Our favourite dog walks in Pembrokeshire

With hundreds of miles of coastal and inland trails, there’s certainly no shortage of places to go with your four-legged friend. Even better, many cafes and pubs welcome dogs with open arms so you can relax with a drink in one hand and a doggy ice cream in the other. It’s worth noting that some beaches operate dog bans or restrictions between May 1 and September 30 each year to ensure the safety of beach users. But don’t forget the magical and rugged Preseli hills are part of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park too and great walking spots to boot.

Where are dogs restricted during summer months?

Partial bans: Lydstep, Newgale beach and promenade, Saundersfoot beach and promenade, Tenby Castle and South Beach, Amroth beach and Promenade, Poppit Sands, Broadhaven North, and Dale

Total bans: Tenby North Beach and Whitesands, St Davids

Coppet Hall Beach in Saundersfoot also has a voluntary dog ban during this time because the beach can get busy with families.

Days out with your Dog – places to go with your four-legged friend

Freshwater West Beach

Dogs love the big wide open expanse at Freshwater West beach. Early morning, before 9am or after 6pm is the best time in the summer to avoid the heat of the day when adders can sometimes be seen basking in the sand dunes in the sun. But with plenty of parking options and a coffee van in the main car park, it’s the perfect place to run free for you and your dog. Plus, it’s a popular surf spot and there’s always something interesting to look at.

Poppit Sands

Right at the start of the Pembrokeshire coast path, Poppit Sands is a long beach where dogs can run free in the winter. In the summer dogs must stay to the right of the beach, but even so, there’s still plenty of space. Poppit Sands is a lovely shallow beach, great for dogs who love to paddle. Even better, Crwst have a little cafe in the main car park which does their famous doughnuts, custard tarts and other delicious bakes, as well as superb coffee.

The Gwaun Valley

There’s a sense of timelessness in the Gwaun Valley where the steep wooded valley offers shelter from the harsher weather. Wending its way through to Fishguard, the valley seems to enjoy springtime earlier and holds on to summer for longer. The bluebells in the spring are worth going to see too. There are a myriad of trails - from beautiful, gentle walks through the old beech woodland at Pontfaen or a more strenuous option to head up the hill to the back of Carningli. Start from the Sychpant car park and picnic area. Follow the path at the back of the picnic area to the left (less of a steep climb than to the right) and keep heading uphill for a spectacular view of the Gwaun Valley and the Preseli Hills stretching off into the distance. Reward yourself with a drink at the iconic Bessie’s pub in Pontfaen.

Full details of the Pontfaen walk.

Abermawr circuit

Another place where spring seems to arrive earlier, the National Trust woodland which runs toward Abermawr beach is a peaceful and tranquil route. Once you’ve absorbed the peace from the trees, you’ll find yourself on the wonderfully wild and rugged Abermawr beach, where waves crash into the pebbles on stormy days and seals often come to explore. From here, you can extend your walk by heading up onto the coastal path. Or simply return to Melin Tregwynt for a cup of tea and slice of delicious cake. There are heated outdoor cabins so you can take your four-legged friend too.

Full details of Abermawr Woods walk.

St Brides to Little Haven coast path

The five-mile stretch of coast path from St Brides to Little Haven is often quiet but one which enjoys fabulous views around the bay. In May the skylarks are singing and the wildflowers are out. Try catching the Puffin Shuttle coastal bus service outside the pub and then get off at St Brides Bay and walk back along the coastal path. There are some lovely little pubs and cafes in Little Haven for refreshments, or take a quick drive from St Brides and treat yourself to lunch at Runwayskiln at Marloes.

Details of Puffin Shuttle timetable

Stackpole Estate

There are more than 20 miles of footpaths around the Stackpole Estate and National Trust land. The wooded valley through the lily ponds offers welcome shade in the high summer. Try parking near the Stackpole walled garden - which does lovely light lunches and cake - and head down to the famous lily ponds to Broadhaven beach. You can walk back via Barafundle beach and rejoin the route over the eight arch bridge. Be aware of cows, sheep and grazing ponies and be ready to put your dog on a lead. The tearoom at Stackpole Quay does ice cream for dogs to help cool them off.

Full details of the Stackpole walk.

Saundersfoot coast path

Saundersfoot beach is a popular spot for dog walkers in the off-season, especially the early morning gang who often get treated to a spectacular sunrise over the Gower Peninsula. But even in peak season, dogs and their owners can start from the Glen Beach (the other side of the harbour) and, if it’s low tide, walk all the way along the beach towards Monkstone point and around to the beautiful Monkstone beach. There are wonderful views of Tenby from here but don’t forget to keep an eye on the tide as you can get cut off.

Alternatively, start from Coppet Hall and walk along the surfaced coast path all the way to Amroth. And if you fancy extending your walk even further, head up the Colby wooded valley to the tearoom and walled garden - an excellent place to stop for coffee and cake.

Minwear Woods and Black Pool Mill

The semi-ancient woodland at Minwear and Canaston is full of shady trails offering shelter from the hot sun and bad weather alike. With views out over the Eastern Cleddau river and miles of quiet routes to explore, it’s doggy heaven. Even better, the refurbished impressive Black Pool Mill is dog friendly and does breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. At the mill the Cleddau reaches its tidal limit, finally leaving the influence of salt seawater. There are waterside birds like herons and kingfishers to see, but tree-loving species are plentiful too, including long-tailed tits, great spotted woodpeckers and treecreepers.

Find out more here.

Bringing your best friend to Pembrokeshire? Check out our guide to dog-friendly holidays in Pembrokeshire: places to stay,dog-friendly beaches and good doggy manners.

Pembrokeshire welcomes your best friend, but please be considerate to other beach users, keep your dog on a lead around farm animals and always clean up after your dog fouls.