WALES
06. Blue Lagoon, Pembrokeshire
Distance: 3.8 miles/6.1km | Time: 2.5 hours | Grade: Moderate | Total ascent: 146m
Pembrokeshire Coast Path has a rugged, wild beauty, but in the summer months it truly comes alive as the clifftops are strewn with colourful wildflowers, chattering seabirds swoop and soar, and seals bask on rocks just off the shore.
Starting at Porthgain’s pretty harbour – home to a brilliant pub, café and art gallery – take a breezy walk along the coast path to Blue Lagoon at Abereiddy Bay. Set in a former slate quarry, the water turns an enticing greenish blue in the sunshine, making it the perfect spot for a refreshing wild swim.
1. START
Start from Porthgain harbour, which translates to ‘chisel port’; slate from the nearby quarry was once shipped out from here. Heading towards the south-west corner of the harbour, climb a steep set of steps near an old white cottage, following signs for the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. From here, it’s around a 40-minute walk to Abereiddy Bay and the Blue Lagoon.
2. 0.2 MILES
At the top of the cliff, find the interesting remains of former 19th-century quarry buildings; slate from here was sent to roof buildings across the UK. Slightly further along, spot an impressive collection of coastal caves – often used by seabirds – and the rugged volcanic outcrop of Ynys Barri. Keeping to the coast path, continue towards the beautifully remote Traeth Llyfn beach. You can climb down to the beach via.
3. 1.1 MILES
The next stage of the coast path consists of grassy farmland. Follow the path as it rises then descends towards Blue Lagoon and Abereiddy Bay. Set in the flooded site of the 19th-century St Brides Slate Quarry, the deep, cold lagoon is now a popular swimming spot managed by the National Trust. The sediment from the slate gives the water a greenish-blue hue and its cold waters are popular for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding and coasteering.
4. 1.8 MILES
Continue towards Abereiddy beach. The small bay is sheltered and the water clean, making it another good spot for a swim. Take the path alongside the car park, following a yellow footpath sign inland on a track to pass Ynys Barry farm and cottages. Staying on the track, head across a small road to climb a set of slate steps into a field.
5. 3 MILES
Continue following the yellow signs across the fields to head back towards Porthgain.
USEFUL INFO
Starting point The walk starts in the village of Porthgain, just a short drive from the tiny city of St David’s. There’s a small, free car park in the centre of the village (SA62 5BN), but it can get busy in peak times. Local 404 bus services run to Porthgain three times daily in the summer.
Terrain
The Pembrokeshire Coast Path is a well-marked trail but the terrain is uneven underfoot, with some rocky and muddy sections along steep paths, so good footwear is essential.
Map
OS Explorer OL35
Swim
Blue Lagoon is an impressive site for a wild swim. Access the water via the edge of the slate quarry. The waters are very deep and cold so swim within your ability, and if you start to feel cold it’s time to get out.
Eat/drink
Visit the traditional Sloop Inn in Porthgain for hearty pub food, local beers and ales. sloop.co.uk The Shed Bistro near the harbour is famous for its locally caught fish. theshedporthgain.co.uk
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