The High-Exposure Footpaths of North & South Pembrokeshire
Established in 1970 as Wales’ first National Trail, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path is often experienced in manageable four-mile loops around St Davids or Saundersfoot. However, long-distance through-hikers and experienced day trekkers gravitate toward the rugged northern shelf between Fishguard and Strumble Head, or the restricted military expanses along the Castlemartin peninsula.
Segment 1: Strumble Head to Pwll Deri
The traverse from Strumble Head Lighthouse south-west toward Pwll Deri encompasses some of the wildest cliff architecture in the United Kingdom. Rising out of volcanic rock formations, the trail climbs steeply over Garn Fawr, an ancient Iron Age fortress overlooking the Irish Sea. Footing along this stretch consists of narrow single-track through gorse and heather, with sheer vertical drops exceeding 100 meters directly into churning sea swells.
The youth hostel at Pwll Deri perches precariously on the cliff lip, offering unmatched views of fulmars riding updrafts. Hikers must carry full hydration packs, as there are no resupply points between Goodwick and Trefin along this 14-mile segment.
Segment 2: Castlemartin Range West
In South Pembrokeshire, the Castlemartin Peninsula contains extensive Carboniferous limestone cliffs that are part of an active Ministry of Defence tank firing range. Range West is closed to civilian transit during live firing exercises throughout the week. Access is permitted strictly during specified weekend opening windows following an annual visitor safety briefing.
Those who venture into Range West cross unploughed coastal limestone plateau grasslands that have remained free of modern agricultural pesticides for decades. The coastline features dramatic natural arches, including the Green Bridge of Wales and the adjacent sea stacks known as the Elegug Stacks, where thousands of guillemots and razorbills nest on razor-thin ledges.
Segment 3: The Marloes Peninsula & Deer Park
Protruding boldly toward Skomer Island, the Marloes Peninsula combines dramatic Old Red Sandstone cliffs with sweeping views of the treacherous tidal race known as Jack Sound. The Deer Park, despite its name, was an uncompleted 18th-century deer enclosure and now provides a windswept promontory loop where seals can be spotted hauled out in subterranean caves below.
Logistical Planning: Coastal Shuttles and Waymarking
Navigating linear day treks without two vehicles requires using the seasonal coastal bus network. Dedicated shuttle services—including the Poppit Rocket (St Dogmaels to Fishguard), the Strumble Shuttle (Fishguard to St Davids), and the Coastal Cruiser (serving the Angle and Castlemartin peninsulas)—run specifically to drop off and recover trail walkers at remote trailheads.
Trail Equipment & Hazard Checklist
| Equipment / Factor | Specification Recommendation | Safety Justification |
|---|---|---|
| Footwear | Vibram-lugged mid-height boots | Slippery wet slate and sharp limestone scree require ankle stability |
| Weather Layer | Minimum 15,000mm hydrostatic head shell | Atlantic squalls develop rapidly with zero natural tree cover on cliffs |
| Hydration | Minimum 2.5 Litres per person | No water stations along remote northern 15-mile sections |
| Navigation | OS Explorer Maps OL35 & OL36 | Dead-zone mobile coverage across 65% of northern cliff routes |
Trail Etiquette & Conservation
The Pembrokeshire Coast Path traverses private farmland, National Trust reserves, and nature sanctuaries. Walkers are strictly required to keep dogs on short leads around livestock and nesting seabirds, close all farm gates, and adhere strictly to marked cliff paths to prevent edge erosion on friable shale ledges.