Pembrokeshire Coast ~ Walk 1. Amroth to Saundersfoot

This walk from Amroth to Saundersfoot covers 3 miles on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, just over 6 miles ‘there and back’.

Our Pembrokeshire coast walks began in Amroth across the road from the New Inn pub, where a stone pillar marks the official start or end point, depending on the direction you’re walking, of the renowned Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail.

The pillar is topped with a plaque depicting the Pembrokeshire Coast Path route map and nearby is a first way-marker post bearing the National Trail’s famous acorn symbol, which will be a familiar sight along the way.

Amroth to St. Dogmael’s way-marker, just 186 miles that way

These are reminders to walkers of the distance ahead, that the end of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path at St.Dogmael’s is just 186 miles away!

The start of the 186 mile Pembrokeshire Coastal Path

We set off along the road, the raised pavement offers fine views over the wide sweep of Amroth beach, with swathes of pebble banks and numerous lines of breakwater timber groynes which stretch out across the sands.

Amroth has a couple of cafes and 3 pubs along the seafront road, ideal should you need refreshments to start your walk and set you on your way, or perhaps a mini pub crawl to sample the local ales. The Amroth Arms, Smugglers Bar and Temple Bar each have outdoor seating, perfect for spring and summer visits and enjoying the views.

A notable fixture along the seafront is a steel fish sculpture ‘Bertie the Sea Bass’ to highlight the issue of plastic litter pollution.

Bertie the Sea Bass at Amroth

The sculpture is filled with plastic litter to publicise Pembrokeshire’s Clean Seas pledge to “turn the tide on marine plastic”, a great initiative to engage the interest of the younger generation on such an important issue.

At the end of the beach road the path winds up the steep hillside, which raises the heart rate at an early stage. But once at the top it’s a more gentle climb as the path widens on the headland, where some magnificent pines border the clifftop.

A surfaced track follows the contours across the gently undulating countryside before joining a road downhill to Wiseman’s Bridge. It’s a very popular spot for day trippers and the pub of the same name has a large outside terrace with plenty of seating and great views across the bay.

The coast path continues along the road, across an old stone bridge, then joins a wide footway with white railings above the rocky beach. This footway follows the route of an old coal tramway, which was used to transport coal from long gone local collieries for shipping out of Saundersfoot harbour. It now provides a good level and wide footpath for an easy walk along the coastline.

The path passes through 2 dimly lit, low tunnels which were originally cut through rock headlands for the tramway, leading on to Coppett Hall.

An old tramway tunnel

Coppet Hall has a water sports activity centre with great facilities, the building also hosts a highly rated Coast Restaurant. It’s a lovely golden sand beach overlooking Carmarthen Bay and Monkstone Point.

It’s only a short distance before going through a third tunnel to emerge onto The Strand, a busy street with shops, cafe and pub, which leads into Saundersfoot.

The small harbour town has a relaxed holiday feel about the place, with a range of cafe bars, a few pubs, gift and corner shops. One of our favourite places here is Periwinkle Bistro / Tea Room, just across the road from the seafront.

There’s a new development of small units and nearby a couple of seafood restaurants at the harbour. So there’s plenty of choice for refreshments or meals. It’s worthwhile taking a relaxing stroll around the harbour area with views along the coast towards Monkstone, and walk back along the footway above the fine beach.

Saundersfoot Harbour

To return to Amroth, an option to consider if you can time your walk about right at low tide, is to walk back along the beach from Saundersfoot around to Wiseman’s Bridge. We walked back this way, an invigorating beach stroll.

Saundersfoot beach

But you do need to watch the tide times, as you may have to contend with an incoming tide. It takes some sure footed ‘rock hopping’ to make it back safely to the path near the Wiseman’s Bridge pub.

Walk back along the beach at Wiseman’s Bridge but be aware of an incoming tide

Route Recap

> Walk distance ~ 6.5 miles ‘there and back’

Amroth to Saundersfoot – one way distance on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path

> Time ~ 2 + hours including a rest stop and taking photos

> Food and drink, options along this route:

  • The New Inn, Amroth
  • Smugglers Bar, Amroth

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