Pen Anglas headland walk
A circular walk off the coast path from Goodwick across rugged coastal heath, reaching the stunning volcanic rock formations at Pen Anglas headland.
Discover spectacular geology on a family coastal walk
Great views across Cardigan Bay and a barefoot walking path make this a family-friendly adventure walk into the wild.
Map
Start:
Turning circle at Harbour Village, grid ref: SM948392
1
Follow the Pembrokeshire Coast Path from the turning circle at the end of the road at Harbour Village. The path descends steeply with good views over Fishguard Harbour.
2
At the wooden hand gate, turn left and head northwards. Keep an eye out for passing ravens and peregrine falcons.
Fishguard Bay and Goodwick Harbour
The 900m long breakwater for Goodwick Harbour stretches out from the cliffs below. The harbour was opened in 1906 and for a short time was a transatlantic port.
3
The path reaches a wooden kissing gate with a National Trust omega sign ('Pen Anglas'). Don't go through this gate - bear right instead, keeping the post and wire fence to your left. Follow the path for 325yd (300m) to a stile.
4
Cross over the stile into the National Trust land and follow the path through the heather and gorse towards Pen Anglas. The route passes close to two small fields that were enclosed with dry stone walls some 200 years ago.
Coastal heath
The heather and gorse of the coastal heath is pruned and checked by strong wind, salt spray, grazing cattle and occasional fires.
5
At an old shipping navigation marker post, turn right to follow the firebreak path for 300yd (270m) towards the sea.
Coastal heath and barefoot walk
Awaken your senses with some barefoot walking along the firebreak path between Direction 5 and 6. The worn path along the centre of the firebreak is soft and peaty with a scattering of low vegetation, grit and rocky outcrops. Watch your step and be prepared to get dirty. You'll make a direct connection with the wild spirit of the place and tick off one of the 50 Things to do before you're 11¾.
6
Follow the line of navigation markers to Pen Anglas headland. The harbour fog siren is housed within the small brick building. You might see grey seals in Pen Anglas bay, to the west.
The volcanic landscape
Volcanic rocks surround the fog siren. Below the stone obelisk lies a section of six-sided basalt columns of the type also seen at the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland and on Staffa in the Hebrides.
7
Retrace your steps. Carry straight on past the navigation marker at Direction 4. Head across a grassy area to re-join the Pembrokeshire Coast path before gently climbing inland.
8
Follow the coast path by turning left at the overgrown remains of a dwelling (Crincoed). The grassy path runs for 65yd (50m) to Direction 3, the kissing gate with a National Trust omega sign ('Pen Anglas'). Retrace your steps back to Harbour Village.
End:
Turning circle at Harbour Village, grid ref: SM948392
