bed and breakfast

Garn Isaf has been a homestead since the 16^th Century and has now been completely modernised to create comfort and style for B&B guests. All rooms are en-suite and have their own sitting area with wall mounted, flat screen televisions that incorporate DVD/CD players. They also each have built-in dressing tables, and all have tea and coffee making facilities and a radio alarm clock.

Fern Villa | Bed and breakfast

Fern Villa is a spacious old Victorian house set in an acre of mature gardens. They provide lovely comfortable rooms which are centrally heated and carpeted. Equipped with Freeview TVs, hairdryers, extra blankets, clock radio alarms and a complimentary hospitality tray which includes tea, coffee and hot chocolate. Fresh milk and herbal teas are available on request. Towels and toiletries are provided. An iron and ironing board are available for guests use and free Wi-Fi. Their terraced gardens extend to 3/4 acres and the views from here are outstanding. Why not sit outside and relax on a summers evening and enjoy the peace and quiet.

Ferryboat Inn B&B | Country Inn

They have 7 en-suite guestrooms which are comfortable, stylish, clean and fresh. They are furnished with solid oak furniture, hotel standard beds, Toshiba Flat screen LCD TVs, Sony clock radios and Mira Showers. Their hospitality tray includes tea, coffee, hot chocolate plus a bottle of Welsh spring water with fresh milk and herbal teas available on request. Toiletries are complimentary in each en-suite. Free wifi is available in all the rooms.

Day 4 Abercastle to Goodwick 15.5 miles / 25 km

An almost rollercoaster-like section, as you walk up and down many sections of the wild coastline. The highlight of this stage probably comes around the halfway point, Strumble Head, an iconic lighthouse perched on a rocky outcrop - offering a stunning backdrop before the final stretch to Goodwick where you descend through lush green valleys into Fishguard Bay.

Ascent: +610m / Descent: -575m

1. If you overnighted in Goodwick or Fishguard last night due to a lack of availability in the Abercastle accommodation, a return taxi transfer will take you back to Abercastle in the morning.

2. The distances noted above are for walking from Abercastle to Goodwick. Due to availability, you may be overnighting in Fishguard. If staying in Fishguard you will add approximately 3 km / 1.5 miles to today's walk. You can also opt to take a local bus when you arrive in Goodwick to Fishguard. (For the purists, you catch the bus back the following morning to Goodwick to carry on where you left off).

Overnight Goodwick

Overnight Fishguard

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Fern Villa | Bed and breakfast

Ferryboat Inn B&B | Country Inn

Manor Town House | Hotel

Manor Town is a 4-star guest house offering luxurious hotel accommodation. This hotel is 300 years old and is a Georgian listed townhouse. You can relax in your individually decorated room, many with original fireplaces and antique furniture. There is also a welcome tray offering complimentary spring water, fair trade tea and coffee and a wide range of toiletries, dressing gown and fluffy white towels in each room. Rooms are also all en-suite with free WIFI access.

Day 5 Goodwick to Newport 13.5 miles / 21.5 km

This stretch is a mix of rugged cliffs, serene coves, and sweeping sea views. Starting from the peaceful town of Goodwick, the path winds through the quaint village of Fishguard before continuing along the dramatic coastline, passing through areas rich in wildlife and historical sites. The route provides ample opportunities to spot seabirds and enjoy the natural beauty of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

Ascent: +601m / Descent: -619m

The distances noted above are for walking from Goodwick to Newport. If you stayed overnight in Fishguard (due to availability) you will shorten the walk by approximately 3 km / 1.5 miles today.

Overnight Newport

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

The Golden Lion | Inn

The Golden Lion is located very centrally in Newport and provides wonderful and modern rooms with en-suite facilities.

Castle Inn | Inn

The accommodation offers three comfortable & spacious rooms. All rooms have a bathroom en-suite with television and tea & coffee making facilities.

Cnapan Guest House | Bed and breakfast, Guest House

Cnapan is a Guest House in the centre of the historic town of Newport Pembrokeshire. We offer comfortable, relaxing bed and breakfast (B&B) accommodation in our five en-suite bedrooms.

Cnapan is located between the beautiful Preseli Hills and the spectacular Pembrokeshire National Park Coast and has been featured in the Good Hotel Guide over 30 years. It is a Georgian townhouse house, with a “lived-in” and loved feeling, from the generous hallway with its traditional oak Welsh dresser, you will immediately feel at home in this comfortable house. We have a licenced bar, sitting room, quiet rear garden all for guests use. Plus a separate bathroom for guests to enjoy a soak.

Cnapan lies within easy walking distance of a variety of shops, galleries, cafés, pubs as well as the coastal path, Traeth Mawr (Newport sands) , Carningli and the Preseli Hills.

Three generations of the Lloyds and Coopers have run Cnapan since 1984. Michael & Judith Cooper and staff will give you the warmest of welcomes on your arrival at Cnapan.

Day 6 Newport to Cardigan 17 miles / 27.5 km

After stocking up on suppliers for the day you will start today's tough yet rewarding walk. This will likely be the most challenging section of the entire coast path due to the higher elevations along the coast. Whilst the end of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path is officially in St Dogmaels, there are no accommodations currently situated here so you will normally be staying in Cardigan instead. Our track on the Macs App goes directly into Cardigan and the extra 1.5 miles (3km) are accounted for in the distances noted.

Ascent: +1170m / Descent: -1170m

On the rare occasion, that there is no availability in Cardigan, an included return taxi transfer will take you to the nearby village of Gwbert.

Overnight Cardigan

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Albion Aberteifi Hotel | Hotel

The Albion Aberteifi Hotel is designed to celebrate the maritime heritage of the town. While maintaining the heritage of the town and building, this accommodation has modern facilities, offering a laundry service, en suite rooms, and an in-house restaurant.

Llety Teifi | Guest House

Llety Teifi is a relaxed family-run boutique style guest house accommodation in Cardigan just off the main High Street. All bedrooms at the guesthouse are en-suite with power shower, enjoy a Welsh welcome tray with tea and coffee making facilities and biscuits in the bedrooms. The perfect end to your holiday!

The Cliff Hotel and Spa | Hotel

With expansive, beautiful hotel grounds, the Cliff Hotel and Spa is located on the coast of Cardigan Bay overlooking Poppit Sands and Cardigan Island. With excellent spa facilities you can unwind and enjoy the facilities and treatments provided at the spa.

Day 7 Onward Travel from Cardigan

THIS TRIP'S CARBON SCORE

This trip has a carbon score of 11kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 11kg is equivalent to 2 Neapolitan margherita pizzas. Buon appetito!. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information on how we've carbon counted our trips.

Reviews

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Other Information

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Is it for me?

If you enjoy coastal walking with endless sandy beaches, cliff top views and plenty of wildlife then this could be the walk for you. Take the challenge and walk the full length in a fortnight or split the walking into the beaches of the South, the varied central section or the rugged and remote North.

Trip Type:

Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way, Tour Du Mont Blanc and the Passau to Vienna Danube Cycle Path, to name but a few!

Activity:

Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&Bs, inns, and guesthouses.

This trip is suitable for:

Solo Travellers, Families with Teens

The minimum age for this tour is: 12 Years

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Long-Distance Trails

Coastal Walking

Grade & Terrain

This tour is graded moderate to strenuous depending on which itinerary you choose. For those wishing to complete the entire walk, it is advisable that you have some previous long-distance walking experience.

The route is a mixture of paths, beach walking and clifftop paths. Some of the sections can be rocky and steep as you traverse the cliffs. You will often encounter steps as you ascend and descend between the coves.

Accommodation & Meals

Accommodation Information

You will stay in a mixture of carefully chosen hotels, country inns, B&B’s, small hotels and guest houses.

If, in order to confirm your booking, we need to use an accommodation for you that is too far from the trail, or in an alternate location, or it is not possible to reach by public transportation, we will include the transfers for you as part of the cost of the tour and these are outlined in your travel documents. (Whitesands Bay is the exception - see below)

There is no accommodation in Whitesands Bay, therefore if your itinerary involves walking to Whitesands Bay you will spend 2 nights in St David's. You can use a short public bus ride in order to get to and from this location. This bus only runs in season (starts in early May). If you choose to walk in April we can organise taxi transfers for you but it will be at your own cost.

Additional Nights

Many of our clients choose to add extra nights along the walk to sample more of the wonderful walking and attractions available on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. St David’s, Pembroke and Tenby are great for recovery days or simply sightseeing opportunities. Solva is a magical village tucked into the hillside and there are plenty of circular walks over the cliffs that can demand an extra day. The naturalists amongst you will not want to miss the chance to take a boat trip out from St David’s to see the RSPB reserve and seals at Ramsay Island.

Accommodation Location

We will always try and accommodate you at the locations detailed in the tour itinerary. Occasionally, because of limited availability, we may have to accommodate you into alternative accommodations which are not listed in the description. If those listed are unavailable the alternative accommodation will be of the same or better standard than those described.

Single Rooms

If you require single rooms within your party we will always try and accommodate you, subject to availability. A single supplement is payable.

Solo Walkers

This walking holiday is available to solo walkers but as we incur additional baggage transfer costs there is a solo walker supplement payable.

Meals

A hearty breakfast is included each morning. Lunch and dinner are not included. Most of your accommodation will be more than happy to provide a packed lunch on request. Dinner is available either at your accommodation or at nearby pubs or restaurants.

Navigation What's Included

Included

Overnights in B&B's, small hotels, guest houses and country inns
Daily breakfasts
Luggage transfers
Access to maps, GPX tracks with the Macs Adventure smartphone navigation app
Transfers as described in your departure documents (as necessary)
Emergency telephone support from our office in the event of a problem
All your trip documents provided digitally through your online Macs ‘My Account’

Excluded

Lunches, dinners, snacks and drinks
Entrance fees (where applicable)
Transport should you need to skip a stage (public or taxis)
Travel Insurance

Extras

Additional nights

When to go Travel & Transfers

Getting to the Start

By Bus—St David’s doesn't have a train station but you can reach the city by bus. From Swansea, it takes approx 3H. From Cardiff, approximately 4H.

By Air - Cardiff is the closest airport, Bristol is also an option as are the London airports.

For more information Travel Cymru is a useful website.

Getting from the End

Your tour finishes in either St Davids, Dogmaels or Cardigan. If you finish in St Dogmaels you can either catch a bus back to Fishguard (35mins) and then the train to Cardiff (1H30) or take a bus/taxi to Cardigan and travel on from there. You can take a bus to Carmarthan from Cardigan and then a trail from here to either Swansea or Cardiff. Useful details may be found on the Travel Cymru website.

Please be aware that there are no buses running from St Dogmaels or Cardigan to adjoining towns on a Sunday, we, therefore, recommend that you avoid having your onward travel day land on a Sunday if possible. Alternatively, we provide a telephone number for a taxi firm who will take you all the way back to Amroth for a reasonable cost.

Baggage Transfer

At Macs Adventure, we work in partnership with many luggage transfer providers who set a limit on how many bags/suitcases they will transfer per person, and also the weight of the bag/suitcase. Your booking includes transfer of 1 bag per person up to 18 kg. It is very important that you read the luggage information specific to your tour before departure. If you do not adhere to these limits, there is a great possibility that you will be charged locally both for extra bags or if they are too heavy. This limitation can be a challenge, especially as airlines generally have limits that are higher. However, our luggage providers have reasons for these limits (usually due to the Health and Safety of their employees), which we must respect.

If you are travelling from far afield and do have more than one bag it is possible to arrange for the extra luggage to be stored whilst you are on the tour. (There may be a small charge for this). These additional bags would be picked up at your accommodation at the start point and dropped off wherever you finish depending on the itinerary you choose to do. Please contact us if you are interested in this option.

Info & FAQ

General Information

Daily Distances

Since not all the accommodations are directly on the path, you may be walking extra distances to reach your accommodation, so you will need to take this into consideration when calculating your daily distances as our GPS tracks and distances noted in your document and on our website do not normally include these additional mileages. Also, please be aware that we have calculated the daily distances on our Macs Adventure Smartphone App so they may not necessarily be the same as listed in the recommended guidebook.

Castlemartin firing ranges

IMPORTANT: The UK's Ministry of Defence uses a section of the Pembrokeshire Coast to carry out military drills. These drills take place throughout the summer months and can lead to the Wales Green Bridge/Bosherton to St Govan's sections being closed on the Bosherton to Angle walk (complete itineraries) or Bosherton Loop Walk (South Itinerary). A shorter detour needs to be taken that goes away from the coast if you happen to be walking on a day that it's closed off due to the drills.

Background information: These drills were rare before 2022 but since 2023 (likely due to current world affairs) they have started taking place more regularly throughout the summer months - in some cases, it is every weekday of the month (Monday to Friday) - you can see their schedule here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/castlemartin-firing-notice--2 - it should be noted that the timetables generally do not get announced till around 2-3 weeks before so we cannot guarantee this section will be open for the dates of your trip. To give yourself the best chance of this section being accessible we recommend trying to time your trip, that this particular walk lands on a Saturday or Sunday. That said it can never be guaranteed.

Tidal Information

Please be aware that certain sections will be affected by tides which may have an impact on the daily walking distance and your ability to undertake certain sections at specific times of the day. These sections included:

Between Iron Bridge, Newport, and Newport Sands
West of Monkton, Pembroke
Bullwell Bay at Popton, near Angle
Point Lane, Angle.

The following link to the Pembrokeshire coast path trail website give the necessary information about passing these sections. For more information on tide times in the UK you can also visit: https://www.tidetimes.org.uk/

Onward Travel Day - No Bus Service on a Sunday

Equipment

Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes and a day pack.

Online Documents

At Macs Adventure we care about the environment! We’re taking action to minimize the impact we have by converting the majority of our tour documentation for online delivery.

On this tour, all your detailed tour information will be digitally delivered. You will have access to this documentation via “My Account” on our website.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.