Character
A long Welsh coastal trek with constant up-down profile, cliffs, beaches and villages.
Coastal & Island Treks
PEM Pembrokeshire Coast Path
A Welsh coastal route with cliffs, beaches and constant ascent and descent above the sea.
Overview
Pembrokeshire Coast Path is a long coastal trek that appears accessible but cumulative elevation and changeable weather make it a proper challenge.
- Distance
- 299 km
- Time
- 12-16 days
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Total elevation gain
- 10,700 m
Route & profile
Quick orientation of the route line, start, end and elevation profile.
Wales
Stage profile2,700 m / stage
299 km
Elevation data for stage points is indicative, derived from Copernicus DEM GLO-90 after geocoding stage locations via OSM; problematic points are manually verified from map or trail sources. Verify against the specific GPX/map before your trip.
Map data: OpenStreetMap contributors, displayed via Waymarked Trails.
Planning
B&Bs and small hotels on the coast are pricier and fill quickly in summer. Camping will significantly cut costs.
May to September. Wind and rain are possible year-round; summer increases occupancy.
What to expect
Who it's for
Hikers who want the coast but don't expect a flat walk. Good for week-long sections too.
Suggested pace
12–16 days for a sporty traverse, 16–20 days at a more relaxed pace. The St Davids and Marloes sections are excellent even as short trips.
Logistics
Coastal buses help with sections, but check timetables by season. Accommodation is often B&Bs, campsites or small hotels.
Resupply & permits
Resupply
Resupply in Newport, Fishguard, St Davids, Dale, Pembroke and Tenby.
Permits & regulations
No permit; some beaches, military areas or tidal sections may have local restrictions.
Why go
- Spectacular British coastline.
- Easy sectional planning.
- A combination of beaches, cliffs and small harbours.
Watch out for
- Cumulative elevation is surprisingly high.
- Wind on the cliffs can be unpleasant.
- Tides and detours can change the day's plan.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time for Pembrokeshire Coast Path?
May to September. Wind and rain are possible year-round; summer increases occupancy.
How hard is Pembrokeshire Coast Path?
Pembrokeshire Coast Path is rated as Hard. A long Welsh coastal trek with constant up-down profile, cliffs, beaches and villages.
How many days does Pembrokeshire Coast Path take?
Pembrokeshire Coast Path usually takes 12–16 days. 12–16 days for a sporty traverse, 16–20 days at a more relaxed pace. The St Davids and Marloes sections are excellent even as short trips.
Do I need a permit for Pembrokeshire Coast Path?
No permit; some beaches, military areas or tidal sections may have local restrictions.
What about resupply on Pembrokeshire Coast Path?
Resupply in Newport, Fishguard, St Davids, Dale, Pembroke and Tenby.
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- Time
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Photos from trekkers
Real shots from the trail by people who walked it — coming soon.