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Enjoy a clifftop walk at Lydstep Head in Pembrokeshire
Enjoy a clifftop walk at Lydstep Head | © National Trust/Sid Howells
Wales

Lydstep cliffs and caverns walk

A great clifftop walk for sea views and wildlife watching. The grassland is rich in wildflowers and butterflies, while the cliffs are home to choughs, fulmars and gulls. On clear days you can see Lundy Island and the Somerset coast, and you might be lucky enough to spot dolphins or porpoises offshore.

Total steps: 8

Total steps: 8

Start point

Lydstep Head car park, grid ref: SS087977

Step 1

From the car park walk towards the sea past a concrete pillar and Second World War gun emplacement. Where the path divides, turn right for a view of the beach, caverns and across to Manorbier Artillery Range.

Step 2

Follow the path round to the left through the gorse bushes. You may meet the cattle who graze the headland for us.

Step 3

When the bushes open out onto the coastal grassland you'll see Caldey Island with its lighthouse ahead of you. On clear days look for Lundy Island and the Somerset coast on the horizon.

Step 4

The limestone cliffs, with their dramatic vertical folds, are popular with climbers and you may see anglers on the rocks below.

Step 5

As you reach the end of the headland, views open up of Giltar Point and the whole of Carmarthen Bay round to Gower.

Step 6

Follow the coast round to the quarry overlooking Lydstep Haven, a large and well-landscaped holiday resort.

Step 7

Carry on through a small patch of woodland and back to the car park.

Step 8

To explore the caverns, bear right where you leave the car park and go down the 100 steps to the beach. Please note that the caverns are only accessible at low tide so check the times if you want to explore them.

Lydstep Headland cavern, Pembrokeshire
Lydstep Headland cavern, Pembrokeshire | © National Trust Images/Robert Morris

End point

Lydstep Head car park, grid ref: SS087977

Trail map

Lydstep cliffs and caverns walk map
Lydstep cliffs and caverns walk map | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey

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