The National Trail of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path stretches for 186 miles (299 km) along the edge of the stunning West Wales landscape, and with the wild flower season in full bloom, the rugged coastline has never looked better. In a nod to the geographical shaping of the sculpted cliffs, and subsequent storm exposure, the spring brings carpets of pink thrift and white campion to those areas most roughly treated by the weather, natural rock gardens in the more sheltered areas, and herb-rich grasslands that flourish with flora. Now is the perfect time to take advantage of the floral spectacle for which the trail is famous, with May and June offering the largest number of flowering plants.
The fauna is also a source of delight for many visitors, with the wildlife along the path including grey seals and puffins, for those with the will and wits to spot them.
Yes, Pembrokeshire is the place to be, and we’re not the only ones that think so. Attracting around a million visitors each years, the path was named the third best walk in the world, beating out competition from such well known trails as Mount Kilimanjaro and the Inca trail, and making it the only British entry to get a place on the exclusive list. Perhaps this renown is why the New York Times chose this location to visit and write about last month; Dominique Browning found herself drawn in by the appeal of the legendary wet weather and sheep-heavy Welsh countryside. Her article highlights some of the paths most outstanding qualities, and if you’re thinking of following in her footsteps (literally), then take note that the key to a smooth walking holiday is decisive preparation and clear goals. Celtic Trails is dedicated to supporting you with this, we’re all about providing you with the very best accommodation available on your walking holiday, an itinerary designed for you, maps, route notes and reminding you to bring your most resilient cagoules in addition to your light cotton jacket.
Read the full NYT article here.
From St Dogmaels in the north to Amroth in the south, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path constitutes part of the only country in the world to have formal footpath along its entire coastline. With just about every type of coastal landform out there, over 50% of the Trail is within designated conservation sites, and 100% is managed by the National Park’s designated team, the walk works hard to maintain its high status. Indeed, international visitors may find themselves taken aback by web of trails connecting villages and walking paths and tourist spots, with popular inland paths accompanying the coastal route, as rural Wales shows off some of the best of British walking initiative.
I think I’m selling you pretty well on Pembrokeshire, which I think you’ll agree is hardly an arduous job; a simple google image search of the trail will show you exactly why you should experience this first class walking opportunity. But just in case you’re craving the personal touch, let me share with you a tale of woe. My first ever experience of Pembrokeshire was when I was 8 and went on a family holiday there; I forgot my suitcase and spent the entire two weeks modelling the questionable fashion choices of my older brothers (no one has ever looked so suave in a power rangers onesie, Pembroke fashion week here I come). Within the first week I’d fallen off a swing, giving myself a concussion, and nearly broken my arm. Sufficed to say the holiday was not what I would have called successful, yet such is my defiant streak that I went back for more. The next time I visited Pembrokeshire, in the summer of 2006, it was one of the best holidays I’ve ever had, and you can tell that’s not a frivolous comment because I’ve been to Disneyland. I’m a country girl through and through, not to mention the biggest lover of Welsh scenery this side of Tom Jones, so perhaps it’s no surprise that the area held such appeal for me. The flowers were stunning, the beaches were deserted and beautiful, and the anomalous rock formations made sculptures out of stone. You’ve read me outline all the very practical reasons that the Pembrokeshire Coast is a fabulous path, but the fact remains that it is fabulous. The walking holiday business is a matter of making people feel calm, relaxed, and contented to be out in nature; there is nothing we want more than your happiness, so come and be happy on the Pembroke Coast Trail. We would love to have you there.
Celtic Trails Pembrokeshire Coast Trail packages and details