Stackpole Wildlife Walk: Lily Ponds, Cliffs & Beaches (2026)
Dramatic limestone cliffs, idyllic lily ponds, beautiful sandy beaches, shaded 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, Pembrokeshire, is a nature enthusiast’s 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.
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 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 Warren 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 the Eight Arch Bridge and follow the Deer Park track back to Stackpole Quay Car Park.
That’s the Stackpole Wildlife Walk at an end; continue on for everything you need to know.
Beyond the Walk: Coasteering and Paddleboarding at Stackpole
Stackpole Quay is also where some of the best water sports in Pembrokeshire are.
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Everything You Need to Know For the Stackpole Wildlife Walk
How do I get to the Stackpole Wildlife Walk?
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.
How long is 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.
Is there anywhere to eat along the way?
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.
When is the best time to do this walk?
The best time for walks in Pembrokeshire are May – June and September. July – August will see large crowds and inflated prices.
Where should I stay in Pembrokeshire?
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.
Can you swim at Barafundle Bay?
Yes, and it’s one of the best spots for swimming on this walk. The water is clear and calm, thanks to the bay being sheltered by limestone cliffs.
There aren’t any lifeguards here, so take care when swimming and always keep an eye on the tide.
We hope you’ve found this guide to the Stackpole Wildlife Walk helpful. 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.
