St Govan's to Angle

17 miles

17 miles

St Govan's to Angle

This stage can be a tough route with many steep uphill sections but has an amazing diversity of landscape.

Towering sea cliffs and stacks with The Green Bridge of Wales and Stack Rocks, home to thousands of squabbling seabirds, highlights on the way.

The landscape changes as you reach the dune-backed surfer’s paradise of Freshwater West beach, location for several Hollywood films.

The path takes you across the Angle Peninsula into the shelter of the Milford Haven waterway and views of the Napoleonic fort of Thorn Island and journey’s end at The Old Point House pub (unfortunately now closed), a short walk from Angle village.

Route

  • Check the ranges are open before heading for St Govan’s. Call 01646 662367 for an automated recording

  • Head west on a level track past the impressive chasms of Stennis Ford and Huntsmans Leap

  • The little beach at Flimston can be reached, but only if you’re a good scrambler

  • Take a look at Stack Rocks, teeming with nesting seabirds in May and June, and the natural arch of the Green Bridge of Wales before heading inland as the ranges west of here are out of bounds

  • Range West (west of Stack Rocks) can only be crossed on a guided walk. The National Park and The Ramblers organise them during the summer

  • Bypassing the next inland section to Freshwater West is possible (and allowed!) by catching the Coastal Cruiser walkers bus. It cuts out 5½ miles. Just make sure you check an up-to-date timetable beforehand

  • Walk the length of the magnificent Freshwater West before heading through the dunes and over the cliffs

  • The next section is strenuous and there are no escape routes until you reach West Angle Bay (toilets and cafe).

  • The path passes the old Napoleonic fort on Thorn Island before heading east into the more sheltered Milford Haven waterway

  • The path is easy now but with quite a few stiles as it crosses numerous field boundaries

  • You soon reach the door of The Point House Inn, overlooking tranquil East Angle Bay. It will take a very strong will to forego stopping!

  • Angle village is a short walk along the track from here

  • If in doubt, follow the acorn symbols that indicate where the route goes

Download GPX file

Useful information

Refreshments: Cafe & pub in Bosherston. Seasonal cafe at Freshwater West. Two pubs at Angle and a cafe overlooking the beach at West Angle Bay

Attractions en-route: St Govan’s Chapel. Stack Rocks & The Green Bridge of Wales. The fortified tower and Chapel Bay Fort in Angle village.

I can highly recommend Pembrokeshire - it has everything for a great holiday!

Valery Collins, Experienced Traveller