This is surely one of the best walks in Pembrokeshire. It takes in glorious beaches (Barafundle and Broadhaven South), spectacular coastline, lakes and wildlife … with three excellent tea shops for some well-deserved refreshments.
The whole area is owned by the National Trust. It is both a listed designed landscape and an internationally important nature reserve.
To do the full 6 mile walk, follow the link for the National Trust “Stackpole wildlife walk” to download the route details and map. We’ve also got copies of the leaflet for Stackpole which has a brilliant full colour map showing all the footpaths, car parks and places of interest – so you can choose to walk shorter parts of the route.
Park at the National Trust car park at Bosherston to visit the famous Bosherston Lakes (or Bosherston Lily Ponds) which were created 200 years ago to provide a backdrop to Stackpole Court. They have evolved into a wildlife habitat famous for its otters, water birds and dragonflies. You can walk all the way round the lakes, and the approach to Broadhaven South from this direction is one of the best ways to arrive on a beach we’ve ever found. Broadhaven South is a safe family bathing beach.
Park at the National Trust car park at Stackpole Quay and you will be able to visit Barafundle, a jewel of a beach set between limestone cliffs and backed by dunes and woods. This secluded bay can only be reached by a cliff path walk from Stackpole Quay, with steep steps at either end. Stackpole Quay itself is a tiny harbour used by local fishermen and small pleasure boats. The Boathouse at Stackpole Quay is another wonderful spot for lunch and tea.
We often park at the site of Stackpole Court which used to be a grand mansion, but was sadly demolished in the 1960s. Nevertheless walking on the terrace overlooking the lake gives you a real feeling of what it must have been like to live here.
Finally, it’s worth taking the opportunity to visit Stackpole Walled Gardens. For the past 250 years the garden has produced food for the table and that long tradition continues to this day. The Garden is managed by the trustees of Pembrokeshire Mencap and you can buy a fantastic range of home-grown plants, fresh fruit and vegetables. There’s another tea room, Cawdors, where you can enjoy delicious homemade and locally sourced cakes and light bites.
Distance from Manor Bedw: 25 miles