The Best Walks in West Wales
For families on holiday, spending time wandering exploring the local area is one of the best ways to spend a day out. Whether you’ve found yourself down a little village lane or under the sheltering canopy of woodland, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion is a beautiful county for all the family to discover, and our convenient location in the Teifi Valley gives us convenient access to all the best walks in West Wales.
Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion is a wildlife lover's paradise. You'll have excellent opportunities to spot an incredible array of Welsh wildlife on your excursions. From the UK's largest population of bottlenose dolphins frolicking in Cardigan Bay, to the majestic Peregrine falcons nesting along the coastal cliffs, this region is teeming with amazing animals to discover.
There’s a range of diverse walks that vary in challenge and length of time. Below, we’ve selected a few favourites that we’re sure you and your family will enjoy during your time here. One thing is for certain: your walks in West Wales will be filled with laughter, muddy boots and togetherness.
All Wales Coastal Path
Covering an incredible 870 miles/1400km and originally two separate coastal paths, the All-Wales coastal path opened in 2012 and is the first footpath in the world to cover the entire length of a country’s coastline. With so much diversity and sections to explore, this trail is one of the best family walks in West Wales.
From Penwern Fach, you’ll have the luxury of choosing from a selection of beautiful walks across the coastline. Some popular routes to walk include St, Davids to St. Dogmaels on the Pembrokeshire coastal path, and Cardigan to Borth and New Quay to Aberaeron in Ceredigion. Although there are many routes to walk, you’ll also want to see some of the sites. Some popular sites to see along the All-Wales Coastal Path include Church Doors Cove at low tide and the award-winning beach of Mwnt, as well as Llangrannog beach.
Cenarth Falls Walk
The Cenarth Falls Walk is easily one of the best walks in West Wales, only stretching 1.5km. Perfect as a leisurely afternoon stroll, the Tŷ Te tearooms are a wonderful place to indulge in some tasty treats after you’ve finished your walk.
The lovely village of Cenarth, with the River Teifi flowing through it, is one of the most peaceful spots to stretch your legs. The village is best known for its picturesque waterfalls and the famous salmon leaps, where visitors can see an old water-powered corn mill. While the mill's roots date back to the 13th century, the current structure was built in the 17th century.
Cenarth village is a 5-minute drive from Penwern Fach - only taking half an hour to complete. We recommend staying a bit longer to peruse the quaint independent shops.
Newcastle Emlyn and Teifi Valley Walk
A wonderful 9.7km route, the Newcastle Emlyn and Teifi Valley walk is one of the best family walks in West Wales, and is filled with cultural insights, natural beauty and historical landmarks.
Beginning in Newcastle Emlyn and ending in Cenarth, one of the main attractions of this walk is Newcastle Emyln Castle. Believed to have been built by Welsh lord Maredudd ap Rhys around 1240, the castle ruins have stood the test of time thanks to the preservation efforts of the local community. It now stands as a fascinating monument that is beloved and studied by history enthusiasts.
You can expect to be out for a half-day on this walk. There are easy transport links at both the start and end of the walk. There is some uneven terrain on this walk, so we suggest bringing some boots with good ankle support.
Ffynone Waterfall Walk
In need of a quiet moment? A favourite amongst locals and nature enthusiasts alike, this walk will see you exploring ancient woodland until you reach the majestic Ffynone Waterfall, a mesmerising slice of quiet in the Cwm Cych valley.
To get to the waterfall, park up in Ffynone Waterfall car park and follow the footpath which runs along the river. When venturing down the path, you’ll want to continue straight ahead until you reach the little house. From here, continue straight onward until you arrive at the clear waters of Ffynone Waterfall.
The waterfall itself only takes 20-minutes to reach. The terrain on this route is even, and the serene ambiance of nature makes it one of the best walks in West Wales for families.
Preseli Hills Golden Road
Embark on a historically captivating journey along the Golden Road, a trade route dating back to the Neolithic period. As you adventure through the spine of the Preseli Hills, you'll encounter the intriguing site of Waun Mawn, believed to be the source of the blue stones that form the ancient monument of Stonehenge.
Undoubtedly one of the best walks in West Wales, The Golden Road is 11km long and starts at Bwlch-gwynt and concludes at Foel Drygarn hillfort. There’s no shortage of impressive sites to see on this walk. You’ll be treated to panoramic views of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and rolling countryside. For the avid adventurers in the family, keep your eyes peeled for Beddarthur, a collection of stones in the shape of an eye. It is said to be the resting place of King Arthur.
You can expect to be on this walk for half a day depending on your pace. We recommend a good kit for this route; including walking boots, plenty of water, snacks to keep you energised and waterproofs in case the rain suddenly rolls in – Be sure to bring your camera as you'll want to capture plenty of photos!