Swim walks in Pembrokeshire
Endurance swimmer Rowan Clarke tells us why this area of South Wales is her little piece of heaven for going on wild swimming walks
The most south-westerly point of Wales is one of our favourite places on Earth. Around the UK’s smallest city, St David’s, there are not only huge, expansive sandy beaches, but also tiny coves, inlets and lagoons to explore. Pack your swim kit into a hiking rucksack and head out along any part of the coast path for stunning views, dips and jumping off rocks.
About a mile-and-a-half south of St David’s at Porthclais Harbour where you can jump off the quay at high tide. From here, you can walk a mile west along the coast path to find Porthlysgi Beach, a pretty, secluded bay. From here, you can continue around the dramatic headland until you reach St Justinians and Porth Brâg.
Five miles north of St David’s is Abereiddy, where you’ll find the Blue Lagoon. St Brides Slate Company’s main quarry until 1910, the dark slate makes the water a brilliant aqua blue. You can scramble along the cliffs at sea level and jump into the deep water below – if you dare!
From Abereiddy, hike two miles north-west to Porthgain, swimming at Traeth Llyfn on your way. When you get to Porthgain, with its art galleries and pretty harbour, stop at The Sloop Inn for great food and local beer.
