As the UK prepares for a busy bank holiday weekend of pub walks despite rain forecasts, one of the top-rated routes is the Dinas Island Circular in Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. The hiking app AllTrails expects a significant increase in walkers after recording a 36% rise in pub-hike searches during last August's bank holidays.
With over 9 million UK members now on AllTrails, pub walk numbers are likely to be higher than ever as people combine country walks with pub visits over the long weekend. The Dinas Island Circular, a coastal hike in Pembrokeshire, includes a pub stop and is among the UK's most highly rated pub walks.
A coastal trail with wildlife and historic ruins
Despite its name, Dinas Island is actually a peninsula, and the route offers rugged sea cliffs and abundant wildlife. Two walks are available in the area: the direct valley walk, a well-maintained, accessible path (wheelchair- and pushchair-friendly) linking the beaches via a leafy valley carved out during the Ice Age, and the Dinas Island Circular around the peninsula.
The roughly 30-minute valley walk is a gentler stroll with only a few small slopes, allowing walkers to follow the sun from one beach to the other as it moves during the day. The longer 5.3km loop walk starts by Pwllgwaelod Bay, where there is parking and a popular pub, The Sailors' Safety. Located right by Pwllgwaelod Beach, this rustic boozer is an old smuggler's pub dating back to 1593.
Route details and highlights
The menu features local Pembrokeshire seafood, with a focus on foraged ingredients from the shoreline. On cooler evenings, the beer garden has a lit bonfire to gather around. At the beginning of the longer Dinas Head route, walkers follow a short section along the road heading north. As the road bends, the path veers away from the paved section and continues along the craggy coastline.
While the trail is not too demanding, it includes steps and some steep sections, so it is probably best suited to adults or older children. As walkers plod uphill, they spot beautiful bays leading to Dinas Head, with dolphins and Atlantic grey seals known to reside in these choppy waters. From the highest point, Newport is visible on a clear day, along with a view of the Preseli Hills further inland.
Following the grassy tracks along the eastern coastline, walkers head downhill to Traeth Mawr and Cwm-yr-Eglwys, where they visit the remnants of a church destroyed by a storm in 1859. Known as the Royal Charter Storm, it caused the loss of numerous ships along Britain's coast. To return to the car park, the path leads inland along the edge of a small woodland.
Practical information for visitors
For those wanting to enjoy Ynys Dinas for more than a day trip, the Dinas Island campsite is just a 10-minute walk from both Cwm yr Eglwys and Pwllgwaelod beaches. The campsite has spectacular views over Newport Bay and is described as a 'small, relaxed, friendly' place. Accommodation can also be found on sites like Booking.com and Holiday Cottages.
The walk starts at Pwllgwaelod Beach Car Park SA42 0JN. There are two main car parks, making it easy to start from either end of the peninsula: Pwllgwaelod is free, and Cwm yr Eglwys has a small charge. The accessible Cwm Dewi Valley Walk links the two beaches in around 30 minutes and is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. For a longer hike, the 5.3km Dinas Head loop follows the Pembrokeshire Coast Path and includes steep sections, steps and cliff-top terrain. Toilets are available at Cwm yr Eglwys car park.
