The Pembrokeshire Coast Path
Here's what the Lonely Planet guide has to say about
our stretch of coastline: "The coast from St. David's to Fishguard
(and beyond) is far less touristy than southern Pembrokeshire. The
coves and beaches if they're accessible at all, are reached by winding
lanes and footpaths. If you're only going to walk part of the Pembrokeshire
Coast Path, this is an excellent section to tackle. On the way are
splendidly located hostels and numerous farmhouse B & B's." We
couldn't have put it better ourselves. Experienced walkers can manage
Fishguard to St. David's with one over-night stop but it
involves a long haul of 20 miles on one of the days. If you can manage
a little more time we'd suggest staying at the spectacularly located
YHA youth hostel at Pwll Deri, the next at the spectacularly
characterful Old School Hostel, Trefin and then head on to St. David's.
You then have three pleasant not too short, not too long days with enough
time to stop and linger at special spots and have a leisurely lunch
on the way. This is a great mini-break for all and something a little
different for families to try. Kids love the novelty and adventure
of their first proper long distance walk. Fishguard to Trefin is an
exhilarating stretch of coast with only one tiny hamlet encountered
in 20 miles and Trefin to St. David's is full of interest too. A good
tip is to stop off at "the best pub in the county" (The Rough
Guide) for breakfast! The Sloop at Porthgain opens at
9.30 and serves everything from croissants and pancakes to 'The Whole
Hog' extravagant fry-up. It's about a 45 minute walk from us. There's
another finely situated YHA youth hostel near St. David's and
the miniscule city is worth an extra day to explore. After a long walk
it's a great place just to potter around the interesting shops and galleries
following a leisurely visit to the cathedral. There's a 2 hourly bus
service back to Fishguard (where the car parks are free by the way),
and regular buses from there to the train station in Haverfordwest.
There's also one early afternoon train between Fishguard Harbour station
and Cardiff every day. See our 'Getting Here from There' page for more
travel information and our 'Links' page for details of other budget
accommodation on the coast path.
Top Tip: Food
Bear in mind that places to eat are few and far
between on our stretch of coast. Pwll Deri Youth Hostel is self catering,
run by volunteers and has a very limited shop. There are no shops or cafes,
restaurants or pubs within walking distance. There's a cafe at Tregwynt Mill
about a mile from the path, half way between Pwll Deri and Trefin and the
nearest shop to us is a mile away. In Trefin The Ship Inn serves evening
meals and then there's the Sloop (which serves breakfast) less than
an hours walk from us at Porthgain. At Abereiddy which you should arrive
at by late morning or lunch time there's a seasonal 'snack wagon' a cut above
the rest which serves fair trade tea and coffee and, in high season, organic
baguettes. After that there's nothing but glorious empty coastline until
you reach Whitesands Bay which has a seasonal cafe. St. Davids Youth Hostel
is also self catering with a very limited shop by the way.
Top Tip2: Go on, stay an extra day...
If you like, you're welcome to leave your car with us
while you walk the path. Also, from the beginning of May until nearly
the end of September you might like to consider that there's an early
evening 'Strumble Shuttle' bus from us to Newport where you could
spend your first night in the pleasant YHA youth hostel there and then
walk an extra day on the fine stretch of coast from Newport via Dinas
Head to Fishguard.
Top Tip 3: Real Ale
If you're walking from Newport be sure to stop
off for a drink at The Ship in Lower Town, Fishguard as you near the end
of your walk for that day. Its a cosy friendly place and in an age of bland
pub chains this is the real McCoy!
Top Tip 4: Bluebells
Some of our photos look better enlarged. The one
below with bluebells on the cliff top for example. Simply click on
most of the photos throughout this website to enlarge them.
