Deer Park & Marloes Sands Beach Walk

Walking to Marloes Sands Beach
Walking to Marloes Sands Beach

By Vicky · Published Oct. 7th, 2024 · Updated Oct. 14th, 2024

This beautiful walk heads along cliffs and circles Deer Park Nature Reserve before returning via scenic Marloes Sands Beach.

Location

The Deer Park & Marloes Sands Beach Walk starts from Marloes Sands National Trust Car Park (£3 for 3 hours, £6 all day). Alternatively, you can start the hike from Martin’s Haven National Trust Car Park, which is passed on this walk. If you want to park for free and it’s early in the day (only a few spots and fills up quickly), you can try parking next to the road near the path to Musselwick Beach.

Deer Park & Marloes Sands Walking Map

Tips

  • This walk is on dirt paths and tarmac, so wear appropriate shoes.
  • Refreshments are available in St David’s.
  • The map for this hike is the Ordnance Survey Map OL36: South Pembrokeshire*.
  • Dogs are welcome but must be well-controlled.
  • More nearby hikes will be coming soon!

Deer Park & Marloes Sands Walking Route

Musselwick Beach
Walking on the cliffs by Musselwick Beach in Pembrokeshire National Park

From Marloes Sands Car Park, leave out the northern end (probably the far end from where you entered). At the T-junction turn right and walk roughly 800 metres along the road. Look out for a path and a little wooden gate to your left with a wooden footpath sign (slightly hidden by the bushes).

Follow this path down the field to the coast and lovely Musselwick Beach. Just before you get there, you’ll find a few little paths heading left. Take the first one, but they all end up in the same place. You’ll find yourself walking along the clifftop with the sandy cove to your right.

Walking along Pembrokeshire Coast Path
Boat to Skomer Island from Martin's Haven in Deer Park Nature Resever

Continuing onwards you’ll pass on top of the rocky cliffs below, with the sea always in view down below. After a couple of kilometres, you’ll round the corner and descend into Martin’s Haven. This is where the boats leave for Skomer Island. The highlight of a trip to Skomer Island is the puffins, but there’s also great scenery and lovely flowers. If you’re interested, you have to book boat tickets well in advance from the official website.

Head up the lane away from the harbour, and pop into the little visitor’s centre on your right for a couple of minutes. Beyond this, up on your left, is a small coffee place if you need refreshment! On your right meanwhile is the entrance to Deer Park Nature Reserve.

Walking around Deer Park Nature Reserve

Cliffs in Deer Park Nature Reserve, Pembrokeshire
Walking around Deer Park Nature Reserve with flowers and Skomer Island

There have never actually been deer in Deer Park. In the 18th century, a walled enclosure at the end of the peninsular was built for deer, but in the end, they were never introduced. Today wild ponies and cattle graze the land to keep the vegetation in check.

Once you’re through the big walls, take the main path to your right heading to the Coastwatch Lookout Station. Enjoy the view from this hill before heading onwards and out to the far end of the peninsula. Keep a look out for seals and dolphins! Continue around the grassy peninsula and you’ll reach a stile in the wall.

Walking to Marloes Sands Beach

Walking to Marloes Sands Beach

Head through this and along the path which now follows the coast all the way along to Marloes Sands Beach. This is a really lovely beach and you get great views from the clifftop. Continue onwards until you meet a gravel track. If you want to spend time on Marloes Sands Beach itself, turn right and walk along the sand. If not, follow the gravel track left to the car park. This is the end of the Deer Park & Marloes Sands Beach Walk.


Guidebooks to explore more of Wales

The Lonely Planet Wales Travel Guide* is a good all-round guide to the country and a great place to start when planning your trip to Wales. The Wild Guide Wales and Marches* contains inspiring photos and focuses on hidden places and remote regions. If you’re heading to the hills of northern Wales, the Mountain Walking in Snowdonia Cicerone Guide* is the perfect choice.


Find other great hikes in the UK here.

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