The Pembrokeshire Coast Path — the only coastal trail in the UK entirely within a national park, a 186-mile (299 km) epic national trail officially opened in 1970, the first national trail in Wales. Starting from Tenby South Beach, limestone cliffs plunge vertically into azure seas, sea thrift and sea pinks sway in the wind at the cliff edge, gannets dive from overhead, grey seals bask lazily on the rocks. Passing the magnificent headland of Giltar Point, the hidden shingle beach of Lydstep Haven, the giant archway carved by waves at Church Door Cove, the 5,000-year-old Neolithic burial chamber King's Quoit, ending at Manorbier Castle — described by Gerald of Wales as "the most delightful place in Wales." In one day, walk a condensed millennium-old trail weaving together 9,000 years of human and ocean stories.
From the golden sands of Tenby South Beach to the medieval battlements of Manorbier Castle, passing cliff headlands, hidden coves and five-thousand-year-old ruins — walk a condensed version of the Welsh coastal epic in one day
Set off in the morning from Tenby South Beach — a Blue Flag beach since 2021 with fine sand backed by high dunes, the perfect starting point for the trail. Walk westward along the sand to the end and step onto Giltar Point headland — an excellent photography spot overlooking Carmarthen Bay and Caldey Island, with cod and mackerel fishing at low tide. Continue westward along the grass-covered cliff path, with limestone cliffs dropping dozens of metres vertically into azure seas below. In spring, sea thrift and oxeye daisies turn the cliff tops into a tapestry of pink-purple and bright yellow. Arrive at Lydstep Haven, a shingle and sand mixed cove surrounded by greenery, awarded Blue Flag status in 2020, a secret base for surfing and windsurfing enthusiasts. Then enter the most breathtaking geological wonder section of the entire route: Church Door Cove's giant sea arch stands like a cathedral door in the sea — pass through the arch to reach the golden sands of Skrinkle Haven. After passing the Richard Rider Memorial, pause at King's Quoit — this 5,000-year-old Neolithic burial chamber still silently overlooks the sea. The endpoint Manorbier Castle, with its rounded corner towers and majestic gatehouse, welcomes every hiker in the setting sun. Gerald of Wales called it "the most delightful place in Wales." Take the bus back to Tenby, or raise a glass at a Manorbier pub to celebrate.
A hiker's paradise pub located on the A4139 road in Lydstep village, renovated in 2023 with a blend of modern and traditional British pub atmosphere. Just a few minutes' walk from the coast path, with a large car park and outdoor beer garden making it an ideal mid-hike supply stop. The menu focuses on local ingredients: Pembrokeshire lamb, Welsh cheese, fresh fish direct from Tenby, with various gluten-free options available. Average £12-20 per person.
There are no seafood restaurants at the trail endpoint Manorbier — head back to Tenby and visit The Crab Shack by the harbour. Spider crab, lobster and mussels delivered daily from the Bristol Channel, with garlic butter baked crab claws as the signature must-order. Sit on the harbour benches watching fishing boats come and go. Average £15-25 per person.
Tenby's oldest ice cream parlour, established in 1919. Blackberry yoghurt is the locals' secret favourite, with salted caramel a recent hit. A summer afternoon cone by the harbour, watching seagulls circle — the most classic Tenby ritual. Average £3-6 per person.
A Michelin-recommended restaurant on the ground floor of Tenby Golf Club, headed by a renowned local chef focusing on the simple perfection of top-quality Welsh ingredients. Signature starter: homemade malt beer bread with Marmite butter; mains recommend Pembrokeshire beef and Cornish cod with bisque sauce; dessert: don't miss the dark chocolate fondant with tarragon ice cream. The atmosphere balances relaxed and refined. Average £25-40 per person.