Whitesands to Trefin
A wild and rocky walk over some of the oldest rock in Britain dating from the pre-Cambrian period.
Between Whitesands and Trefin
A wild and rocky walk over some of the oldest rock in Britain dating from the pre-Cambrian period.
There is history dotted all along this section of the Coast Path. At the top of Carn Llidi high above Whitesands beach, there are the remains of a WW2 early warning radar station while down below on St Davids head is a Neolithic burial chamber, Coetan Arthur.
At Aberieddy you’ll see the remains of a slate quarry known as the Blue Lagoon – its the reflection of the slate that gives it it’s deep blue colour. These days you’re more likely to see coasteerers have great fun jumping from the cliffs on the north side of the lagoon.
As you arrive into the tiny harbour village of Porthgain you can’t fail to notice the large brick hoppers that line the harbour which dates back to the late 18th and early 19th century and now a Scheduled Ancient Monument.
Route data:
200 ft
Grass & SandLocation A
Location B
Key information
Route:
- From the cafe at Whitesands Bay, head north to St David’s Head
- If you have time veer off to the right to climb Carn Llidi for stunning panoramic views
- Retrace the climb and explore the ruined ramparts of the promontory fort and Coetan Arthur burial chamber on St David’s Head
- Head east along convoluted cliffs until you reach the road heading for Abereiddi Bay
- On the far side are the remains of a slate quarry and a row of quarry workers cottages (toilets).
- The circular quarry, known as The Blue Lagoon, has been breached by the sea and is now a playground for kayaking and coasteering
- Past the quarry, the vista opens up spectacularly, with Traeth Llyfn beach in the distance
- A series of steel staircases lead down to the beach if you fancy a dip
- As you approach Porthgain, you notice more redundant quarrying activity, this time for granite. It was hauled over the cliff top, crushed and fed into enormous hoppers that transported the rock down to the harbour
- A stop at The Shed or The Sloop Inn in Porthgain is almost obligatory
- The remainder of the path to Trefin is pretty straightforward
- If in doubt, follow the acorn symbols that indicate where the route goes
Accessibility
While Pembrokeshire offers a range of scenic walks for all abilities, not all paths are guaranteed to be fully accessible. If you or someone in your group uses a wheelchair, mobility scooter, or pram, there are still plenty of accessible routes, viewpoints, attractions, and beaches to enjoy.
For the best experience, plan ahead by checking accessibility guides or contacting local organisations, such as the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and the Walkability Project. Many beaches also offer concrete ramps and Beach Wheelchairs for easier access.
Please ensure you gather relevant information in advance to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
