The best walks and hikes around Penally

Yes, Penally is an excellent starting point for circular hikes. Many routes combine coastal paths with inland sections, offering varied scenery. For a challenging day out with fantastic views, consider the Church Doors Rock Arch – View of Caldey Island loop, which is a 16.7 km trail that takes you along the coast and back.

The area offers several easier options suitable for families. Half of the trails around Penally are rated as easy. A great choice is the short, level walk from Penally Station to Tenby South Beach. This path crosses a golf course and leads directly to the expansive, sandy beach, which is perfect for a relaxed day out.

Most of the trails in the Penally area are dog-friendly, but it's always best to keep them on a lead, especially near cliff edges and livestock. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path is generally welcoming to dogs. After your walk, Penally Abbey is known to be very accommodating of dogs if you're looking for a place to relax.

Penally has its own train station, which makes it very accessible via public transport. The station is on the line that connects to larger towns like Tenby, Pembroke, and Swansea. Many walks can be started directly from the station, making it easy to plan a car-free hiking day.

Parking in Penally village can be limited. For walks heading towards Tenby, there is parking available near Tenby South Beach. For trails starting near the coast, such as those heading to Giltar Point, walkers often find parking along the roadside, but be sure to check for any restrictions, especially during peak season.

Yes, after exploring the coastal paths, you can find refreshments. The restaurant at Penally Abbey is a well-regarded option for a meal with views over the sea. For a more traditional pub experience, nearby Tenby offers a wider selection of pubs and cafes just a short walk or drive away.

The area is rich in history. The Penally Nature Trail, for example, passes by the 10th-century St. Nicholas' Church with its ancient Celtic crosses. You can also see the ruins of St. Deiniol's Chapel within the grounds of Penally Abbey. Some routes also pass a well-preserved World War I practice trench system.

The walk from Penally to Tenby is a popular and relatively easy coastal route. You can follow the path along the dunes behind Penally's beach, which is an extension of Tenby's South Beach. The Tenby South Beach – St Catherine's Island and Fort loop is a moderate 10.5 km route that incorporates this stretch and offers great views of the coastline and Caldey Island.

The hiking routes around Penally are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Hikers frequently praise the stunning coastal scenery, the dramatic limestone cliffs, and the mix of easy beach walks and more challenging cliff-top paths.

While the main Pembrokeshire Coast Path can be popular, you can find quieter experiences on the inland trails. The paths through the countryside, such as The Ridgeway, often have fewer people and provide a different perspective with sweeping panoramic views of the landscape.

The cliff-top walks offer incredible views but require caution. A portion of the popular Penally Cliffs walk passes through a Ministry of Defence range. It is essential to check for firing times before you go to ensure the path is open and safe to access.

The terrain is quite varied. You'll find everything from level, paved paths and sandy beaches to rugged, uneven cliff-top trails along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. There are no officially graded 'difficult' hikes, with routes split evenly between easy and moderate, so there are suitable options for most fitness levels.