Stackpole Wildlife Walk: Lily Ponds, Cliffs & Beaches (2026)
Dramatic limestone cliffs, idyllic lily ponds, award-winning sandy beaches, tranquil woodland and breeding seabirds; the Stackpole Wildlife Walk is one of the best walks in Pembrokeshire. Here’s everything you need to know.
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Stackpole doesn’t try very hard to impress you. It’s just a small car park at Stackpole Quay and a coast path heading off in two directions. And yet, it’s full of nature and one of the most beautiful areas of Pembrokeshire.
The Stackpole Wildlife Walk is a 9-kilometre loop through Stackpole Nature Reserve that takes in many diverse landscapes: dramatic limestone cliffs, a beach that keeps getting voted one of Britain’s finest beaches, woodland, and lily ponds so thick with water lilies it hardly looks real.
Add in herons, otters, bats, wrens, buzzards and nesting seabirds along the cliffs, and it’s easily one of the best places to visit in Pembrokeshire for wildlife.
The trail forms part of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, Wales’ first national trail, opened in 1970 and spans 299 kilometres between Amroth and Saint Dogmaels. Lonely Planet has described it as one of the best long-distance trails in the world, and even just walking this small section, you can see why.
Below, we’ll share a step-by-step route: past Barafundle Bay, along the cliffs to Stackpole Head, and inland to the lily ponds, then cover everything else you need to know, from how to get to the trailhead to where to stay and the best time to walk it.
Contents
Stackpole Wildlife Walk at a Glance
- 📍Start/end: Stackpole Quay Car Park (circular route)
- 🥾 Distance: 9 kilometres
- 📊 Difficulty: Easy - fairly flat, 142m elevation gain
- ☀️ Best time to visit: Late spring-early autumn
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Stackpole Wildlife Walking Route
You’ll set off from Stackpole Quay Car Park, following the Pembrokeshire Coast Path as it winds through Stackpole Nature Reserve towards Barafundle Bay, one of the best Pembrokeshire beaches by a long way, and you’ll soon see why.
A short climb up some steps not far from the car park, look back towards Stackpole Quay, and you’ll notice the limestone rock change to red sandstone.
Continue following the path along the coast, with rolling green fields to your right and the sea on your left, which looks like it belongs in the Mediterranean; it’s that turquoise.
Eventually you’ll hit an archway, and on the other side is Barafundle Bay, a beach that’s been voted one of Britain’s favourites more times than we can count.
Our Top Tip: although Barafundle Bay is only accessible on foot, it’s still one of the most popular beaches in the area. If you want any time to yourself here, which we’d definitely recommend, set off early.
Cross the beach and climb up through the woods on the other side. Peek through the trees at the beach below.
Continue along the clifftops towards Stackpole Head, passing the natural arches at Lattice Windows.
This stretch, between Lattice Windows and Stackpole Head, is honestly stunning.
The sea has sculpted caves, arches, inlets and headlands into the limestone cliffs, which are also home to guillemot, razorbill, peregrine falcon and chough. If you’re here in spring or summer, you’ve got a decent chance of seeing seabirds nesting right on the ledges.
Keep going along the Coast Path with Stackpole Warren opening up on your right, thick with butterflies and wildflowers if you’re walking in spring or summer.
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 a great spot for lunch, a swim or just a quick rest.
Just before Broad Haven (double back if you’ve gone down to the beach), there’s a path to your right (left from the beach) heading inland through shaded woodland towards Bosherston Lakes (also called Bosherston Lily Ponds).
Follow the narrow trail as it curves around the water, cross the tiny stone bridge, then the Bosherston Causeway, and climb over the limestone bluff to a great viewpoint of the lakes filled with thousands of water lilies.
Cross the Central Causeway, and you’re right down among the Bosherston Lily Ponds, thick with water lilies from June to September. It’s a sight you honestly won’t forget for a while.
Our top tip: keep an eye on the water here; otters are regulars around Bosherston Lakes.
Continue until you reach Grassy Bridge. Don’t cross it; stay left and follow the trail to Eight Arch Bridge instead.
Eight Arch Bridge has got a real Pride and Prejudice feel to it. The low stone arches stretch across the completely still water, with lily ponds framing it on either side. I half expect to see Mr Darcy strolling across it.
Cross Eight Arch Bridge and follow the Deer Park track back to Stackpole Quay Car Park, and that’s the walk done.
If you’re not ready to leave Stackpole yet, here are a few other ways to make the most of this stretch of coast.
Beyond the Walk: Coasteering and Paddleboarding at Stackpole
Stackpole is also home to some of the best watersports in Pembrokeshire.
If you fancy something to get the adrenaline pumping, coasteering takes you right along the water’s edge, scrambling over rocks, swimming through gullies and caves, and jumping from the cliffs into the sea, finishing with a wild swim over to Barafundle Bay (weather and tide dependent).
It’s a great adventure, and works well for older kids too. One reviewer took their 2 teenage grandsons and said it kept them entertained the whole way.
For something calmer, a guided paddle boarding tour glides along the coastline into hidden caves and sheltered coves you’d never reach on foot. There’s a good chance you’ll spot wildlife along the way.
It’s great for anyone, whether you’re picking up a paddle for the first time or you’ve done it plenty of times before, and it’s a lovely and peaceful way to see this stretch of coast from a totally different angle.
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Everything You Need to Know Before Doing the Stackpole Wildlife Walk
How do I get to the Stackpole Wildlife Walk?
If you’re driving, Stackpole Quay Car Park is the easiest place to start and finish. If you’d rather not drive, the 387 Coastal Cruiser stops at both Bosherston and Stackpole Quay, so you can start the walk from either end.
How long is the walk?
It’s 9 kilometres and takes around 3-4 hours depending on how often you stop. It’s fairly flat too, only 142 metres of elevation gain across the whole route, so it’s one of the more manageable walks in Pembrokeshire if you’re not looking for a big climb.
Is there anywhere to eat along the way?
The trail passes close to Bosherston, a tiny village just before you cross Bosherston Causeway, where there are a few places for refreshments. We’d bring a packed lunch though and eat it on Broad Haven Beach or the cliffs looking out over the water.
When is the best time to do this walk?
May, June and September are your best bet. July and August get busy, and prices go up, especially for anywhere to stay nearby.
Where should I stay in Pembrokeshire?
Stackpole is pretty remote, so we’d recommend staying elsewhere and driving in. We stayed in St Davids, the UK’s smallest city, and this is where we’d stay again. It’s a great base to get around, within easy reach of beaches and coastal walks, and it’s full of pubs, cafes and shops.
- Luxury: Twr Y Felin Hotel – a gorgeous property in a former historic windmill. It’s adults only and has a spa – perfect after a long walk along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.
- Mid-range: Crug Glas Country House – a charming, historic hotel with a lush garden and sun terrace.
- Budget: The Waterings – lovely outdoor garden, family rooms and a great location in the centre of town.
Alternatively, Tenby is great if you want something a bit livelier and a proper seaside town. There are also tons of activities, boat trips to the nearby islands and direct access to the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.
- Luxury: Cornerstones Brython – a beautiful cabin with hot tub, lovely gardens and a great location in Tenby close to the beach. Multiple properties can be booked if you’re travelling in a group.
- Mid-range: Heywood Spa Hotel – a spa hotel with swimming pool, sun terrace, hot tub, beauty services and fitness centre. Perfect to relax after a busy day exploring Pembrokeshire.
- Budget: The Esplanade – overlooking South Beach with incredible views across Carmarthen Bay. The rooms are lovely and cosy, and the breakfast is highly rated.
Can you swim at Barafundle Bay?
Yes, and it’s one of the best spots for it on this walk. The water’s clear and calm, sheltered by limestone cliffs. There aren’t any lifeguards, though, so take care when swimming and always keep an eye on the tide.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this guide to the Stackpole Wildlife Walk. It’s genuinely one of the best walks in Pembrokeshire, especially if you love wildlife. If you have any questions or want to get in touch, leave us a comment and we’ll get back to you.
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Check out our other Pembrokeshire guides below for the best things to do, a 3-day itinerary and a hiking guide from Whitestands to Porthgain.
