Hike guide to Bosherston Lily Ponds, Broadhaven South, & Barafundle Bay
This 10km loop encompasses some of the finest coastal scenery that Pembrokeshire National Park has to offer.
The walk passes through the magical Bosherston lily ponds, skirts along dramatic coastal cliffs which plunge vertically into the sea, and visits two of Pembrokeshire’s finest beaches.
The beauty of scenery which you pass though alongside the variety of landscape it encompasses makes this my favourite walk in Pembrokeshire National Park.
It also a great walk for families as it isn’t too taxing and can be shortened in multiple locations.
Key Information
Hike Type: Loop
Length: 10k / 6 miles
Elevation Gain: 156m
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Duration: 2 -4 hours
Parking: Stackpole Quay or Bosherston
Where to park?
You can either start this walk from Stackpole Quay or Bosherston , where there is a National Trust car park at both locations.
My choice would be to start at Stackpole Quay and complete it anti-clockwise, so you can get the uninspiring section out of the way first and finish up at Barafundle bay.
Both Car parks have toilets, however at Stackpole there is a National Trust Shop and cafe. There is a cafe and a Pub in Bosherston Village, which is a short 400m walk from the car park.
The Route
My choice would be to start at Stackpole and complete it in an anti-clockwise, so you can get the uninspiring section out of the way first and finish up at Barafundle bay.
This route is different to my Youtube video where I started at Bosherston
The route is extremely easy to follow and is well signposted throughout. I have included a map which is shown in the car park for reference.
From the National Trust car park in Stackpole head to the top of the car park, pass through the gate and follow the straight path f
or 1.5km through the famers fields towards Eight Arch Bridge.
This is the most uninspiring section of the route, so I find its best to get it out of the way first.
Bosherston Lily Ponds
Cross over Eight arch bridge turn left and follow the path alongside the eastern arm of the Ponds.
After 1km of well maintained and flat path you will reach grassy bridge. From here turn left and follow the path up and around to the central arm of the lily ponds. From here the path does become undulating and slightly rockier underfoot.
If you want to shorten the route you can turn left at grassy bridge and head straight toward Broadhaven South. I wouldn’t recommend doing this as you will miss out the most beautiful section of the Lily ponds.
The path will then drop down to the longest of the stone bridges which crosses over the central arm of the lily ponds.
Once you have crossed the second bridge continue to follow the path the bridge and follow the path as it climbs gently alongside the western arm of the lakes. There is a slight detour at the highest point of the route which gives you a great view over the lily ponds.
After crossing over one final smaller stone bridge, located at the top of the western arm, you will continue to follow the path which skirts the edge of the lily ponds back around top Broadhaven south.
If you did need the toielt there are ones situtaed at the national trust car park in Bosherston
Broadhaven South
Located on the edge of the Stackpole Estate , Broadhaven South is a wide golden sanded beach nestled in front of a sea of sand dunes. The bay is instantly recognisable by church rock, a large limestone monolith which protrudes from the middle of the bay.
As well as being popular with walkers and tourists, Broadhaven South is an extremely popular bodyboarding beach, which under the right conditions creates notorious barrelling wedges which people travel up from Cornwall to surf.
Once up on the cliffs overlooking Broadhaven south you have two options.
You can head straight for Barafundle bay. The direct route is 2km in length and partly skirts along the cliff path, passing by several hidden bays and giving you a taste of the magnificent coastal scenery.
However I would recommend taking the time to skirt around some of the headlands which sit between the two beaches, including Saddle point and Stackpole head.
These sections of coastline are some of the most dramatic and impressive in the UK, with hidden beaches and Limestone cliffs which drop vertically into the turquoise waters some 30m below.
Saddle Point
Saddle point sits at the eastern end of Broadhaven South and looks directly towards Church rock. Here you’ll find a magnificent circular pool which sits 30m below the cliffs.
Stackpole Head
From Saddle point continue to follow the coastal path as it skirts past two secluded bays which are only accessible by boat, kayak, or paddleboard.
Several sea stacks marks the point where Stackpole head begins. You again have the option to walk the clifftop around the lobster shaped headland or instead head direct towards Barafundle bay.
Barafundle Bay
The crown jewel of Pembrokeshire beaches and one which regularly is voted as one of the best beaches in both the UK and Europe.
Backed by an extensive dune system, Barafundle bay is a pristine stretch of sand which is often likened to a Caribbean beach due to its golden sand and clear waters.
The beach is dog friendly year round however it doesn’t have any lifeguards or facilities. the nearest toilets and cafe are located at Stackpole Quay located half a mile east along the cliff path.
You will initially pass down through a wooded area which looks onto the beach, from there you cross its golden sands and the continue up the stone steps on the far end of the beach.
Return to Stackpole Quay
From Barafundle bay head up the stone steps to the headland. Here you will find the iconic stone arch and national trust sign which has become synonymous with Barafundle bay.
From here follow the coastal path for half a mile until you reach Stackpole Quay. Now you can treat yourself to a bite to eat from the café or a well earned Ice cream.
Final thoughts
I absolutely love this walk. Not only do you pass by a plethora of stunning landscapes, but you also stop by two of the best beaches in Pembrokeshire.
Pack some lunch and plenty of water so you can take your time with this walk and explore the hidden gems dotted around the cliff path.
Also dont forget to pack a towel as you will definitely want to jump into the turquoise waters of Barafundle Bay.
The majority of the walk is family friendly, although the pushchairs will need to be lifted during some sections and they may cause a bit of a queue on the narrow bridges in the lily ponds.
What I also love is that you can turn around at several points of the walk if you’re feeling tired, be that at the Lily ponds, Broadhaven or at Barafundle.
Once you have completed the walk make sure you take the time to visit St Govan’s Chapel and The Green Bridge of Wales. Both are two incredible coastal features which are a must visit.
You can check out all the information about those two location in the guides below
So there we have it, my guide to Bosherston Lily ponds, Broadhaven South, and Barafundle Bay.
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