Dinas Island loop from Pwllgwaelod — Parc Cenedlaethol Arfordir Penfro / Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
Dinas Island loop from Pwllgwaelod — Parc Cenedlaethol Arfordir Penfro / Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
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Dinas Island loop from Pwllgwaelod — Parc Cenedlaethol Arfordir Penfro / Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
01:31
5.23km
130m
Hiking
Embark on the Dinas Island loop from Pwllgwaelod, an easy 3.2 miles (5.2 km) hike that offers dramatic coastal views and varied terrain within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. This route involves an elevation gain of 424 feet (129 metres) and typically takes about 1 hours and 30 minutes to complete. You will encounter rugged sections, including steps and stiles, but the reward is panoramic vistas across Fishguard Bay and Cardigan Bay from the highest point, Pen-y-Fan, where you can see 360-degree views stretching to the Preseli Hills. Look for heather, gorse, and coastal wildflowers along the slopes and through sheltered woodlands.
To start your hike, head to Pwllgwaelod, where you will find car parking and public toilets. Another car park and toilets are available at Cwm-yr-Eglwys, which also features a tarmac section of the path suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs between the two beaches. After your walk, you can enjoy refreshments at the pub in Pwllgwaelod, known for its historical connections and as a welcoming spot to finish your coastal adventure.
Dinas Island is not a true island but a prominent headland, partially separated from the mainland by Ice Age meltwater, giving it a unique character. The area is a haven for wildlife, offering chances to spot ravens, choughs, and various seabirds like razorbills and guillemots, especially around Needle Rock. Keep an eye on the waters for seals, dolphins, and porpoises. Along the way, you can explore historical features such as the ruins of a 12th-century church at Cwm-yr-Eglwys and a 19th-century lime kiln near Pwllgwaelod, adding a touch of history to your scenic coastal walk.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
129 m
Pwllgwaelod Beach
Highlight • Beach
Tip by
629 m
Pen Castell Coastal Path Near Pwllgwaelod
Highlight • Natural
Tip by
1.02 km
View of Dinas Head (West)
Highlight • Natural Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
1.65 km
View of Dinas Head
Highlight • Natural Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
1.87 km
Penyfan Trig Point and Coastal View
Highlight • Natural
Translated by Google •
Tip by
1.97 km
Dinas Head
Highlight • Natural Monument
Tip by
2.91 km
View of the Sea Stack from Dinas Island Coastal Path
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
4.05 km
Ruins of St Brynach's Church, Cwm-yr-Eglwys
Highlight • Religious Site
Tip by
5.23 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
3.65 km
1.10 km
284 m
193 m
Surfaces
4.04 km
986 m
193 m
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Elevation
Highest point (130 m)
Lowest point (10 m)
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Weather
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Saturday 9 May
13°C
7°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 31.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
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Trail Reviews
Summary This is a nice little trig point and a designated Hump in Pembroke West Wales. Car park at Cwm Eglwys village (£3) and then simply a nice walk around the headland on easy to navigate coastal footpaths. Great views. Parking: Moderate size honesty box car park in the village. Narrow road to village. Route: Good coastal footpaths. Route Statistics: 5km and 150m of height gain. An easy hour but took us far longer with friends and kids.
Love seeing the noisy sea birds around here at needle Rock... can recommend! There were guillemots and Razor bills and saw a stone chat which I hadn't even heard of... thanks to the app Merlin Bird ID it's free and you just record the bird and it identifies what it is!
Today a small but fine round before lunch. Just a few minutes' drive from our cozy cottage is Dinas Island, a peninsula with lots of coastline and views. It is said that you can occasionally see puffins, dolphins and seals. To make a long story short, we spotted a seal in the water with our binoculars. And the Aida, she's anchored off Fishguard. The path is short and steep uphill and then roughly maintains the altitude. Every turn offers new perspectives of the spectacular coastline. In addition, there is a very strong wind, which ensures that the occasional light rain shower only gets wet on one side. Very nice little round, which is probably happy to go, we were never alone.
Lovely sunny evening so walked round Dinas headland and then went for a swim at Cwm-yr-Eglwys 🌊 still felt cold but was nice when you got used to it! I then left and went home and lost my key so came back and had to run all the way round it again just as it was getting dark 🫠