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.
Near to
Stackpole EstateStart point
Car park at Stackpole Quay, grid ref: SR990958Trail information
*Varied terrain covering beach, grassy clifftops, lakeside paths and many steps. For further details, please see Terrain section.
**Undulating paths with mixed terrain and steps. For further details, please see section marked Access.
***Dogs on leads welcome. For further details, please see section marked Facilities.
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.
Total stages: 9
Total stages: 9
Start point
Car park at Stackpole Quay, grid ref: SR990958
Stage 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.
Stage 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.
The beach at Barafundle Bay | © National Trust Images/James Dobson Stage 3
Follow the coast path towards Stackpole Head, pausing on your way to admire Lattice Windows, the natural stone arches below you.
Stage 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.
Stage 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.
Stage 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.
Stage 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.
Stage 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 at Stackpole | © National Trust Images/Jim Bebbington Stage 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
Stackpole wildlife walk | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
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