Weekend on Pembrokeshire Coast Path

Pembrokeshire Coast Path, Fishguard-08

My time in Wales is coming to the end. My workplace is being closed, I will try to write a post about my UK and Welsh experience, but I am not quite ready yet. It’s a very emotional time but it is also a beginning of something unknown to me. I am going to travel for a few months, and maybe I will become a “proper” travel blogger one day. I will start with a road trip to Norway, my first time driving a British car on the right side of the road, so can be fun! After Norway I’m going to say goodbye to Scotland, I hope the weather will allow me to explore its beauty. My last planned destination – USA, haven’t been there for 2 years and I have really missed the big open landscapes of California and Colorado. I’m back in January and I will see what time brings, the most likely scenario is moving to the Alps next spring…

But it is Wales which has been my home for almost 10 years, and today I would like to write about one of my favourite Welsh places – Pembrokeshire. And to be precise – the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. Last year I spent a few days on the western part of the coast (you can read about my trip here). This July I went with a friend to Fishguard. To be honest, Fishguard became our choice mostly because our trip to Pembrokeshire was quite a last minute decision, and it was where I found still available and affordable accommodation near the sea.

Pembrokeshire Coast Path, West of Fishguard

If you want to explore the Coast Path, you can pretty much start anywhere. Taking a car means that I usually walk for a few hours and then back the same way. If you would like to, there is an option of going further and catching a bus, but somehow I don’t trust the timetables. And what if I don’t get there on time?

On the first day we decided to walk West, passing the harbour and emerging into the wilderness. Beware of the horses, they really scared us on the way back blocking the path. Just stay calm and slowly make your way through… Below a nice horse ignoring us, I was too afraid to get the camera out when they became a bit less welcoming later on.

Horses on Pembrokeshire Coast Path

We were lucky again with the weather, the sun was shining and kept us full of energy almost to the end. My friend walked in flip-flops, but I would not recommend it, especially when the path is not dry, as the trail can be pretty steep and slippery. There are a few up-and-down sections which mean not a bad workout. I must admit that getting back to Fishguard was quite painful, I had cramps in my legs and had to hold the rail when using the stairs to the town centre. Never been so happy to get to the hostel and have tasty Indian food in the restaurant.

Pembrokeshire Coast Path, West of Fishguard

Hamilton Backpackers Lodge – a great place to stay. The kitchen would need a bit of a tidy up, but overall it is really nice. It’s funny how I often meet social workers from around the world during my travels, this time a girl from Australia. Apparently social care jobs, although can be rewarding, can also be quite draining, and one needs to recharge their batteries…

Hamilton Backpackers Lodge, my friend trying to keep a serious face…

The following day we walked East, the path is a bit easier. Being tired from the previous day, we walked just beyond the Fishguard Bay Caravan and Camping Park (with a much needed coffee, muffin and ice cream break). The day became hotter and we drove to the beach to enjoy the Sun. Unfortunately I can’t spend much time being fried on the sand, and off we went to New Quay for dinner. So if you fancy coming to Wales and you are not sure what to do, drive to Pembrokeshire and hike as much (or as little) as you would like…