Pembrokeshire

Nowhere are the beautiful beaches and imposing headlands of Wales more accessible to the walker than in Britain’s only coastal National Park, Pembrokeshire.

This remote corner of the south-west is home to the longest of the three National Trails, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path – a 186 mile long meandering odyssey that hugs the surf between St Dogmaels and Amroth.

The walking is enthralling, with most of the miles on narrow cliff-top paths that run over headlands and down to the sea. The trail passes through some breathtaking scenery. From rugged headlands that jut stubbornly out into thunderous seas, to narrow crescents of bone-white sand, lapped upon by a cerulean ocean.

Sea birds fill the skies whilst porpoises, seals and even dolphins vie for your attention in the waves.

Preseli Hills

The bluestones of Stonehenge come from Pembrokeshire’s Preseli Hills, and were hewn from the rugged tor of Carn Menyn. Close to Carn Menyn runs the Golden Road, an ancient track that would have been a main trade route between Wessex and Ireland when bears and wolves still roamed the valleys.

Nearby, Iron Age earthworks and burial cairns adorn a loftier summit. A stone circle named Beddarthur (Arthur’s Grave), draws attention to the legend of the Mabinogion. Arthur and his knights crossed the ridge and fought Twrch Trwyth, the magic boar, on Cwmcerwyn.

History and legend aside, walking in the Preseli Hills makes a refreshing interlude from the stunning coast path. The views from the tops seem to go on forever.

Find out more about Pembrokeshire

Find out more about Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

Some useful links:

• Pembrokeshire Tourism
• Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority
• BBC Weatherman Walking