Any walk in Pembrokeshire will leave you feeling on top of the world. In our opinion, none more so than one ending at a fantastic Welsh pub. Do you like to know that there’s a cold pint waiting for you at the end of your holiday hike? Then we’ve got a list of the best pub walks in Pembrokeshire just for you. Cheers!
Porthgain
This historically prosperous harbour of the early 1900s is now a fantastic little spot for exploring. Watch fishing boats, eat freshly caught fish and, most importantly, sample the local beverages.
Walk
The Pembrokeshire Coastal Path rambles either side of this tiny picturesque harbour, past industrial buildings and Porthgain’s old railway line to the south, heading the 2 miles south to sunken mines of Blue Lagoon at Abereiddy. Head in the other direction, past the white bastions that look over this beautiful port, and the terrain to the tiny traditional coastal village of Trefin is a little more jaggedly dramatic, having been carved out during the Ice Age.
Pub – THE SLOOP INN
The Sloop Inn is one of the most famous smugglers’ pubs in West Wales. Who can say they traced the steps of seafaring scoundrels on their pub walks? Dating back to 1743, this maritime marvel is cosy and traditional, and boasts local ales and beers as well as a cracking lunch menu for that sea air appetite!
Preseli Hills
The majestic Preseli Hills is the myth-packed mountain range that creates the backbone of Pembrokeshire. It features heavily in the folklore of Wales and gives stunning views across the undulating landscape to the Irish sea from its 8-mile Neolithic ridge path.
Walk
Foel Cwmcerwyn is the highest point in the Preseli Hills, and reaching the trig point at its 1795ft peak is not for the faint-hearted! Parking in the car park at Rosebush, this is easily an 80-minute walk, but the views across the whole of Pembrokeshire are totally worth it.
Pub – TAFARN SINC
Tafarn Sinc (literally translating to The Zinc Pub) is proud to call itself the highest licensed pub in Pembrokeshire. It sits in the shadow of Foel Cwmcerwyn and has a colourful past (as well as its distinctive red oxide exterior). The railway track outside indicates its slate mining and spa hotel past, and its interior reflects the pride this community-owned venture has in being as traditional as possible – all mod cons are banned! Come on a Sunday hike to take advantage of the excellent roast dinners and local brewery beers.
Solva
Solva is a fairytale-like harbour village packed with shops, galleries, cafes and, of course, pubs! If you’ve never been to this picture-perfect port, then check out our blog, A Local’s Guide to Solva.
Walk
The coastal path leading to Solva is littered with smugglers’ caves, shipwrecks and iron-age forts. It’s just under 5 miles to walk from St Davids along the coast, and you’re guaranteed to see a host of seabirds and sea life along the way. Our favourite spot for a short (steep) walk in Solva has to be the Gribin, a finger of land that starts at the lower car park and curves around towards the mouth of the harbour. The views back along the coast are spectacular, and there’s even a secret beach below.
Pub – THE HARBOUR INN
The Harbour Inn sits right at the heart of Lower Solva, a watcher over boats and sailors alike. This is a great pub to greet you at the end of your hike, with views from the outside seating area across the harbour. It’s also a dog-friendly establishment, and does some pretty decent pub grub to boot.
Lower Town, Fishguard
Set below the main town of Fishguard, Lower Town is an ancient tidal harbour dotted with the most beautiful quayside cottages and a lovely cafe overlooking bobbing boats. A total dream for those looking for a seaside amble!
Walk
Directly above Lower Town is a walk that ambles up the narrow main road (there’s a pavement) and around towards historic Fishguard Fort. Built to fend off pirate attacks on the town, you can still see the cannons along the waterside. Look out towards Fishguard Bay, where Mody Dick was filmed in 1955, over towards the ferry to Rosslare. Alternatively, for a longer walk, head back towards Fishguard main town, where the coast path winds right around the town towards Goodwick and the ferry port.
Pub – THE SHIP INN
The terraced pub The Ship Inn is pressed into the side of the narrow street leading towards Lower Town, a few hundred metres from the car park there. It may not look like much from the outside, but inside it’s one of the most interesting sailor’s taverns in Pembrokeshire, This 18th-century wonder once welcomed Gregory Peck while he was filming there, as well as Richard Burton who drank there often during the filming of Under Milk Wood. The old wooden beams and soft coal fire offset the old photos of boats that entered this harbour over the years. This really is a place to savour history, as well as a well-earned beer!
Photo: Piers Photography
Cresswell Quay
Cresswell Quay has an air of history and mystery about it. The road that runs to the tiny inland harbour was once a track, and the harbour itself was used to ship anthracite out of the area down the Cresselly River. Now it’s a fantastic place to relax on a summer evening.
Walk
The 3-mile walk to nearby Lawrenny winds lazily along the river Daugleddau towards the estuary. Skip along Cresswell Quay’s famous stepping stones to start the route. This is a lovely, short walk that allows time for bird watching (keep an eye out for resident herons) and meanders around some beautiful ancient woodland along the Landsker Border Trail.
Pub – THE CRESSELLY ARMS
This is a pub like no other and was voted The Guardian’s top pub in Pembrokeshire a few years back. There is no Wifi, no TV and no game machines. This is a mindful pub – just focus on the fantastic real ale and the view over the quay! You may recognise the interior of the pub, it was featured in the British Film “Their Finest”, starring Jemma Arterton and Bill Nighy. One of the most rewarding pub walks, we can assure you!
Newport
Newport is a tiny town, but it attracts thousands of visitors to its tiny streets each year. It has the perfect combination of having a beach, a harbour, ancient cottages and a mountain range. It sits protected by Carn Ingli, or ‘Angel’s Mount’, part of the magical Preseli Hills.
Walk
Newport has a lovely 3-mile circular walk around its paths and streets which takes in this pretty village. From the centre of the town, head out towards Newport beach. Before the iron bridge, take a left and follow the river Nyfer as it meanders towards the Nevern Estuary. Keep an eye out for herons, swans and dragonflies! Walk towards the Parrog, past the striking captain’s houses before turning back towards the centre of town. You’ll pass every era of fisherman’s cottage along the way. This is one of the gentlest yet most beautiful of our pub walks.
Pub – The Golden Lion
For such a small town, Newport has more than enough pubs! A firm favourite with locals and visitors is The Golden Lion. Its roaring fires, exquisite pub grub and cosy, welcoming ambience keep it busy all year round. They offer a fabulous range of local beers and gin, too. You’ll be very happy to visit this popular pub after a sea air pub walk.
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[…] a day to pull your boots on and explore, or simply enjoy a short stroll to your favourite beach or pub, make sure you set foot on the coast path during your visit to St […]
[…] All dogs love nothing more than a walk, and the Pembrokeshire Coast Path has 186 miles of the best walks around. Leads are a must, as there’s so much to see and sniff that even the most attentive dogs can get carried away! As well as plenty of beaches where your pooch can have a run, there are dog-friendly pubs dotted along the coast too, which make the ideal end to a long walk taking in the sea air. Check out some of our favourite pub walks here! […]
[…] All dogs love nothing more than a walk, and the Pembrokeshire Coast Path has 186 miles of the best walks around. Leads are a must, as there’s so much to see and sniff that even the most attentive dogs can get carried away! As well as plenty of beaches where your pooch can have a run, there are dog-friendly pubs dotted along the coast too, which make the ideal end to a long walk taking in the sea air. Check out some of our favourite pub walks here! […]