Walking Holidays in Wales

Boasting several National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, stunning scenery is never far away on a walking holiday in Wales. With the mountainous region of Snowdonia in the north and the Cambrian Mountains and Brecon Beacons further south there is an abundance of choice for a day in the hills. Add to this a spectacular coastline and Wales is a magnet for walkers of all abilities.

The Pembrokeshire Coast Path is one of the finest long distance walks in Britain. The path enjoys stunning views across sea and land as it twists along a coast line of ever-changing natural beauty.  Bird watchers and plant lovers are drawn to the area due to the rich diversity of wildlife to be seen. Sea birds thrive on the inaccessible cliffs and offshore islands and, due to a multitude of habitats, an amazing array of flowers and plants can be seen at all times of year.

Discover the rugged Welsh coastline and all it has to offer on one of our self-guided walking holidays. With walks varying from 4 to 16 days in length we can create the perfect walking holiday to suit your needs.

The Gower Peninsula was designated as the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1956. Much of its coastline is defined as Heritage Coast. Over 30% of the peninsula is National Nature Reserve or a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

On our Gower holidays you’ll visit some of Britain’s most beautiful beaches including Rhossili Bay and Oxwich Bay as well as experience a rich and varied environment of heathland, limestone grassland, marshes, dunes and coastal woodlands.

There’s lots of historic interest along the way including castle ruins, Iron Age forts and a surviving medieval open field system. There’s plenty delicious local cuisine to be enjoyed too, such as Laverbread, Salt Marsh Lamb and Penclawdd Cockles.

Stunning coastal walking in what was designated as the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The Gower Peninsula in South Wales was designated as the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty way back in 1956, and to this day, remains as beautiful as ever. It was awarded its AONB status for its classic coastline, much of which is defined as Heritage Coast, along with its outstanding natural environment, with over 30% of the area being a National Nature Reserve or a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Our holidays follow the Wales Coast Path for 45 miles / 72 km from the village of Pen-Clawdd on the Loughor Estuary round to the town of Mumbles on the western edge of Swansea Bay. On your journey you will enjoy some of the most stunning sections of the Wales Coast Path and several of the most beautiful beaches in Britain.

Whiteford Sands is a two mile stretch of secluded beach backed by Whiteford Burrows, a dune system and coniferous plantation. Among the flora on display is the early marsh orchid and fen orchid. On the eastern edge of the burrows the marsh is home to the oystercatcher, pintail and golden plover. Award winning Rhossili Bay boasts three miles of gorgeous golden sands and each year in the fields above the bay the National Trust plant a staggering half a million sunflowers, poppies, lavender and lupins all bursting with colour in summer. Three Cliffs Bay, appropriately named on account of the three sea cliffs that jut out into the bay, is another beach lover’s dream, a paradise of surf washed sands. Above the bay is Pennard Burrows, arguably one of the finest viewpoints in the country.

It’s not all sea and sand however, the Gower Peninsula is a wealth of inspiring landscapes. Just wait till you see the dramatic limestone cliffs and ancient coastal woodlands, the rolling grasslands and russet coloured downs. There is in excess of a thousand archaeological sites and over a hundred listed buildings. More than this, there is a warm Welsh welcome wherever you go.

Length

4 - 6 nights

Full Route Length

45 miles / 72 km

Average Grade

Easy to Moderate

Why do this walk?

The Gower Peninsula was designated as the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Over 30% of the peninsula is National Nature Reserve or a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Visit some of Britain’s most beautiful beaches including Rhossili Bay and Oxwich Bay.

Experience a rich and varied environment of heathland, limestone grassland, marshes, dunes and coastal woodlands.

Lots of historic interest including castle ruins, Iron Age forts and a surviving medieval open field system.

Enjoy delicious local cuisine such as Laverbread, Salt Marsh Lamb and Penclawdd Cockles.

The route starts in the seaside village of Amroth in the South, then follows the coastline of the Pembrokeshire National Park before finally finishing in the village of St Dogmaels near Cardigan.

The Pembrokeshire Coast in South Wales received National Park status back in 1952 and it was at that time the naturalist Ronald Lockley proposed an uninterrupted long-distance path along the length of the park. Finally, in 1970, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path was opened and it is now one of the UK’s most well established National Trails.

Following the rugged Welsh coastline, this is undoubtedly one of the finest long distance walks in Britain. The path enjoys stunning views across sea and land as it twists along a coastline of ever-changing natural beauty.

The Pembrokeshire Coast will prove to be a memorable journey for all who walk it. Who could forget the picturesque town of Tenby with its delightful Harbour and brightly coloured houses or Solva whose idyllic natural harbour is tucked neatly into the cliffs. Walkers will delight in St Davids, the smallest city in Britain, no larger than a village, yet boasting a splendid Cathedral and ruined chapel. Pembroke itself is home to a Norman castle and ancient town walls. The dramatic coastline has no shortage of breathtaking views, perhaps none more so than the magnificent 80 ft, Green Bridge of Wales, a natural arch formed from Carboniferous Limestone and described by the Natural Arch and Bridge Society as ‘probably the most spectacular arch in the United Kingdom’.

Bird watchers and plant lovers are drawn to the area due to the rich diversity of wildlife to be seen. Sea birds thrive on the inaccessible cliffs and offshore islands, due to a multitude of habitats, an amazing array of flowers and plants can be seen at all times of year.

The Pembrokeshire Coastal Path is a varied and at times challenging walk. The undulating nature of some parts of the walk present physically demanding ascents and descents, however it can be enjoyed in shorter sections accessible to walkers of all ages and abilities.

Length

5-18 nights

Full Route Length

186 miles / 299 km

Shortest Break Length

44 miles / 71 km

Average Grade

Moderate to Challenging

Why do this walk?

Walk along one of Britain's most dramatic coastlines.

Unspoilt countryside and with an abundance of wildlife.

Spectacular clifftop walking between idyllic sandy beaches.

Explore the historic towns of Tenby and Pembroke.

Stay in delightful seaside towns and old fishing villages.

Client Feedback

Mickledore simply do ‘ what it says on the tin’ and that works for me.

The Ridgeway, September 2023
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Your staff seem really enthusiastic about your holidays and are very helpful when needed. It seems that our enjoyment of our holiday is important to your staff.

Westmorland Way, September 2023
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You have always lived up to, and frequently exceed our expectations. You always respond quickly to requests, with good suggestions and whoever we speak with always seems to have our information to hand – so no explaining things over and over! You also take time to source quality accommodation even though at times you are limited for choice. Thank you for another nice wee walk!

Dales Way, July 2023
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