Pembrokeshire Coast Path

Macs Adventure has been organizing self-guided hiking vacations along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path for over 10 years. The Coast Path is still as popular as it was when we first launched it, and it continues to be in demand by walkers who are keen to tick this national trail off their list. The PCP is Wales' original national trail having been established in the 1970's. It offers 186 miles of the unspoilt coastline of Wales' most westerly peninsula. 

We offer a tried and tested Pembrokeshire Coast Path experience staying in comfortable B&Bs, guesthouses, and hotels. We carry your bags to lighten your load so you can concentrate on simply putting one foot in front of the other and enjoying all this delightful corner of Wales has to offer. You can book with confidence that we have it all covered for you. 

We want to showcase our expertise, by giving you all the resources you will ever need. We have over forty 4 & 5 star reviews from satisfied clients. Our Destination Specialists have their own experiences of walking in Pembrokeshire and are waiting to answer your questions. 

Q. How can I see the puffins?

A. The puffins are the real star of the PCP's abundant wildlife. These cute and colourful birds are very popular and many hikers want to know the best time and way to see them. To see the puffins, take a 15 minute boat trip from Martin's Haven (a short shuttle bus ride from Marloes) to Skomer Island. We recommend adding an extra day to your itinerary if you would like to go to Skomer Island (unless you are doing the Best of Pembrokeshire itinerary which already includes a day for Skomer). The island is home to the biggest puffin colony in southern Britain. The boat runs from the 1st of April or Good Friday, whichever is earliest, until the 30th of September. The island is closed on Mondays. So if you are planning to add an extra day to do the trip, make sure it doesn't fall on a Monday! The peak season for the puffins is May to mid-July. The boat trip is understandably very popular, especially during this peak season. Tickets are on a first come first served basis and cannot be pre-booked, therefore an early start is recommended to avoid disappointment. It should also be noted that trips can be cancelled due to bad weather.

Q. How fit do I need to be?

A. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path covers 186 miles and has a cumulative ascent/descent of 35,000 ft. which is said to be the equivalent of climbing Everest! However, don't let these figures put you off walking the Coast Path. Although the trail is undulating with some steep sections, we have several different itineraries and there is something to suit everyone who is interested in the PCP. Our range of itineraries are graded moderate or moderate-strenuous. The south section is considered the easiest section and the trail becomes increasingly difficult as it reaches the north. If you are planning on completing the whole trail in one go, we recommend being an experienced and fit walker. If you are a beginner then we recommend committing to a fitness regime beforehand to make sure you are fit enough to take on the tour, and to be able to enjoy it! Don't forget, if you are nervous about taking on several days of walking one after the other, you can add rest days wherever you would like. Just ask your Destination specialists for advice on the best places to spend a free day. 

Q. When is the best time of year to walk in Pembrokeshire?

A. Walking in Pembrokeshire is best enjoyed anytime between March and the beginning of October. From the start of May until the end of June, grassy and wood sections will be filled with wildflowers like bluebells. Spring also tends to be quieter, as well as fall (September/beginning of October). The popular summer months can be busy, but on the other hand, the weather tends to be at its best and the towns are vibrant and full of atmosphere.  

The Trail

Located in south-west Wales, the trail was Wales' first national trail and was founded in 1970. At 186 miles in length it takes in over 50 beaches, over 40 Iron Age forts, 149 bridges, 3,779 steps and 530 signposts, so you'll be hard pushed to get lost! The highest point of the trail is only 175m above sea level at Pen yr Afr and the lowest is at -2m at Sandy Haven that is crossed during low tide. The trail can be walked from South to North, or North to South. At Macs we offer it from South to North as we find this is the best way to tackle it as the trail gets progressively harder starting in the South.

St David's 

A short detour from the trail allows a visit to Britain’s smallest city! St. David’s is a conservation city with a population of just over 1,600 people. The title of city was only given to St. David's in 1995, it was done so by Queen Elizabeth II. Named after the patron saint of Wales, who lived there, the city is home to a spectacular cathedral. The cathedral dates back to the 12th century and is built from local stone that has pink and grey hues. Also in St David's is the Bishop's Palace, a gothic ruin that sits on the opposite side of the river from the cathedral. The ruins are dramatic and moody and provide the backdrop for open-air theatre in the summer time. 

Wildlife

The Pembrokeshire Coast Path is obviously famous for its puffins, but did you know there is a whole range of wildlife on offer? The trail's rugged and untouched coastline is the perfect place for wildlife to flourish, and as a walker you may be lucky enough to see some of it up close. Look out for choughs, skylarks and the stonechat in the heathland. Further out you might spot the Atlantic grey seal with its pups, or dolphins and porpoises amongst the waves. There are a range of boat trips and excursions from various places in Pembrokeshire for wildlife spotting. If there is something in particular you would like to see, it's worth doing a bit of research beforehand and adding an extra day along the way for an excursion.