Pembrokeshire Coast Path
Whitesands to Trefin

Description: A wild and rocky walk over some of the oldest rock in Britain dating from the pre Cambrian period. The quarrying around Aberieddi and Porthgain have left some very interesting features that deserve exploration.

Distance: 11 miles 18 km

Public Transport: The Strumble Shuttle walkers bus service covers the entire route. For timetables go to www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/coastbus (opens new window)

Refreshments: Cafe at Whitesands. Pub and cafe at Porthgain.

Nearest Tourist Information Centre: St Davids. The Grove. Tel 01437 720392 E-mail: orielyparc@pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk

Route:

• From the cafe at Whitesands Bay, head north to St David Head
• Veer off to the right to climb Carn Llidi for stunning panoramic views
• Retrace the climb and explore the ruined ramparts of the promontory fort and Coetan Arthur burial chamber on St Davids Head
• Head east along convoluted cliffs until you reach the road heading for Abereiddi Bay
• On the far side are the remains of a slate quarry and a row of quarry workers cottages (toilets)
• The circular quarry, known as The Blue Lagoon, has been breached by the sea and is now a playground for kayaking and coasteering
• Past the quarry, the vista opens up spectacularly, with Traeth Llyfn beach in the distance.
• A series of steel staircases lead down to the beach if you fancy a dip
• As you approach Porthgain, you notice more redundant quarrying activity, this time for granite. It was hauled over the cliff top, crushed and fed into enormous hoppers that transported the rock down to the harbour.
• A stop at The Shed cafe or The Sloop Inn in Porthgain is almost obligatory.
• The remainder of the path to Trefin is pretty straightforward.
• If in doubt, follow the acorn symbols that indicate where the route goes