Walking Holidays in Wales

The Gower Peninsula in South Wales was designated as the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty way back in 1956, and to this day, remains as beautiful as ever. It was awarded its AONB status for its classic coastline, much of which is defined as Heritage Coast, along with its outstanding natural environment, with over 30% of the area being a National Nature Reserve or a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Our holidays follow the Wales Coast Path for 45 miles / 72 km from the village of Pen-Clawdd on the Loughor Estuary round to the town of Mumbles on the western edge of Swansea Bay. On your journey you will enjoy some of the most stunning sections of the Wales Coast Path and several of the most beautiful beaches in Britain.

Whiteford Sands is a two mile stretch of secluded beach backed by Whiteford Burrows, a dune system and coniferous plantation. Among the flora on display is the early marsh orchid and fen orchid. On the eastern edge of the burrows the marsh is home to the oystercatcher, pintail and golden plover. Award winning Rhossili Bay boasts three miles of gorgeous golden sands and each year in the fields above the bay the National Trust plant a staggering half a million sunflowers, poppies, lavender and lupins all bursting with colour in summer. Three Cliffs Bay, appropriately named on account of the three sea cliffs that jut out into the bay, is another beach lover’s dream, a paradise of surf washed sands. Above the bay is Pennard Burrows, arguably one of the finest viewpoints in the country.

It’s not all sea and sand however, the Gower Peninsula is a wealth of inspiring landscapes. Just wait till you see the dramatic limestone cliffs and ancient coastal woodlands, the rolling grasslands and russet coloured downs. There is in excess of a thousand archaeological sites and over a hundred listed buildings. More than this, there is a warm Welsh welcome wherever you go.

The Pembrokeshire Coast in South Wales received National Park status back in 1952 and it was at that time the naturalist Ronald Lockley proposed an uninterrupted long-distance path along the length of the park. Finally, in 1970, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path was opened and it is now one of the UK’s most well established National Trails.

Following the rugged Welsh coastline, this is undoubtedly one of the finest long distance walks in Britain. The path enjoys stunning views across sea and land as it twists along a coastline of ever-changing natural beauty.

The Pembrokeshire Coast will prove to be a memorable journey for all who walk it. Who could forget the picturesque town of Tenby with its delightful Harbour and brightly coloured houses or Solva whose idyllic natural harbour is tucked neatly into the cliffs. Walkers will delight in St Davids, the smallest city in Britain, no larger than a village, yet boasting a splendid Cathedral and ruined chapel. Pembroke itself is home to a Norman castle and ancient town walls. The dramatic coastline has no shortage of breathtaking views, perhaps none more so than the magnificent 80 ft, Green Bridge of Wales, a natural arch formed from Carboniferous Limestone and described by the Natural Arch and Bridge Society as ‘probably the most spectacular arch in the United Kingdom’.

Bird watchers and plant lovers are drawn to the area due to the rich diversity of wildlife to be seen. Sea birds thrive on the inaccessible cliffs and offshore islands, due to a multitude of habitats, an amazing array of flowers and plants can be seen at all times of year.

The Pembrokeshire Coastal Path is a varied and at times challenging walk. The undulating nature of some parts of the walk present physically demanding ascents and descents, however it can be enjoyed in shorter sections accessible to walkers of all ages and abilities.