Marloes Peninsula coastal walk
Explore this beautiful heathland peninsula on the Pembrokeshire coast, surrounded by wildlife such as seals, seabirds and porpoises. This circular route takes you across farmland, along the Wales Coast Path and through the remains of Iron Age forts.
What is the Deer Park?
The area at the far end of the peninsula is named after a failed attempt to establish a deer park in the late 18th to early 19th century. It’s the site of an important Iron Age fort, and is the best place to spot baby seals in late summer.
Total steps: 7
Total steps: 7
Start point
Marloes Sands car park, grid ref: SM789082
Step 1
From the south end of Marloes Sands car park, turn right by the emergency phone, following signs to the toilets. Continue along the lane and as you pass Marloes Mere look out for wetland birds. Past the Mere, turn left towards the coast path. The popular beach of Marloes Sands is covered at high tide. Gateholm Island, to your right, is a prehistoric settlement only reachable at low tide.
Step 2
On reaching the coast path you'll see Marloes Sands to your left. Turn right, however, and continue towards Gateholm Island. As you come level with Gateholm, Skokholm is ahead of you with Skomer coming into view on the right.
Step 3
Continue along the coast path and through the Iron Age fort. Enjoy the dramatic sedimentary rock formations along the coast. Skomer Island and Midland Isle gradually come into view. Grassholm, white with gannets in summer, can be seen on the horizon from the site of the Iron Age fort.
Step 4
Continue along the coast path around the deer park (the end of the Marloes Peninsula). Follow the path up to Wooltack Point for views across to Skomer and St Davids Peninsula.
Step 5
Go through the gate onto the road and turn left towards Martin's Haven and the Skomer embarkation point. Just before the beach, follow the coast path right and up the steps. The path continues east, with St Bride's Bay to the left and West Hook Farm to the right. Enjoy the magnificent views across St Bride's Bay towards Newgale, the Solva Coast, St David's Peninsula and Ramsey Island.
Step 6
After just over a mile (1.6km), leave the coast path, turning right through a self-closing gate and past a West Hook Farm National Trust sign, then cross three fields to reach the road.
Step 7
Turn left and walk along the road past Trehill Farm. Just over 400yd (400m) past the farm, turn right by two semi-detached cottages and down the track leading back to the car park. (Just over 100yd (100m) past the turning, a track to the right leads to another hide overlooking Marloes Mere.)
End point
Marloes Sands car park, grid ref: SM789082
Trail map
More near here
Martins Haven – the deer park walk
A short but spectacular walk around the end of the Marloes Peninsula with lots of seals (pups in autumn), heather and wildflowers, spectacular rocks and sea views.
Get in touch
Stackpole Centre, near Pembroke, Pembrokeshire, SA71 5DQ
Our partners
We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.
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