If you’re in Pembrokeshire, Wales, there’s a lovely circular walk from West Angle Bay that will give you spectacular views over the Pembrokeshire coastline.
This travel guide will help you discover where to start, places to stop and things to see on this charming West Angle Bay walk.
We visited West Angle for a coastal walk during our recent family holiday in Saundersfoot. It’s a fairly short walk and ideal for families.
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A circular walk at West Angle Bay
The coastal walk at West Angle Bay starts just outside the charming village of Angle at the western end of the Castlemartin peninsula, in Pembrokeshire, Wales. You can access it from Pembroke, by following the B4320.
It is part of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, who designated it a conservation area in 1995.
If you are staying in the area, this lovely circular coastal walk will give you spectacular views of the Milford Haven Waterway and rugged Pembrokeshire coast.
Where do you start?
We started at the car park at West Angle Bay and headed North along the coastal path. It is a natural coastal pathway and at times can be quite uneven. As we discovered very soon into the walk, when Jacob fell and grazed his knee.
After a quick return to the car for first aid, a lot of TLC and bribes with sweets, the injury was forgotten and we continued on our way.
The route is about 3.7 miles in total. It is easy to navigate as it follows the coastal path, taking in magnificent views along the way.
The peninsula is a former defensive site and shortly into the circuit you will be able to see Thorn Island. This is a historical Napoleonic fort, which was used to defend the waterway in the mid-19th Century.
Thorn Island
Chapel Bay Fort
As you continue round the peninsular you’ll come across Chapel Bay Fort, which is also a museum. This abandoned military fortress has now been restored and holds a great display of historical military equipment and weaponry. There is also a café if you need a pit stop.
We didn’t stop to visit the museum, but carried on round the headland until we came to a great picnic spot in a field overlooking Milford Haven Estuary. This waterway is the largest in Wales and is one of the world’s deepest natural harbours, providing an abundance of natural habitats.
Refreshments
Shortly after our lunch stop, we stumbled across a beautiful, old pub, called The Old Point House. What a great find! This charming pub has been here serving fisherman for over 500 years and offers great views over East Angle Bay. Of course, we had to stop for refreshments.
As we continued our journey, we came back past The Church of St Mary and through the quaint little village of Angle before returning to the start point.
Here, we stopped for yet more refreshments. This time at the Wavecrest Café, which overlooks West Angle Beach. This has been rebuilt from a derelict building and is now a bright, modern café, with a nautical theme.
Top tip: Check the opening times if you are planning a visit in the winter.
West Angle Bay
Of course, we couldn’t have returned home without a visit to the beach. West Angle Bay is a delightful, sandy beach with plenty of rock pools on either side. It has won several awards, including the Seaside Award 2019 and the Green Coast Award 2019. Great for climbing and exploring. It is also a dog-friendly beach.
Top Tips:
- Check the tides if you are planning to spend a long time on the beach.
- You should supervise children in the sea, as there can be strong currents.
Conclusion
This walk is not too strenuous, so is ideal for a family walk. Furthermore, there plenty of places for refreshments along the way. It’s in a conservation area and there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy amazing views and nature.
Pin for later: A circular walk at West Angle Bay, Pembrokeshire