St David’s Cathedral & Cliffs Walk

By Vicky · Published Sep. 26th, 2024

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This circular walk leads through the cute town of St David’s before heading to the coast and returning along the clifftops.

Location

The St David’s Cathedral & Cliffs Walk starts from the Porthclais National Trust Car Park (£3.50 for the day, or free for members). It fills up early on sunny summer days, and there’s a little kiosk at the entrance selling refreshments. Alternatively, you can start in St David’s at the main car park by the visitor’s centre (£4.50 for 4 hours, £6 for the day).

St David’s Walking Map

St David’s Cathedral & Cliffs Walking Route

From Porthclais car park, head towards the cute little harbour. Turn left along the road and across the bridge. Head straight onwards on a small path that leads up the hillside towards a campsite. Follow the walking signs through the grassy campsite and fields beyond.

The path becomes a track as you round the edge of the former Warpool Court Hotel and meet a crossroads. Turn left along the small lane here to head into St David’s and towards the Cathedral. Keep left at the triangle junction and then straight on down the track opposite. At the road turn left, then right along the first lane signed towards the Cathedral.

St David’s Cathedral & Bishop’s Palace

Key Information: The cathedral is open Mon-Sat 10am – 4:30pm, and 1-3pm on Sundays. It’s free to enter but there’s a suggested donation box to which you feel pressured to donate. The neighbouring Bishop’s Palace is open 9:30am – 5pm every day and tickets are £5.90/4.10 per adult/child.

Ahead of you, you’ll see the grand cathedral. Built in the 12th century, it’s still a sight of pilgrimage and houses the shrine of St David (a monk from the 6th century who lived in this area). Head inside, and walk around the outside, before walking across the little river to the Bishop’s Palace.

Here you’ll find the remains of a 14th-century Gothic palace, former home to the cathedral’s bishop. Inside you’ll find towers to climb and hidden areas to explore, with several explanation boards dotted around the ruins.

If you’re now looking for a break, MamGu Welshcakes is a lovely cafe by the cathedral serving, as you might have guessed, welshcakes. You’ll also find drinks and savoury items such as Welsh rarebit (~cheese on toat), baps (~sandwhiches) and more.

When you’re ready, leave the cathedral complex through the grounds and up the stairs. Turn left at the top to walk towards the centre of St David’s. Head straight onwards at the triangular roundabout to continue along the main street. There are several cute little shops and more cafes along the sides of the road.

At the other end of town, you’ll reach the information centre, Oriel y Parc. Here you’ll find another cafe, plus lots of information about Pembrokeshire Coast National Park along with exhibits by local artists. There are also toilets if needed.

Walking along the Coast near St David’s

At the road on the other side of the building (and before the large car park), turn left. Continue walking straight along here and in roughly 1km you’ll reach a small car park just past a campsite, at the end of the road. Take the path in the middle of the car park downwards towards the cliffs above the ocean.

Soon you’ll reach the path that heads all the way along the coastline, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. Turn left here. This is a lovely, scenic stretch of coastline that can be wild and windy at times. It’s almost 3 km along here to Porthclais where you started the walk. Apart from the cliffs, you’ll also pass St Non’s Chapel and well, near the larger St Non’s Retreat Centre.

When you’re almost back, the path curves inland alongside Porthclais Harbour, of which you get great views. Before you leave, you can explore the little harbour further and check out the old lime kilns by the water’s edge. There are also several benches, perfect for a picnic or a short rest to relax after this lovely circular walk around St David’s.

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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.

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Find other great hikes in the UK here.