Our second walk on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path covers the section between the popular holiday resort towns of Saundersfoot and Tenby.

This walk starts at Coppet Hall Beach car park. Nearby are some information boards on the local history of the area such as coal mining and the tram lines which now provide part of the coast path. We walked into Saundersfoot, retracing the end of walk 1, then continued along the main road which leads uphill and out of the town. At the top of the hill overlooking Saundersfoot beach is a great view across the bay.

The path is way marked at The Glen, into Rhode Wood and climbing uphill on a rough stony track which continues through to Swallow Tree Woods. The path winds it’s way along a woodland trail with occasional views of the sea and the rocky shoreline below.

At Swallow Tree Bay, a small scenic pebble cove, there’s a little bit of history attached to this place. On a nearby bench is a small plaque dedicated to the work of Lord Merthyr in creating the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, noting it was formally opened at this very point by Wynford Vaughan Thomas in 1970. The path has since become one of the most highly rated walking routes in the world and one can only wonder how many people have passed by this point since, thanks to those visionaries who planned this National Trail all those years ago.

The path continues uphill through woodland, which opens up at a turn to offer a fine view across to Saundersfoot and Wiseman’s Bridge in the distance.

We walked through Monkstone Wood, a very scenic section towards Monkstone Point. There’s a choice of path routes here as the coast path continues Westwards, but another path leads down steps on a steeply wooded slope to the secluded Monkstone Beach.

Although not part of the official coast path, it’s a worthwhile detour to explore a hidden gem of a beach. Halfway down the slope is a little bench provided for weary walkers. It’s tucked underneath a huge tree which appears almost creature like, it’s trunk and gnarled limbs twisting in all directions.

Monkstone Beach is very scenic, a band of multi coloured rocks and boulders bounding a splendid fine sand beach, and the ‘Monkstone’ rock.

It was a blustery morning, the waves churning and crashing along the rocky shoreline. The sea spray made a splendid scene with a backdrop of Tenby’s familiar townscape in the distance.

The climb back up the steps to rejoin the coast path certainly raises the heart rate but the path soon continues across field tops and steps through a lovely woodland.

Lodge Valley is particularly scenic, with dappled shade and sunlight highlighting the spring wildflowers covering the adjacent slopes.

After crossing a stream, there’s a steep climb to high ground. Just before the path turns, there’s a superb viewpoint through the trees across to Monkstone Point with the sound of waves surging at the rocks below.

It’s then a pleasant walk across countryside fields and through Rowston Dingle, where a path leads off to Waterwynch Bay, a short detour to a pretty cove.

The coast path continues uphill on concrete grid blocks, which are really uncomfortable to walk on. At the top of the rise there’s a way-marker to ‘Allen’s View’. This area was landscaped from the 1930s onwards and though a pleasant spot, views to Tenby and the coast are now obscured. A number of skilfully crafted wood carvings of various birds add some interest.

The coast path runs downhill into Tenby at The Croft. This street has an impressive terrace of Georgian period properties with a magnificent view over North beach and the harbour.

Goscar Rock, North beach, Tenby

A set of steps lead down the cliff side onto the North Beach, a lovely sandy bay with the landmark ‘Goscar Rock’.

A raised footway at the back of the beach leads around to the picturesque harbour. There are some typically quaint harbourside buildings, most notably a mariners church, St. Julians, nestled in a cove by another small beach.

The harbour is a delightful setting with pastel coloured townhouses and terraces providing a picture postcard scene. We headed into Tenby town for a wander around the old streets, ending this walk at one of Tenby’s fine pubs, The Hope and Anchor, St. Julian’s Street, for our customary end of walk refreshments.

Route Stats