Region: Bosherston Lily Ponds & Coastal Circular, Pembrokeshire, Wales
Places To Stay: Stay in charming Bosherston, nearby Pembroke, or along the coastal villages. Try: Pembrokeshire Coast Accommodation for a range from cosy cottages to seaside B&Bs. I stayed in Hotel Plas Hyfryd in Narberth, and it was perfect for us. It was centrally located, had a great town with everything you would need, and served a great breakfast to set you up for the day.
Looking for more Pembrokeshire Coast walks? Try Stackpole & Barafundle Bay, Solva to St Davids, or Whitesands Bay to Abereiddi.
Below are 3 ideas for trips and tours in Pembrokeshire. GetYourGuide offers great discounts and availability + Many more!
This varied 6.5-mile / 10.5 km circular walk starts at the Bosherston Lily Ponds National Trust car park and takes in serene lakes, historic bridges, sheltered harbours, golden beaches, and dramatic cliff-top views. Following the Stackpole Wildlife Walk and sections of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, the route includes highlights like the 8 Arch Bridge, Stackpole Quay, Barafundle Bay, Stackpole Head, Saddle Point, and Broad Haven South Beach. It’s a moderate walk with a little bit of everything Pembrokeshire has to offer.
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Cardiff and Bristol are the nearest airports — from there, hire a car or take public transport to Pembrokeshire. A car is recommended for Bosherston, although local buses run seasonally to nearby towns.
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Getting There: Directions, GPX and App Link
- Start point: Bosherston Lily Ponds National Trust Car Park (SA71 5DW)
- Google Maps link: Bosherton National Trust Car Park
- Parking: National Trust charges apply
- Download the GPX file here for use on your GPS device or watch
- You can also follow this route on my Outdooractive profile
Hike Profile
- Distance: approx 11 km / 7 miles (linear)
- Duration: 3–4 hours
- Highest point: Coastal cliffs near Stackpole Head
- Difficulty: Moderate – mostly flat with some steps and short climbs
- Route conditions: Lakeside paths, coastal cliff tops, sandy beaches
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Hike Description
Begin at the Bosherston Lily Ponds National Trust car park, where you’ll find toilets and seasonal refreshments. The route starts gently along the tranquil lily ponds, created in the 18th century by the Cawdor family as ornamental lakes for their estate. In summer, they come alive with a carpet of white lilies, while swans, herons, and moorhens glide through the still waters.
After a short stroll, you’ll reach the iconic 8 Arch Bridge, a beautiful stone structure offering one of the area’s best photo opportunities. Continue along the Stackpole Wildlife Walk through peaceful woodland and open fields until you arrive at Stackpole Quay, once a busy limestone port, now a sheltered cove with a National Trust café and toilet facilities. This is an ideal spot for a coffee break before heading onto the coast.
From here, join the Pembrokeshire Coast Path for a spectacular clifftop section to Barafundle Bay. Regularly voted one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Barafundle is accessible only on foot, keeping it wonderfully unspoilt. Descend the steps onto its golden sands, cross the bay, and climb the opposite steps to continue your journey.
Next, follow the coast to Stackpole Head, where towering cliffs drop dramatically to the sea below. This is a great vantage point for spotting seabirds and, if you’re lucky, dolphins offshore. The path then takes you to Saddle Point before curving towards Broad Haven South Beach, a vast expanse of sand backed by dunes, with the lily ponds flowing out into the bay.
Walk this route yourself in 3D!
The video is a 3D walkthrough of this route; it’ll give you a great idea of what to expect before you set foot on the mountain.
I’ve created 3D videos of my walks and shared them with the Outdooractive and Welsh Man Walking communities.
[video_popup url=”https://youtu.be/AKrCOS6JvU8″ text=”Bosherston Lily Ponds & Coastal Circular 6.5 miles – 3D Walkthrough” title=”Bosherston Lily Ponds & Coastal Circular 6.5 miles – 3D Walkthrough”]
Finally, head inland from Broad Haven to rejoin the Stackpole Wildlife Walk, following the serene waters of the lily ponds back to your starting point at Bosherston car park.
Below are 3 ideas for trips and tours in Pembrokeshire, GetYourGuide offer great discounts and availability + Many more!
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Bosherston Lily Ponds & Coastal Highlights Circular FAQs
When do the lily ponds bloom?
Is there an entry fee?
Can you swim at Barafundle Bay?
Is Stackpole Quay café open year-round?
Are there toilets on the route?
Is it suitable for pushchairs?
Can I bring my dog?
Is the route signposted?
Where’s best for photos?
Can I shorten the route?
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