By Vicky · Published Oct. 14th, 2024 · Updated Apr. 10th, 2025
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This circular walk from cute Porthclais Harbour leads along quiet lanes to a lovely beach before following the cliffs of St David’s Head.
Location
St David’s Head Circular 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.
St David’s Head Circular Walking Map
Get the route by downloading the .gpx or .kml file below. For navigation with Maps.me on your mobile phone, simply download the .kml file and open to add it to the Maps.me bookmarks.
Tips
- This walk is on tarmac and dirt paths, so wear appropriate footwear.
- Refreshments are available only at the little kiosk in the Porthclais car park.
- The map for this hike is the Ordnance Survey Map OL35: North Pembrokeshire*.
- Dogs are welcome but must be well-controlled.
- More nearby hikes will be coming soon!
St David’s Head Circular Walking Route
From the car park in Porthclais, turn right at the road and keep right on the small lane. Keep walking along this lane for about 1.5 km until you reach a T-junction. Turn left here and take the second right towards Pencarnan Farm Caravan & Camping site.
Follow the walking signs past the farm and to the right of the campsite. You’ll soon reach the cliffs just above lovely Porthselau Beach. Turn right here, and you’ll be on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. There are some beautiful cliffs here and great views across to Ramsey Island.
St Justinian’s
In about 2 km, you’ll reach St Justinian’s. There’s a little chapel here and a large lifeboat station. You can often visit the lifeboat station, though it involves walking down lots of steps and then back up! Continuing onwards, you’ll be walking along the top of more cliffs on St David’s Head.
Always try to keep to the path nearest the sea, though make sure never to go too near the edge as some of the cliffs are unstable. While you walk, keep a look out for seals, which are often spotted here, and dolphins further out to sea.
Porthlysgi Beach
Walking onwards, you’ll round the top of St David’s Head and bend back towards Porthclais. In a short while, you’ll reach Porthlysgi Beach. This is a great, secluded spot for swimming on a sunny day. It’s rather beautiful and never gets busy.
After the beach, it’s just over 2 km back to Porthclais. After continuing around the cliffs, you’ll bend left and into the little harbour. There are great views of the cliffs and little fishing boats, and you’ll walk right past the old lime kilns before reaching the car park and the end of the St David’s Head Circular 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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