St Brides Castle

St. David's walking and hiking route

Start/Car Parking - Car park with public toilets at Porthclais, 1¼ miles south-west of St David's, grid reference 740242.

From St. Bride's drive to St. David's, bear left from the village centre and follow the 'Porthclais' signs.

The coast in the St. David's area is magnificent numerous rocky coves, sea cliffs crowned with gorse and swathes of wild flowers, all overlaid with a great sense of history, adding character to the windswept landscape, watched over by high outcrops of ancient rock such as Carn Lliddi.

Bronze and Iron Age men were here, followed by saints in early Christian times; St David was reputedly born close to the village which carries his name and the well dedicated to his mother, St. Non, is on the line of the walk set out.

Generations of farmers and fishermen followed, building the tiny harbours, burning the limestone in the still-evident kilns and constructing the ancient bankings which separate so many of the fields.

St David's itself is little more than a big village, but with the status conferred by the cathedral. It is an important centre for north Pembrokeshire, with shops, inns, cafes and the ruins of the former Bishop's Palace.

The short walk set out below forms a good introduction to the area, including a fine section of the Pemrokeshire Coast Path linking the bays of Porthclais and St. Non's, with footpath connections to and from St. David's. Apart from a short rough section of path at the outset, the walking is entirely easy, without stiles, and with no serious ascents.

Walk Instructions

1) Turn right to follow the 'coast path' sign, soon rising steeply to the left, with rough steps and some rocky surface. The track soon levels, winding its way above the spectacular scenery of the great sea cliffs; particularly impressive is the wild bay of Porth Ffynnon.

2) At a junction before the path descends to St. Non's Bay, turn left through a gate, to cross a meadow on a grass track, heading for the ruin of the ancient St. Non's Chapel, alleg-edly the birthplace of St. David. Continue to another gate, giving access to St. Non's Well. Pass the Well and then pass below a retreat centre. The modern (1934) St. Non's Chapel can be visited by a short detour to the left. Carry on along the path, soon rejoining the coast path.

3) Turn left immediately at a 'St. David's ½ mile' signpost to follow a clear track, heading inland. The path is well-organised between fences and old field boundaries, with modern gates.

4) At a 'T' junction at the fringe of the built-up area turn right. In a further 50m. turn left at another junction, with signpost and seat, to head for the heart of St. David's. At a road 'T' junction turn left, slightly downhill. At a junction in 100m. turn right. In 50m. turn right at a junction with a more important road, opposite the Tabernacle, to reach the focal point of St. David's, with all facilities close by.

5) Commence the return by walking back past the Tabernacle, turn left into Mitre Lane, then turn right at a junction in 40m. Follow this road for a short distance to the start of a bridleway along the edge of the built-up area, with a long terrace of bungalows on the left. Turn right at a junction, cross the minor road which leads to St. Non's, with signposts each side, and continue.

6) At a fork with seat and 'N.T. Bryn Y Garn' sign, keep right, descending along a narrow path with a hedge /bank on the right. There are waymarked gates and the path is always clear to Porthclais Farm, with a static caravan site adjacent. Follow the footpath signs through the farm and keep close to the field boundary on the right to head for a gate. The path across the next meadow is just visible on the ground. Pass a waymark on a post, go straight ahead at a cross-path and descend the valley side on a steep but good path, aided by a few steps. Join the road, turning left to cross the stream and return to the car park.

Disclaimer: This route was correct at time of writing. However, alterations can happen if development or boundary changes occur, and there is no guarantee of permanent access. These walks have been published for use by site visitors on the understanding that neither HPB Management Limited nor any other person connected with Holiday Property Bond is responsible for the safety or wellbeing of those following the routes as described. It is walkers' own responsibility to be adequately prepared and equipped for the ‎level of walk and the weather conditions and to assess the safety and accessibility of the walk.