Walks, Beaches & Things to Do | Carngowil Farmhouse

Walks from the Door

You can reach the Pembrokeshire Coast Path on foot from the farmhouse without getting in the car.

To the Coast Path

30 min+

Turn right out of the drive, left at the T-junction, then follow the path past the old school house and down the track. Past two cottages, down to the road, left into Llanwnda village. Past St Gwyndaf’s church, follow the footpath sign and cross a couple of fields to reach the coast path. Turn left for Strumble Head or right towards Goodwick.

Strumble Head

2–3 hrs+

Turn left on the coast path and follow the cliffs to Strumble Head lighthouse via Carregwastad Point, where the French actually landed during the last invasion of Britain in 1797. Properly dramatic coastline — seals, choughs, and huge views. You can arrange a lift back or loop inland for a shorter version.

Garn Fawr Ridge

3–4 hrs+

From the house, follow paths to Garn Folch then along the ridge to Garn Fawr — there’s an Iron Age hill fort up there with 360-degree views across the coast and inland to the Preselis. Drop down to the Youth Hostel on the coast path. A proper day out.

Cwm yr Eglwys — one of a string of hidden coves along this stretch of coast

Beaches

More beaches than you’ll have days to visit them

Goodwick Parrog

Sandy beach five minutes away. Paddleboard hire, a seafront café, and a play park right on the sand.

5 min drive

Cwm yr Eglwys

A sheltered little cove with a ruined church on the shore. Feels like you’ve found somewhere secret.

10 min drive

Aberbach & Abermawr

Completely unspoilt. Park at Tregwynt Mill and walk down through the woods. You might have the beach to yourself.

15 min drive

Whitesands Bay

A long sweep of golden sand near St Davids with surf and swimming. Worth the drive.

25 min drive

Newport Sands

Wide sandy beach backed by dunes. Good for families, dogs welcome, and there’s usually space even in August.

20 min drive

Places to Visit

Some of what’s on your doorstep

Tregwynt Woollen Mill

A working mill ten minutes away, weaving Welsh tapestry blankets since the 17th century. There’s a genuinely good café and a shop. The throws on the beds at Carngowil come from here.

Aberbach & Abermawr

Two neighbouring beaches hidden down wooded valleys. Abermawr has a wide pebble and sand beach; Aberbach is a tiny sheltered cove. Both feel completely untouched. Park at the mill and walk.

St Davids

Britain’s smallest city, thirty minutes south. The cathedral is magnificent — tucked into a valley so you don’t see it until you’re practically standing on it. Good cafes and galleries on the square. Whitesands beach is just beyond.

Newport

A handsome little town fifteen minutes east with a castle on the high street, several excellent restaurants, and a beach at the Parrog. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path runs right through it.

Lower Fishguard Harbour

The picturesque harbour used as a filming location for Under Milk Wood. Walk the Marine Walk path to get there, or drive down and have a drink at the Royal Oak — the pub where the French surrender was signed in 1797.

Castle Henllys

Reconstructed Iron Age roundhouses set in woodland, built on the actual excavation site. Children love it. Adults are surprised by how much they do too.

Cwm Gwaun Valley

A hidden wooded valley behind Fishguard. Visit the Dyffryn Arms (Bessie’s), where they still serve ale from a jug in the front room. It hasn’t changed since the 1840s.

Strumble Head Lighthouse

Drive or walk to the headland for some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in Wales. Seal colonies below, choughs overhead, and on a clear day you can see Ireland.