Hidden Gems of the Coast Path
The coastline around Pembrokeshire is packed full of natural wonders and ancient secrets that are just waiting to be uncovered.
With 186-miles to choose from, we’ve picked our favourite treasures you might want to visit during your break.
Our Top Walks For Inspiring Discoveries
The Green Bridge of Wales
No need to adjust your eyes this is a real place and it’s less than a 30-minute drive from Bluestone. Spectacular doesn’t really come close when describing this incredible natural arch that extends out of the south coast and into the Wash Bay. The iconic 80ft sea arch is part of a dramatic stretch of coast and a breathtaking sight that you really need to experience with your own eyes.
Distance from Bluestone: 29 minutes/16.6 miles
Directions: Stack Rocks Car Park, Pembroke SA71 5EB
How to get there: Drive to the car park and then access by foot along the coast path
Elegug Stacks/Stack Rocks
After the wonder of The Green Bridge, you only walk a short distance to see Elegug Stacks, or Stack Rocks. Formed of two limestone pillars, that were once joined to form an arch, it creates a dramatic image against the cliffside. Now a haven for nesting sea birds in the area, in the Spring and Summer guillemots, razorbills can be seen crammed onto the top of the rocks, with every inch of space covered.
Distance from Bluestone: 29 minutes/16.6 miles
Directions: Stack Rocks Car Park, Pembroke SA71 5EB
How to get there: Drive to the car park and then access by foot along the coast path
St Govan’s Chapel
Another enchanting and romantic treasure is St Govan’s Chapel, an ancient holy place of worship nestled within the dramatic cliffside. With some parts dating back to the 6th century, the chapel could have easily been taken from the pages of Lord of the Rings. The petite chapel accessed by steps leading down from the cliffside and folklore states you won’t count the same number of steps going up or down.
Distance from Bluestone: 30 minutes/17.2 miles
Directions: St Govan’s Head Car Park, Pembroke SA72 6DY
How to get there: Drive to the car park and then access by foot along the coast path
Church Door Cove, Skrinkle Haven
Much of Wales looks like it could have been plucked out of a Tolkien novel and Church Door Cove is one shining example. An incredible rock formation, that looks like an open pair of doors - this natural treasure is nestled into the coastline between Manorbier and Lydstep, just to the east of Skrinkle Haven.
Best viewed from the cove's tiny beach with views out to sea, you will feel worlds away from normality, surrounded by caves, blowholes, twisted rock formations, and high red sandstone cliffs. Or if the tide is in, stick to the path that runs along the top of the cliffside - an ideal stop for a picnic (remember to take your litter home).
For a long time, it was inaccessible due to its location close to the Royal Artillery Range, which is perhaps why it’s not as well known as other treasures of the coast, but now has become a firm favourite of coast walkers and explorers.
Distance from Bluestone: 25 minutes/14.4 miles
Directions: Pembrokeshire Coast Path, Manorbier, Tenby SA70 7SH
How to get there: Drive to the car park at Lydstep Head or Manorbier YHA and then access by foot along the coast path
Huntsman’s Leap
Huntsman’s Leap is another wonder created by nature that has fascinated people for centuries. On approach, the wide cliffs narrow as they get closer to the sea and touch at the cliffside to form a deep, sheer-sided coastal gorge.
It’s believed the unique land formation got its name from a man out hunting who jumped across the chasm on his horse. On looking back and realizing what he had done, he apparently fell from his horse and died of a heart attack.
Directions: St Govan’s Head Car Park, Pembroke SA72 6DY
Distance from Bluestone: 30 minutes/17.2 miles
How to get there: Drive to the car park and then access by foot along the coast path
St Non’s Chapel
The reputed birthplace of St David, Wales’ Patron Saint, the chapel of St Non is a place of pilgrim and mystery. Sitting on the south coast of St David’s head, it was said St Non dug her hands into the cliffside as she gave birth, in the middle of the storm in the 6th century.
A place of worship was then built in honour and it has become an iconic sight along the coast ever since. You can still visit the ruins that sit overlooking the cliffside. There’s also the modern chapel dedicated to St Non and built in 1934. You can find this in front of the St Non’s Retreat Centre.
Directions: St Davids, Haverfordwest, SA62 6BN
Distance from Bluestone: 42 minutes/25 miles
How to get there: Drive to the location and then access the ruin by foot
Carn Llidi
The rocky outcrop that overlooks Whitesands Bay, Carn Llidi holds many ancient secrets. Standing at 594 feet, at the top, you can see views of Ramsey Island to the west, Strumble Head to the north, and – on a very clear summer day – across the channel to our Celtic brothers in Ireland, for a glimpse at the Wicklow Mountains.
A little closer to home is the archaeological treasures littering the slopes of the outcrop. There are two Neolithic burial chambers nestled into the southwest side of the hill, and close by to that, what’s believed to be the capstone of a megalithic chamber. Round on the northwest side there is an iron-age defensive wall and nearby, the site of prehistorical enclosures and field systems. Jump forward a few thousand years and right at the top, you’ll discover the concrete base of an early-warning radar station that was built during World War II and the remains of a Lewis gun pit.
Directions: Carn Llidi, St Davids, Haverfordwest SA62 6PS
Distance from Bluestone: 45 Minutes/26.8 miles
How to get there: Park at Whitesands Bay Beach and follow the Coast Path north towards Carn Llidi.
The Blue Lagoon, Abereiddy
Heading northwards from Whitesands Bay and you’ll find Abereiddy and the Blue Lagoon.
A remnant of the county’s industrial past, the Blue Lagoon is a recent addition to the coastline, at least in Pembrokeshire's terms. Originally a slate quarry, the lagoon was formed when it was abandoned and then flooded in the early 20th century, creating a unique and beautiful spot within the cliffs.
Famous for its picturesque setting and bright blue water, it is since been taken over by adventurers and wildlife who flock to enjoy the calm oasis of the pool nestled amongst the rocks. It’s a particular favourite spot for seals, who you may be able to spot swimming in the water and lying on the pebbled shore during autumn time.
There are ruined buildings dotted along the clifftops of the Lagoon, that are a fascinating reminder of one of Pembrokeshire’s most interesting periods of history.
Distance from Bluestone: 48 minutes/25 miles
Direction: Abereiddy, Haverfordwest SA62 6DT
How to get there: Drive to the location, park at the beach, and follow signs to the Blue Lagoon.