Walk 3 of this series continues with the coast path between Tenby to Lydstep Haven. The walk started from North Beach and the colourful harbour, then around Castle Hill, notable for the Victorian era monument to Prince Albert, lifeboat stations and Tenby Museum.

The route leads along a footpath at St. Julian’s Street with superb views overlooking Castle Beach and St. Catherine’s Island with Napoleonic era fort.

Continuing past the Imperial Hotel and through an old stone archway onto South Parade, to the right is an impressive medieval stone tower. This part of the town is renowned for the impressive 13th century stone walls, towers and archways, which are grade 1 listed monuments classed as among the most important surviving medieval city walls in Britain. Tenby in the Welsh language is ‘Dinbych-y-Pysgod’ which translates as ‘the Fort of the fish’ and reflects the origins of the walled town which developed around the harbour in medieval times.

Turning towards The Esplanade, there’s another ivy clad stone tower and from the pavement footpath there are superb views from high above the South Beach.

At the end of The Esplanade the path leads down ramp footways onto South Beach. This mile long stretch of sand is a very popular spot for summer holidaymakers, and merges seamlessly with Penally beach. It’s an easy going beach stroll walking at the waters edge. At the end of Penally beach the path climbs to a headland and it’s worthwhile taking a moment here to look back, it’s a stunning viewpoint of the coastline to Tenby.

The sandy path meanders through thick dune grass and leads across to the imposing landmark rock at Giltar Point.

Continuing across field tracks, there are impressive views especially of the rugged cliff faces sloping to the sea. The bright weather brought out the rich azure colour of the sea contrasting with the light rocks of the cliffs, just beautiful scenery.

This is such a peaceful spot and we sat here for a while just to enjoy the view of Caldey and St. Margaret Islands and the relaxing sound of the sea as waves were gently breaking on the cliffs below.

Continuing on the path near Valleyfield Top, a herd of cattle including a bull and a couple of calves had gathered near a gate. Some of the cattle seemed quite unsettled and had reacted nervously to a couple of walkers and their dogs heading in our direction. Cattle on paths can present a danger especially if nervously protecting calves and there are occasional news stories of tragic incidents involving unsuspecting walkers. After waiting a few minutes for them to settle we proceeded with caution.

The path continues across the clifftop fields to an area marked on the map as Proud Giltar, where the views back to the path just walked, of the cliffs and calm sea, were stunning.

Further on and the path descends then climbs as it winds around some steep cliff sides above sheltered coves.

Lydstep Haven holiday park comes into view and the path proceeds down past the static caravans to the road alongside the wide shingle and sandy beach. It’s a very nice outlook from here with great views across the bay.  There are a number of benches on the grass verge alongside the access road and it’s a nice place to take some time for a relaxing break and to appreciate the view of the bay and Caldey Island.

Route Recap

Start ~ Tenby North Beach / Finish ~ Lydstep Haven Beach. Return to Tenby.

A very enjoyable return walk of 10 miles with a range of scenery along the way. From Tenby seaside town and beaches then along clifftop trails on gently undulating terrain. Timing a walk here during fine weather is worthwhile to enjoy superb views of the scenic coastline and across to Caldey Island.

 ‘Point to Point’ distance on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, recorded at 5.3 miles in about 2 and half hours, so a return walk of 10 miles