Dinas Head Coast Walk
A breathtaking coastal walk offering panoramic sea views, a charming beach with ruins, and a rewarding circular route.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Ice cream van and pleasant weather
Dinas Head Coast Walk
Best Time
Ice cream van and pleasant weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking coastal walk offering panoramic sea views, a charming beach with ruins, and a rewarding circular route.
"Spectacular walk with amazing views out to sea!"
👟 Wear sturdy shoes
The path has steep sections and can be uneven. Good footwear is essential for comfort and safety.
🍦 Grab an ice cream
There's an ice cream van in summer at Cwm-yr-Eglwys, perfect for a post-walk treat.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Sea Views
Dinas Head summit
Breathtaking vistas of the vast blue sea and rugged coastline from a high vantage point.
Cwm-yr-Eglwys Beach
Northern side of the headland
A picturesque cove with a ruined church overlooking a small harbour, perfect for a relaxing break.
Coastal Path Circuit
Around Dinas Head
A rewarding 5k circular hike offering diverse scenery and stunning natural beauty.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for a Steep Start
Embrace the Circular Route
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear sturdy shoes
The path has steep sections and can be uneven. Good footwear is essential for comfort and safety.
🍦 Grab an ice cream
There's an ice cream van in summer at Cwm-yr-Eglwys, perfect for a post-walk treat.
🚗 Narrow access road
The road to the car park is very narrow; drive with caution.
🅿️ Free parking
Enjoy the free car park at Pwllgwaelod, a pleasant surprise!
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear sturdy shoes
The path has steep sections and can be uneven. Good footwear is essential for comfort and safety.
🍦 Grab an ice cream
There's an ice cream van in summer at Cwm-yr-Eglwys, perfect for a post-walk treat.
🚗 Narrow access road
The road to the car park is very narrow; drive with caution.
🅿️ Free parking
Enjoy the free car park at Pwllgwaelod, a pleasant surprise!
⏳ Allow extra time
Don't rush the walk; take time to enjoy the views and relax at the beach.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the spectacular sea views and the rewarding circular hike around Dinas Head. The charming Cwm-yr-Eglwys beach with its ruined church is a particular highlight. While the initial climb is steep, the overall experience is highly recommended for its natural beauty and accessible nature.
"Dinas Head has got a lot to offer: there’s a cafe, a small beach, a harbour, an ice cream van in the summer months and, best of all, there’s a spectacular walk around the headland with amazing views out to sea. It’s a steep climb up from the car park but once you’ve got your breath back you can take in the views as you follow the path round to the other side of the “island”. There you’ll find a small harbour with people paddle-boarding, overlooked by the ruined church. It’s then a short walk back to the car park and possibly a drink in the seafront cafe."
John Kemp
"Great coasts circular hike! Definitely some vertical parts but overall not too challenging. Took about 1.5 hours for the actual hiking parts, but we enjoyed sitting for about 30 minutes with an ice cream once we got to Cwm-yr-Eglwys beach (which is right before the last 2/3 mile walk back to the parking lot). Note - the last bit of the drive down to (and then back out of) the car park at Pwllgwaelod is crazy narrow!! But the car park is free (unusual in our experience)."
Kate DiMinno
"After a steep climb you're welcomed to the lovely views of Dinas Head. Great views of the sea from a high vantage point. There's a lovely place to sit and enjoyed the blue sea. A worthwhile climb and then a gentle decent back to the cove and car park. Highly recommended."
ade0410
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The walk starts from the car park at Pwllgwaelod. The access road to the car park is notably narrow, so drive with care.
Yes, there is a car park at Pwllgwaelod which is free to use, a welcome bonus for visitors.
Information on public transport options is limited, but driving to the Pwllgwaelod car park is the most common method. Check local bus routes for the Pembrokeshire area.
The most popular route is the circular walk around the headland, offering varied scenery and stunning views.
The final stretch of road leading to the car park is described as 'crazy narrow' by visitors, so proceed with caution.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Dinas Head Coast Walk is a public right of way and does not require an entrance fee or tickets. Parking is also free.
Dinas Head is accessible at all times as it is an outdoor natural attraction. However, facilities like the cafe may have specific operating hours.
No, the car park at Pwllgwaelod is free, which is a significant advantage for visitors.
As a natural coastal area, there are no specific entry restrictions. However, always be mindful of coastal safety and weather conditions.
Yes, Dinas Head is a year-round destination. The scenery is beautiful in all seasons, though weather can be a factor in winter.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The actual hiking part of the circular walk takes about 1.5 hours, but many visitors spend longer enjoying the views and breaks.
It's described as having 'definitely some vertical parts' but is generally not too challenging, with a steep climb at the start followed by a gentle descent.
Highlights include spectacular sea views, the charming Cwm-yr-Eglwys beach with its ruined church, and the harbour.
There is a cafe near the car park at Pwllgwaelod, and an ice cream van is often present in summer at Cwm-yr-Eglwys. Toilets may be available at the cafe.
The walk is generally suitable for children, but the steep sections and uneven terrain require supervision. The beach offers a good spot for younger ones.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers panoramic views, while Cwm-yr-Eglwys provides picturesque scenes with the ruined church and harbour.
Golden hour, around sunrise and sunset, can offer dramatic lighting for coastal landscapes. Midday provides clear views but can be harsh.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive sea views. A telephoto lens can be useful for distant coastal features.
Capture the dramatic cliffs, the turquoise waters, and the atmospheric ruins of the church at Cwm-yr-Eglwys.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local bylaws and guidelines for Pembrokeshire National Parks before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, and ensure everyone wears comfortable, sturdy shoes. The narrow road to the car park requires careful driving. Consider bringing a picnic to enjoy at the beach, making it a full day out. The free parking is also a bonus for family budgets.
🚶♀️ Solo Walkers & Hikers
Be sure to inform someone of your plans and expected return time, as is standard practice for solo hiking. The presence of a cafe and the occasional ice cream van offer opportunities for interaction if desired. The free parking and lack of entry fees make it an accessible and enjoyable solo excursion.
📸 Photographers
Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the sweeping vistas and a telephoto lens for details of the coastline or distant features. The ruined church at Cwm-yr-Eglwys provides a fantastic foreground element for seascapes. Remember to pack extra batteries and memory cards to capture all the stunning moments.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Coastal Path Experience
As you traverse the headland, you'll witness dramatic cliffs and the vast expanse of the ocean. The path eventually leads you to the charming Cwm-yr-Eglwys beach, a sheltered cove featuring a small harbour and the atmospheric ruins of a church. This is an ideal spot to pause, enjoy a picnic, or even take a dip if the weather permits.
Many visitors highlight the 'wow' factor of the views from Dinas Head. The combination of rugged natural beauty and the sense of being on the edge of the land makes it a compelling destination for walkers and nature enthusiasts alike. Remember to check the weather forecast, as coastal conditions can change rapidly.
Exploring Cwm-yr-Eglwys
Overlooking the harbour are the ruined remains of St. Brynach's Church. These atmospheric ruins add a layer of history and visual interest to the landscape, making it a photographer's delight. The juxtaposition of the ancient stones against the vibrant blue sea creates a striking scene.
In the summer months, Cwm-yr-Eglwys often sees activity with paddleboarders and kayakers enjoying the calm waters of the harbour. An ice cream van is also frequently present, adding to the relaxed, holiday feel of the cove.
Practicalities for Your Visit
Footwear is crucial. While not an extreme trek, the path involves steep ascents and descents and can be uneven. Sturdy walking shoes or boots are highly recommended to ensure comfort and stability.
For those visiting in the summer, keep an eye out for the ice cream van at Cwm-yr-Eglwys – it's a delightful treat after your walk.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit