A guide to the Green Bridge of Wales and Stack Rocks | Pembrokeshire National Park
The Green Bridge of Wales and Stack Rocks are two of the most impressive coastal features in Pembrokeshire National Park.
Although they are a must visit, their unique location within a military firing range means that they aren’t always open to the public.
Within this guide you’ll find out all you need to know about the Green Bridge of Wales and Stack rocks, including where to park, when they are open, and how to reach them.
What is the Green Bridge of Wales?
The Green Bridge of Wales is a 24m (80ft) high natural limestone arch located southern coastline of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. The Bridge spans more than 20m (66 ft) with its Its outer edge resting on a more durable rock pedestal.
It’s a spectacular coastal feature, which in my opinion not only rivals but betters Durdle door.
It was formed over millions of years and sits within a Special Protected Area (SPA), a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), , and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
The Green Bridge of Wales gets its name from the layer of grass and vegetation which grows on top of it.
What are Stack rocks?
Situated 500m down the coastline are Elegug Stacks, which are also known as Stack rocks.
These are two 25m isolated limestone stacks which rise vertically from the sea bed. Once part of the Pembrokeshire coastal path, these colossal stacks have been eroded away from the cliff face over thousands of years.
At one point they would have been a cliff arch much like thee Green Bridge of Wales, before the archway collapsed to leave the stacks you see today.
As well as being a popular tourist attraction the stacks now serve as an important nesting location for many species of seabirds found on the Pembrokeshire Coast.
Where is the Green Bridge of Wales and Stack Rocks located?
The Green Bridge of Wales and stack rocks are located on the South Coast of Pembrokeshire between Freshwater west and Bosherston.
Because the coastal features are located within the Castlemartin firing range access is restricted to the public and is only open when there aren’t any live training exercises taking place.
How to reach the Green Bridge of Wales and Stack Rocks?
In order to reach the car park you have to legally drive 2.5km through a MOD military firing range.
Like I have already mentioned, this road is frequently closed off to the public for training exercises. If this is happeneing there will not be red flags flying, road closure signs on the B4319 and the gate providing access to the road will be shut.
If you wanted to check if the road is open to the public before visiting, you can either call the Pembroke Visitor Centre (+44 01437 776499), Castlemartin Range (+44 01646 662367) or check online – Castlemartin Firing Range
If the road is open The Green Bridge of Wales is completely free to visit.
There is large car park, which has space for 50+ cars is located just off the costal path which is only a 300m walk from both the Green Bridge and Stack Rocks.
Both features are clearly signposted from the car park and are suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs which are able to travel over grass .
Unfortunately there are no toilets at the car park. On occasion there is a mobile van which serves snacks an hot drinks but it is very sporadic and shouldn’t be relied upon.
When is the best time to visit the Green bridge of Wales and Stack rocks?
To put it simply, when it’s open.
All jokes aside, the road is closed more often then its open, especially on weekdays, so make sure you check ahead.
If it is open, I would recommend visiting for either sunrise or sunset.
Not only will make it make the location even more special but its more than likely that you will have the place to yourself.
If you are into Astrophotography then it s great location to capture the Milky way
How long to spend at the Green Bridge of Wales and Stack Rocks?
Although the Green Bridge and Stack Rocks can be seen in a fleeting visit, this area of coast is some of the most dramatic and impressive not only in Wales but the UK, so take the time to enjoy it.
I would recommend giving yourself between and hour and 90 minutes to take in both locations.
Can I walk on the Green Bridge of Wales?
As some of my photos attest to, you are able to walk onto the top of the Green Bridge of Wales.
I wouldn’t recommend doing this if you have a fear of heights or in wet or windy conditions as the path is very narrow and can be quite treacherous. If you take a tumble you are either going to die or seriously injure yourself so its not always worth the risk.
Its also worth noting that peak nesting season for birds is between March to August. As the bridge is key nesting ground, any disturbance or destruction of their environment could be catastrophic.
What else is there to do?
Alongside the Green Bridge and Stack rocks, there are serval other coastal features located on this stretch of coastline.
If you continue eastwards for 500m you’ll reach The Cauldron, a large bowl shaped cavern and blow hole situated on the edge of the cliffs.
From the cauldron if you continue for a further 1km you reach Bullslaughter bay. Named after the laughter of Bulls not the slaughtering of them, this is an empty golden sanded beach backed by dramatic coastal cliffs.
The shoreline of the beach can be difficult to access so it isn’t suitable for young families. If you want a beach to yourself this is perfect spot, otherwise I wouldn’t bother visiting it.
Once you have visited the Green Bridge I would recommend making the short walk or drive to visit several other spectacular sights on Pembrokeshire’s Southern Coastline.
Those include Huntsman’s Leap, St Govan’s Chapel, alongside Bosherston Lilly ponds, Broadhaven South, and Barafundle bay. Each of the locations I have gone into more detail below.
Huntsman’s leap
Located around 5km east from the Green Bridge, Huntsman's Leap is a narrow and sheer-sided coastal chasm which has been cut into the cliffs of the Pembrokeshire Coastline.
The name derives from local folklore, when apparently a hunter on horseback jumped from one side of the chasm to the other. On looking back and seeing the gap that he had jumped, he died of shock.
Also located within the confines of the military firing range, Huntsman’s leap is not always open. However if the Green Bridge of Wales is open, then huntsman’s leap will be open
The easiest way to reach it is to park at St Govan’s chapel (see below) and walk 500m westward down the coastal path.
St Govan’s Chapel
St Govan’s Chapel is tiny stone building carved into the limestone cliffs of the Pembrokeshire Coastline.
Shrouded in myth and legend, this magical little building needs to be seen to be believed and is a must visit if you are planning a trip to Pembrokeshire National Park.
The building is also located within the Military firing range, but is open more frequently than the Green Bridge because it is located on the outskirts of the range.
I have written a specific blog post on St Govan’s chapel below which including where to park and the best time to visit.
Bosherston Lily Ponds, Broadhaven South, and Barafundle Bay
Broadhaven South is a gorgeous wide sandy bay which is dog friendly and is perfect for families.
You can combine a visit to this beach with a walk through the magical Bosherston Lily ponds. These are several stunning man made lakes separated by a series of stone bridges.
The family friendly walk is my favourite in Pembrokeshire and can be combined with a visit to the award winning Barafundle Bay for an incredible 10km loop,
The start point is located in the village of Bosherston which is a 15 minute drive from the Green Bridge of Wales. You can check out the details of that walk, including where to park in my guide below.
FAQ’s
Can you walk on the Green Bridge of Wales? Yes outside the months of March to August
Why is it called the Green Bridge of Wales? Because of the grass which gross on top of the arch
How high is the Green Bridge of Wales? 80ft
So there we have it, my guide to the Green Bridge of Wales and Stack Rocks.
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I’d also recommend checking out these other epic locations in Pembrokeshire National Park.
For more travel, hiking, & photography inspiration around Wales check out my in-depth guides to each of my favourite Welsh regions below.