St Davids is the smallest city in Britain which was awarded in 1995 although the roots of St Davids go back to the 5th century when St David himself lived here. St Davids was designated as a conservation area by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park in 1972 and the Peninsula has some of the most magnificent coastal scenery in Pembrokeshire. This is the heart of The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and The Coast Path walking is delightful as well as inland walks and discovering the city. Autumn is a beautiful time to visit St Davids Peninsula with the rugged coastline and the landscapes teaming with wild, natural beauty.
In September and October, you’ll also hear the calls of seal pups from the beaches below!
We have chosen St Davids Cross Hotel for our accommodation and have rooms held until December 31st2023. It offers a relaxed, warm and cosy atmosphere and is centrally located. The Old Cross has been a fixture on St. Davids Cross Square for over 200 years. The building was originally used as a large house with many outbuildings to suit family life.
Rooms are on hold from Friday 8th September for 4 nights and must be booked by the end of December as the hotel closes for 2 months in January 2023.
Room prices for 4 nights – Double and Twin £600 per room, Single £370, Double as a single £470
Contact reception by phoning them on 01437 720387. All the rooms are reserved under the name of Samantha Armstrong WALX Derwent and Dales.
https://www.stdavidscrosshotel.co.uk/
The Walks
3 full days of Coastal and inland walks.
Below are examples of walks of which this walking trip will offer. They are not confirmed at the point of writing however, they give you a good idea of the type of walking we will be doing.
One of the delights of coastal path walking is that it’s seldom the same twice. The sea around the tiny city of St David’s is no exception the ocean floor is littered with shipwrecks and even modern shipping treats the treacherous rocks and huge tides with the greatest of respect. Few places have such a variety of wildlife. From the coast path, it is possible to see resident populations of dolphins and porpoises, while the small bays and inlets are inhabited by Atlantic grey seals. The Pembrokeshire coastline is littered with reminders of its industrial and iron-age past and Forts.
When it comes to coast paths, we may be opting to walk linear routes, especially as there’s no need to dilute the quality of the coastal section. The key to success is public transport and fortunately there are a few stretches of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path that link well with buses to allow some of the finest walks to be completed without compromise.
Each day will be between minimum of 4 hours and maximum of 6 hours walking with options to ‘duck out’, rest and revive!
Treginnis Head to Whitsands from St Davids.
This is the most westerly part of Wales, home to the UK’s oldest coastal rocks, which are over 600 years old! As you climb around this fantastically wild part of the coastline, you’ll see why it’s one of the best walks in Pembrokeshire. This area of the peninsula is well-known for shipwrecks due to the picrite basalt rock. Looking across to the headland taking in the beautiful island of Skomer. On a clear day, you can see the Marloes Peninsula, right at the bottom of Pembrokeshire!
A short walk away are the ruins of Penmaenmelyn copper mines. The traces of ore can still be seen on the now enclosed mineshaft of this 17th-century industry. The Pembrokeshire coastline is littered with reminders of its industrial and iron-age past. The RNLI station is based at St Justinian’s along the way and can be visited, learn about the long history of the lifeboat stations
White Sands to Porthgain
It’s unique views of more rugged areas of St Davids Head means it’s a must on the list of best walks in Pembrokeshire. Starting in Whitesands a linera walk taking the trail running up the side of Carn Llidi, the tallest of the cairns along this stretch of coastline. The views from the top are spectacular! More view further along to the beach of Porthmelgan and across to the iron age fort. The wild open views, covered in heather and gorse, lead you across rocky terrain towards the other cairns, the first ahead being Penberry rock. Another iron age fort is at Castell Coch. The coastline here is littered with promontory hill forts, so keep your eyes peeled for ramparts! After a few miles of rocky walking, offering the opportunity to view nesting coastal sea birds, you reach the beautiful Harbour of Abereiddy continuing along take the coastal path north towards a worthwhile and welcome destination, Porthgain.
The Northern Reaches of St Brides Bay
This section, along the northern reaches of St Brides Bay, is also on top of the list as one of the best. Along the way Lower Solva is a pretty little town comprising a cluster of brightly coloured buildings set around an attractive sheltered harbour. As well as boasting a good selection of pubs and restaurants, the main street is literally awash with art galleries, many featuring inevitable, but none the less top-quality seascapes painted by local artists.
The Preseli Hills – a bit further afield
These hills are dotted with magic and mystery – they’re home to stone circles, ancient burial sites, and the bluestone used to build Stonehenge. Its 13-mile gorse-laden slopes are the setting for some of Wales’ best-loved folk tales, The Mabinogion, and when you’re high up above the county, looking down at its settlements and shores, you’ll definitely see why!
COST: £275
What does it include:
Guiding, lunches, bus or taxi fares
If you would like to take part in this trip but can only walk on Saturday and Sunday please contact Sam as this can be arranged.
Once you have secured your room, please advise Sam Armstrong who will register you for the trip.
T’s & C’s apply and will be advised upon booking.
Please book via Sam Armstrong
07860 478409
T’s & C’s apply and will be advised upon booking.
Please book via Sam Armstrong
sam@walxderwentdales.co.uk