Detailed Guide to the Beautiful Stackpole Wildlife Walk
Dramatic limestone cliffs, gorgeous lily ponds, idyllic sandy beaches, shaded woods, breeding seabirds and vast grassland, the Stackpole Wildlife Walk is one of the best walks in Pembrokeshire. Read on for our complete guide.
Disclaimer:This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through these links we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting us! Click here to read our privacy policy.
Stackpole, Pembrokeshire is a nature enthusiast paradise with diverse landscapes and wildlife habitats.
Award-winning sandy beaches, vast limestone cliffs, enchanting woods with tranquil lily ponds and walking trails and rugged coastline await those who visit Stackpole Nature Reserve; one of the most beautiful places to visit in Pembrokeshire.
The Stackpole Wildlife Walk is one of the best walks in Pembrokeshire for wildlife spotting. Keep your eyes peeled for breeding seabirds as you walk over the magnificent cliff-tops before heading inland to the lily ponds where you can spot wrens, buzzards, herons, bats, otters and many more!
This trail is 9 kilometres and forms part of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, the first national trail in Wales which opened in 1970. It spans 299 kilometres between Amroth and Saint Dogmaels and has been described by Lonely Planet as one of the best long-distance trails in the world!
Below, we’ll share a step-by-step guide to the Stackpole Wildlife Walk where you’ll pass some of the best beaches in Pembrokeshire as well as tranquil shaded woodland and dramatic coastline.
We’ll then tell you everything you need to know including how to get to the trailhead, where to stay, the best time for Pembrokeshire Coastal Path walks and more.
No time to read this guide to the Stackpole Wildlife Walk now? No worries, save it for later!
Detailed Guide to the Stackpole Wildlife Walk
You’ll start the walk at Stackpole Quay Car Park and follow the Pembrokeshire Coast Path through Stackpole Nature Reserve towards Barafundle Bay; one of the most beautiful Pembrokeshire beaches.
At the top of the stairs, a short way on from the car park, look down onto Stackpole Quay and you’ll notice the limestone rock change to red sandstone.
Continue following the coast path with rolling green countryside to your right and the azure ocean resembling the Mediterranean on your left.
You’ll eventually come to an archway leading to Barafundle Bay; voted numerous times as one of Britain’s favourite beaches!
Our Top Tip: although Barafundle Bay is only accessible on foot, it’s still one of the most popular Pembrokeshire beaches. If you want to spend a bit of relaxation time here (which we’d recommend), then set off early.
Cross Barafundle Bay and head up through the woods on the other side.
You’ll now continue along the top of the cliffs towards Stackpole Head, passing the magnificent natural arches, Lattice Windows.
This section between Lattice Windows and Stackpole Head is one of the most spectacular places to visit in Pembrokeshire and the most impressive section of the walk.
The sea has sculpted caves, arches, inlets and headlands into the limestone cliffs and are home to guillemot, razorbill, peregrine falcon and chough.
If you’re here in the spring and summer, you may also be able to spot breeding seabirds on the ledges.
Continue along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, with the vast grassy expanse of Stackpole Warrens on your right. During spring and summer, this area is full of butterflies and colourful wildflowers.
Slightly further on you’ll reach Broad Haven Beach, another of the best beaches in Pembrokeshire with a wide stretch of golden sand. This is the perfect spot for lunch, a snack or a swim.
Just before Broad Haven Beach (or come back on yourself if you’ve gone down to the beach) there’s a path to your right that’ll lead you inland through beautiful shaded woodland towards Bosherston Lakes.
Follow the narrow trail as it meanders its way around the lakes. Cross the tiny stone bridge towards Bosherston and then the Bosherston Causeway. Climb over the limestone bluff to a fantastic viewpoint of the Bosherston Lakes filled with thousands of waterlilies.
Cross the Central Causeway and you’ll be down next to the famous lily ponds that are full of water lilies between June and September. It’s a sight you won’t forget for a while!
Our top tip: keep your eyes peeled for otters around Bosherston Lakes who enjoy the rich and protected environment here.
Continue along the path and you’ll reach Grassy Bridge. Don’t cross it but stick to the path to the left and follow the trail to Eight Arch Bridge.
Cross Eight Arch Bridge and follow the Deer Park track back to Stackpole Quay Car Park.
Everything Else You Need to Know For the Stackpole Wildlife Walk
Getting to the Stackpole Wildlife Walk trailhead
The easiest place to start and finish the trail if you have a car is the Stackpole Quay Car Park. Alternatively, you can take the 387 Coastal Cruiser that stops at both Bosherston and Stackpole Quay and start the walk in either place.
Length of the walk
The Stackpole Wildlife Walk is 9 kilometres and should take approximately 3-4 hours depending on how often you stop. It’s fairly flat with only 142 metres of elevation gain.
Places to eat en route
The trail passes close to the tiny village of Bosherston just before you cross Bosherston Causeway where there are a few places for refreshments. We’d recommend bringing a packed lunch to enjoy on Broad Haven Beach or the cliff tops overlooking the endless ocean.
The best time for Pembrokeshire Coastal Path Walks
The best time for walks in Pembrokeshire are May – June and September. July – August will see large crowds and inflated prices.
Where to stay for Stackpole
Stackpole, Pembrokeshire is quite remote so we’d recommend staying elsewhere and driving. We stayed close to St Davids, the UK’s smallest city which was a great base to get around and also eat out in the evenings.
Alternatively, Pembroke is a good base, as is Tenby, one of Wales’ top seaside towns.
We hope you’ve enjoyed our guide to the Stackpole Wildlife Walk, one of the best walks in Pembrokeshire. If you have any other questions or want to get in touch, please leave us a comment. Also, make sure you’re following us on Instagram to stay up to date with us in real time.
To read our other Pembrokeshire guides, head to the posts below.
