Visitor on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path at Stackpole — Pembrokeshire Coast Path at Stackpole | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Wales

Stackpole Estate wildlife walk

Take in some of the finest wildlife habitats in Pembrokeshire on this coastal wildlife walk. Discover limestone cliffs with breeding seabirds including guillemots, as well as beaches, dunes and freshwater lakes with lilies and the chance to spot otters.

Otter spotting

Keep your eyes peeled for these elusive river mammals on your walk, especially when you reach Step 8. The Eight Arch Bridge is the best place to look out for them.

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Total steps: 9

Start point

Car park at Stackpole Quay, grid ref: SR990958

Step 1

From Stackpole Quay car park, follow the coast path towards Barafundle. Pause at the top of the steps to look down on Stackpole Quay, and at the change from limestone to old red sandstone to your left.

Step 2

When you reach Barafundle, go down the steps to the sands. Cross the beach, and climb the steps through the woodland on the far side.

A visitor stops on a path at Stackpole to look across the beach at Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire, Wales — The beach at Barafundle Bay | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

Step 3

Follow the coast path towards Stackpole Head, pausing on your way to admire Lattice Windows, the natural stone arches below you.

Step 4

Continue along the coast path, with the expanse of Stackpole Warrens grassland on your right. In spring and summer this is rich in wild flowers and butterflies.

Step 5

Several possible routes take you down to the shore of the Bosherston Lakes. Aim for the lake outlet at the back of Broadhaven Beach. The narrow fringing reedbed is a great place for birdwatching, with breeding birds in summer and bitterns and water rails in winter.

Step 6

Cross the tiny stone bridge over the spillway and follow the Western Arm path towards Bosherston. You can pause in Bosherston for refreshments; otherwise, stay on the path.

Step 7

Cross the Bosherston Causeway, climb over the limestone bluff and cross the Central Causeway. These are the famous lily ponds. Look for water lilies from June to September. Follow the path down to the Grassy Bridge.

Step 8

Don't cross the Grassy Bridge, but turn left and follow the Eastern Arm footpath up to the Eight Arch Bridge.

A pair of otters curiously popping up their heads amongst water lilies at Stackpole, Pembrokeshire, Wales. — A pair of otters at Stackpole | © National Trust Images/Jim Bebbington

Step 9

Cross the Eight Arch Bridge, and follow the Deer Park track back to Stackpole Quay.

End point

Car park at Stackpole Quay, grid ref: SR990958

Trail map

Map showing the route of the Stackpole wildlife walk — Stackpole wildlife walk | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey

The western arm of Bosherston Lake, Pembrokeshire

Trail

Bosherston Lily Ponds trail at Stackpole Estate

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A view of Eight Arch Bridge over the Fish Pond at Stackpole

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Secrets of Stackpole Court walk

Discover the history of the Cawdor family and enjoy stunning views on the secrets of Stackpole Court walk.

near Pembroke, Pembrokeshire

01646623110

stackpole@nationaltrust.org.uk

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