We recently took on the coastal walk from Manorbier to Tenby. The endless views of the sea and the rugged coastline were breathtaking! We highly recommend this walk to anyone looking to explore the beauty of Wales. Here’s our experience of the Manorbier to Tenby coastal walk.
On our latest visit to Pembrokeshire, we decided to walk to Tenby over getting public transport. It took us roughly 3 hours and 30 mins with a few rest stops. The path is well-maintained and easy to follow, and the scenery was unforgettable. Overall, it was an incredible experience that we wanted to share with you! So you can give it a go as well.
Manorbier to Tenby Coastal Walk
- Time: This walk takes roughly 3 hours and 30 minutes.
- Distance: Roughly 8 miles.
- Difficulty: Moderate difficulty, uphill climbs.
- Food & drink: Tenby and Manorbier have food places but none on the route. So take a picnic or snacks and plenty of water.
We began our walk at Manorbier Beach, just a 10-minute walk from our campsite, Park Farm Holiday Park. Which was a fantastic base for the weekend; it was a lovely family-friendly touring and camping site set amongst 25 acres of countryside.
Starting point: Pembrokeshire Coast Path, Tenby SA70 8QR
Manorbier Beach
Manorbier Beach is a beautiful sandy beach with dunes and a stream flowing down the northern end. As a popular surfing spot, Manorbier is known for its strong currents, so it’s essential to exercise caution when swimming in the sea. Before you go, check the tide times to ensure you have enough beach to enjoy and you can avoid getting stranded by the incoming tide. There is a car park here and toilets.
The 12th Century Church of St. James and the medieval Manorbier Castle overlook the beautiful coastline. And for those seeking even more history, the King’s Quoit burial chamber (circa 3000BC) is a must-see. The capstone of this Neolithic chambered tomb is supported by three small uprights and the earth itself, standing less than a metre above the ground but measuring a massive 4.5 metres by 2.5 metres. It’s an incredible piece of history.
You will find the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path on the left-hand side of Manorbier Beach, where we set off for Tenby!
Follow the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path
The route from here is simple to follow. Mostly you will be walking along the coastal path signposted by an acorn symbol. Walking along the path will treat you to breathtaking views of the rugged Pembrokeshire coastline. Keep an eye out for the abundance of gorse bushes emitting a sweet, coconut-like scent.
Please note: There are certain sections of the route where you will leave the clifftops, as these sections are marked as too dangerous and must be avoided. Instead, you will be guided over fields. It’s essential to be aware of this and follow route directions carefully.
Church Doors Cove
As you venture towards Church Doors Cove, you’ll notice the cove’s intricate features have been sculpted by the immense power of the ocean waves and tides, forming two magnificent sandstone cliffs that stand tall on either side of a minor, secluded sandy beach. This geological masterpiece has been aptly named after the archway that frames the cove. During high tide, the view is limited to rocky outcroppings, but when the tide recedes, you can uncover the stunning golden sands beneath. To reach the cove, follow the coastal path and descend concrete steps, followed by a steel staircase leading you straight onto the beach. Although it may require effort to get there, the most rewarding experiences often require work!
Continue to Lydstep Beach
You will know you are near to approaching Lydstep Beach when you reach a seriously steep set of well-maintained stairs! Make sure to veer left and go through the gate. The path takes you past Lydstep Beach, and the holiday/caravan park.
To reach the beach, you can only do so by foot through the caravan park behind it. The beach boasts a charming beauty, with pebbles running alongside the sand and breathtaking cliffs filled with lush green trees at both ends.
In addition, it gained Blue Flag status in 2020, just like many other beaches in Pembrokeshire. Adventure enthusiasts can also enjoy various exhilarating marine activities, including windsurfing, sailing, and water skiing.
On the far left of this beach you will find the coastal path which takes you to Tenby.
Giltar Point
As you approach Tenby South Beach, you will come across Giltar Point. Be sure to have your cameras ready as you take in the long stretch of Tenby Beach South to the north and Caldey Island to the southeast. Giltar Point is also a favourite among fishing enthusiasts during low tide, fishing for pollack, mackerel, and bass. It’s a perfect spot to enjoy a picnic or take a break with a refreshing drink, with stunning views overlooking Caldey Island. However, please note that this area is used as a MOD (Ministry of Defence) firing range. Red flags flying indicate it’s closed to visitors.
Caldey Island
If you are staying in the area, we strongly suggest visiting Caldey Island. It’s a lovely destination for tourists and it’s one of Britain’s Holy Islands. The Cistercian Monks live on the island and are always happy to welcome visitors. You can easily catch a boat from Tenby Harbour and spend a whole day exploring everything Caldey Island offers.
Finally, the coastal path will take you down to Tenby South Beach where you can head along the beach into the town and enjoy plenty of places to eat, drink, shop and explore. First, stop by Salty’s Beach Bar and Restaurant on South Beach; it’s dog friendly and a great place to enjoy a breather with a view! We hope you have enjoyed this article. Let us know in the comment’s if you have ever walked this part of the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path. We would love to hear what you think of it!