Porthgain to Abereiddy Coast Walk
The big attraction of this stretch of coastline is the stunning sight of the Blue Lagoon, an abandoned slate quarry, and an old harbour just north of Abereiddy beach.
The slate lurking under the water gives it its shimmering blue colour which sparkles under a high sun like an exotic hidden cove. It’s also popular for watersports - and a well-known coasteering and kayaking spot.
Don’t just leap in though - aside from being deep and cold, the strong currents are not to be underestimated and it’s best to submerge yourself in the company of an organised group. Otherwise, stick to the coast path and take in the cliff-top views.
Abereiddy beach itself has dark sand from the nearby slate and it’s pebbly but still fun for children to muck about on. You can park at the beach but it’s restricted and if it’s a lovely day you might not get a space.
Walking Guide
Walk time: About an hour and a half
Difficulty: Some steep steps in places but not too bad
Distance from Bluestone: 45 minutes
Toilets: At Abereiddy beach and in Porthgain itself
Parking: The limited parking at Abereiddy means it's better to walk from Porthgain and take in the sights, or park up in St David’s and take the shuttle bus over.
Food and drink: There’s a popular pub called The Sloop which dates back to 1743 in Porthgain, plus a fish and chip bistro called The Shed right on the harbour which you’ll walk past on your way to the coast path.
For the purposes of this walking park at Porthgain, which is about a 45-minute drive from Bluestone taking the B4330 off the A40 from Haverfordwest.
1. Find your way down to Porthgain’s picturesque harbour and pick up the coast path and head left (south). You should climb some steps out of Porthgain.
2. Keep following the coast path and it should take you round a sharp left - keep going and you will be rewarded with great views from the high cliffs. There will be some steps down to a small cove on the way if you fancy a detour but beware of the rip tides lurking in the water.
3. Continue over a grassy area and you’ll eventually reach the Blue Lagoon. Take some time here but mind the sudden cliffs. The path then winds its way down to Abereiddy beach.
4. From here you have three options - go back the way you came, take the shuttle bus back to Porthgain (it also goes to St David’s), or take the path inland back to Porthgain.
5. If you want to go inland, head to the little car park and toilets and pick up a footpath indicated by yellow arrows that will take you over a grassy area where you’ll eventually come to some farm cottages.
6. From here, take the path back to Porthgain.