Best Coastal Walks in Wales

Gower Peninsula

The Gower Peninsula was the first place in the UK to be designated a National Landscape (formerly Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), and it’s easy to see why. Towering limestone cliffs create dramatic viewpoints across to Lundy Island and the north Devonshire coast when the weather is clear. The whole area is rugged and wild, with the jewel in its crown being the three mile stretch of sand in Rhossili Bay, which offers a perfect arc of pristine golden sand. This route starts at Rhossili and follows the Gower Coast Path through a varied landscape of cliffside scenery, woodland and dunes, until you reach Oxwich – home to one of Wales’ best nature reserves. Expect to see a plethora of flora, including wildflowers and orchids, alongside rare bird species such as the red-beaked chough and Dartford warbler.

For a guided tour of Oxwich National Nature Reserve and Rhossili Bay (plus an exploration of the Pembrokeshire coast), consider joining our Wildlife Adventures Wales tour.

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 18.5 km/ 11.5 miles

Another coastal walk in Wales for wildlife fanatics, Cemaes Head is a hotspot for sea birds – including guillemots, black-beaked gulls and cormorants nesting in the cliffs. There’s also a chance of spotting kestrels and buzzards swirling overhead as you make the circular route along the coastal path. The cliffs here are the highest in all of the Pembrokeshire National Park at 550 feet, offering spectacular views over Cardigan Bay and a chance of spotting dolphins in the distance, whilst a brave peek down into the coves below may reward you with a sighting of seal pups from August to October. Pink sea thrift smatters the landscape during spring and summer, followed later by yellow gorse flowers and purple heather. A recent introduction of coastal grazing means you may also spot ponies tending to the clifftop heath and grasslands.

Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Distance: 7.1 km / 4.4 miles

All Trails Description – Cemaes Head Circular

Whilst the wild coastline of Pembrokeshire will set your soul on fire, not to be missed are its coastal harbours and the city of St Davids – both of which can be visited on this short walk, which starts at Porthclais. Once a limestone port, today the narrow inlet and harbour wall provide shelter for small boats and a safe launching point for kayaking tours. It’s also extremely pretty, and during the summer, lush headland foliage reflects on the water, turning it a deep shade of emerald. This route takes you from Porthclais along the coastal path and through fields of livestock, passing the ruins of St Non’s chapel along the way (make sure you take a look inside). Once you reach St Davids (the smallest city in England and Wales), don’t forget to visit the cathedral and Bishop’s Palace, for insight into ancient Welsh history and impressive architecture.

For ease of organisation, all of the locations on this route are visited as part of our Highlights of Wales tour.

Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Distance: 4.2 km / 2.6 miles

Pembrokeshire Coast Description – Porthclais to St Davids