I found the perfect Welsh coast walk with secluded swim spot and food right on the beach
Combine beaches, woodlands, and a pancake stop on this straightforward coastal hike
The 180-mile Pembrokeshire Coastal Path is a well-established National Trail within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
(Image: Shared Content Unit )
There's no better way to embrace the great outdoors than lacing up your hiking boots and heading for the Welsh coast. With the salty breeze in your hair, the crash of waves and dreamy sea views stretching to the horizon, walking along the bracing Welsh coastline invigorates the senses.
Wales has an extraordinary 870-mile-long coast path – the first in the world to trace an entire nation's shoreline. The famous trail bursts with dramatic headlands, hidden coves, ancient ruins, and wildlife. While walking its full length is a bucket-list challenge you don't need to be an ultra-hiker to enjoy its best bits.
Throughout the long-distance route countless short walks and circular trails offer epic coastal scenery without requiring a full expedition. One of my favourite treks, which I recently discovered, is in Pembrokeshire. It features sandy shores, secluded bays, and a pancake and waffle hut right on the beach.
The 5.1-km out-and-back walk is from Saundersfoot Beach to Monkstone Point and features some inclines through a wooded area as you trace the shore. You can follow the coast's path signs or download the trail on the AllTrails app.
It starts at the coastal village of Saundersfoot. Considered a "compact version of Tenby" the swish seaside town has a sandy beach that has just been crowned among the best in the UK in The Times' annual Best UK Beaches guide and is described as a beach that "rewards explorers".
The 17th edition of the list was compiled by chief travel writer Chris Haslam, who visited and inspected 756 beaches across the UK. Chris' selection was based on an exhaustive 11-point inspection checklist.
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The criteria encompassed water quality, cleanliness, accessibility, car parking facilities, lifeguard presence, hygiene standards at toilets and showers, and dog-friendliness.
Outside of the acclaimed beach the town and surrounding area have plenty of things to see and do including a coastal trail, proper pubs, independent shops, and cafes.
If you want to experience the scenic shoreline, though, the best thing to do is lace up your hiking boots and hit the coast path.
Saundersfoot Beach to Monkstone Point hike
The walk starts on the beach
(Image: St Brides Spa Hotel )
From Saundersfoot Beach head towards the harbour. This marine hub, completed in 1834, primarily served Pembrokeshire's burgeoning coal industry. The harbour facilitated coal exports, significantly contributing to the local economy.
In recent years Saundersfoot Harbour has undergone significant redevelopment to modernise its facilities, establish new business ventures, and promote local heritage through the Welcome and Heritage Centre.
From the harbour follow the B1436 and you'll soon reach the award-winning clifftop St Bride's Hotel and Spa, where you can gaze over Saundersfoot Bay from their jaw-dropping infinity swimming pool and elevated rooms.
This privately-owned hotel is a few minutes from the beach allowing guests to enjoy ocean therapy before indulging in the many spa treatments. I highly recommend this swish coastal bolthole if you want to stay longer in Saundersfoot.
You'll continue along the Glen Road from the hotel until you reach the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, which you'll follow through the peaceful Glen Woods as it ascends over the craggy shoreline.
Part of the walk goes through beautiful woodlands
(Image: Portia Jones )
As you climb higher you'll see the sandy Glen Beach. This woodland and cliff-backed beach has two main access points: Saundersfoot Harbour at low tide and Glen Woods when the tide is in.
Visit early, during the off-season, and you'll have a secluded spot where you can swim in clear waters or enjoy a picnic with sweeping coastal views.
Keep going and you'll soon pass Swallow Tree Gardens behind you – a small holiday park situated yards from the beach and sheltered by pinewoods.
The perfect spot for a breather
(Image: Portia Jones )
Follow the coast path and soon reach Monkstone Point – a secluded rocky headland with golden sands and naturally-formed pools. You can spend a good few hours here swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the unusual rock formations.
To return to Saundersfoot follow the coast path back the way you came and look for a pancake hut on the beach and a mobile sauna overlooking the shore.
Have pancakes on the beach
On Saundersfoot's golden sands you'll find Crêp Da
(Image: Portia Jones )
Hungry after your hike? On Saundersfoot's golden sands you'll find Crêp Da, a cutesy pop-up pancake van run by Courtney and Anouk. This compact green van sells a delectable selection of freshly-made pancakes and waffles along with iced coffee, hot chocolate, and hot drinks.
Their fresh-off-the-griddle crepes and golden waffles come piled high with your pick of sweet gooey goodness. Expect melty Nutella and strawberries, maple syrup with sliced banana, or simple sugar and lemon. Craving something extra?
There are also plenty of drool-worthy specials like Smarties-studded waffles, Twix-packed crepes, and Bounty-topped beauties. Each one is as outrageously delicious as it is Instagrammable. For the latest restaurant news and reviews, sign up to our food and drink newsletter here .
There are also plenty of drool-worthy specials
(Image: Portia Jones )
Hwyl Outdoor Sauna
If you need a moment to unwind after hiking and feasting on pancakes why not book a sauna session with a sea view?
You can enjoy wellness by the water at Hwyl Outdoor Sauna – a mobile wood-fired sauna overlooking the award-winning blue-flagged beach.
This sustainability-focused sauna sources its wood locally and has the cleanest-burning sauna fire available, keeping its carbon footprint low. Who doesn't love a steamy sesh with eco credentials?
A treat awaits
(Image: @sillbillsocial )
Bookable for 25-minute and 50-minute sessions, enjoy the invigorating experience of deep healing and mindfulness using the heat of the sauna and the bracing cold of the sea.
You can book slots for a shared sauna or a private session to rent the whole six-person sauna just for yourself and your friends and family for a steam and epic sea view.
Pint with a view
The perfect finale
(Image: harbwrbarandkitchen/Facebook )
Round off your trip to Saundersfoot with a lovely pint with a view. Pull up a chair at Harbwr Bar & Kitchen, perfectly perched on Saundersfoot Harbour, and settle in for a laid-back pub sesh with some lovely Welsh brews.
This stylish seaside spot is the swish sister venue of Tenby's award-winning Harbwr Brewery, which is pouring the good stuff straight from the source.
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If you're more into your spirits don't miss the Harbwr Dry Gin, crafted in west Wales and distilled with actual beer. It's crisp, coastal, and perfect with tonic and a slice of citrus.
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