Bosherston Lily Ponds to Barafundle Bay Walk

Region: Bosherston, Stackpole and Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Wales

This 6.5-mile clockwise circular walk starts beside the Bosherston Lily Ponds before linking the Eight-Arch Bridge, Stackpole Quay, Barafundle Bay, Stackpole Head, Saddle Point and Broad Haven South. It is one of the best all-round coastal walks I have completed in Pembrokeshire because the scenery changes constantly: calm lakes, woodland, pasture, a small harbour, golden beaches and exposed cliff-top paths all appear in one route.

I recorded 253 feet of ascent and a moving time of 3 hours 35 minutes. I would allow around 4½ hours so you can enjoy the beaches, views and a coffee at Stackpole Quay without rushing. The distance and exposed coast make this more substantial than the short Lily Ponds visit, but the walking is manageable for beginners, children and dogs that are comfortable covering the mileage.

Places to stay: Bosherston and the Stackpole area put you closest to the route, while Pembroke and Tenby offer a wider choice of places to eat and stay. Browse Pembrokeshire accommodation. I stayed at Hotel Plas Hyfryd in Narberth, which gave us a useful base and a good breakfast.

More nearby walks: See my Pembrokeshire walking guides, or try my Manorbier Castle coastal circular walk.

Map, parking and GPX

• Start and finish: Bosherston Lily Ponds National Trust car park, Bosherston, Pembrokeshire, SA71 5DR.
• Parking: Pay-and-display; National Trust members and Blue Badge holders can park free. Check current arrangements before travelling.
• Direction: Clockwise.
• GPX: Download my exact 6.5-mile GPX route.
• Outdooractive: View the route on my Outdooractive profile.

Important: The path between the Eight-Arch Bridge and Stackpole Quay includes a permissive section that can occasionally close. Check local notices and current National Trust information before setting off, and keep the GPX available offline.

Bosherston to Barafundle Bay route

Bosherston Lily Ponds and the Eight-Arch Bridge

From the National Trust car park, I headed into the Bosherston Lily Ponds and followed the route clockwise. This is a beautifully calm beginning, with easy paths beside the water. The ponds are especially impressive when the lilies are flowering, but the lakes and woodland make this a worthwhile visit throughout the year.

The Eight-Arch Bridge is the first major landmark. Beyond it, the route continues through woodland and fields towards Stackpole Quay. There were lots of cattle on this part of the walk and a couple of gates, so dogs should be kept under close control.

Stackpole Quay

Stackpole Quay was our refreshment stop. I used the toilets and stopped for a coffee before joining the coast, and it is the best place on this circuit to pause. Opening arrangements can change, so I would still carry enough food and drink to complete the walk without relying on the café.

Walking to Barafundle Bay

From Stackpole Quay, the walk changes character as it joins the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. Barafundle Bay can only be reached on foot, and approaching it this way gives you a fantastic first view of the beach. I descended the steps, crossed the sand and then climbed the steps on the opposite side to continue the circular route.

The tide did not affect our route, but normal coastal judgement is still important. Conditions on the beach and exposed path can change with the weather, and the climb from the sand is one of the more demanding moments despite the walk’s low overall ascent.

Stackpole Head, Saddle Point and Broad Haven South

The cliff-top section around Stackpole Head and Saddle Point is the wildest and most exposed part of the walk. The views are superb, but sections run beside natural, unguarded cliff edges. Keep well back, supervise children closely and keep dogs under control, particularly in strong winds or poor visibility.

Continue around the coast until Broad Haven South comes into view. From here, turn inland to rejoin the Lily Ponds. The quiet return beside the water is a lovely contrast to the exposed coast and leads naturally back to Bosherston car park.

Can you visit only Bosherston Lily Ponds?

Yes. You do not need to complete this full 6.5-mile coastal circuit to enjoy the ponds. The National Trust publishes a separate Lily Ponds trail of roughly one mile, which is a better choice if you have limited time or do not want the exposed cliffs and longer distance. The full route here is for walkers who want to connect the ponds with Stackpole Quay, Barafundle Bay and Broad Haven South.

See the official National Trust Lily Ponds trail for current short-walk details.

Practical information and safety

• Terrain: Lakeside paths, woodland, fields, beach sand, steps and exposed natural cliff-top paths.
• Cliffs: Some coastal sections have unguarded edges. Stay back and take extra care with children and dogs.
• Livestock: I encountered lots of cattle. Keep dogs under close control and use a lead around livestock and wildlife.
• Facilities: Toilets are available at Bosherston and Stackpole Quay. I stopped for coffee at Stackpole Quay; check opening times rather than relying on the café.
• Weather: Wind, rain and poor visibility can make the exposed coast much more serious.
• Accessibility: The complete circuit is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs because of uneven ground, sand, steps and coastal climbs.
• Navigation: Carry the GPX and an offline map. The route was unchanged when I walked it two years ago, but check current notices.

Walk this route yourself in 3D

This 3D walkthrough shows the full route and gives you a useful idea of the landscape before you set off.

Watch my Bosherston Lily Ponds and coastal circular 3D route.

Bosherston to Barafundle Bay walk FAQs