Bosherston Lily Ponds to Broad Haven South
Pembrokeshire
The Bosherston Lily Ponds are a chain of three man-made lakes in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, created in the eighteenth century and now famous for their water lilies which bloom spectacularly in June and July. This 5.6 km circular follows boardwalks and well-maintained paths along the pond edges before crossing to Broad Haven South, a sheltered sandy beach backed by dunes and limestone cliffs. The route connects two quite different landscapes: the still, enclosed freshwater of the lily ponds and the open, salt-air drama of the beach. The 34 m of climbing is negligible and the terrain is easy throughout.
This is a lovely dog friendly walk that covers surprising variety in a short distance. The lily ponds carry rich freshwater scent and attract birdlife including herons and kingfishers, while the beach provides sand, surf and space. Off-lead potential is moderate, with the beach offering the best open running, though seasonal restrictions may apply and should be checked. Livestock risk is low across the route. The boardwalk sections keep feet dry through the wetter ground around the ponds, and the easy terrain suits dogs of all ages and fitness levels. Broad Haven South beach makes an excellent midway stop for a paddle and rest. A walk that works as well for a gentle family outing as it does for a proper dog walk, with the lily ponds in bloom adding something genuinely special in early summer.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 5.6 km (3.5 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Lake, Coastal
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- Ye Olde Worlde Café in Bosherston; NT toilets at Bosherston car park
- Parking
- Bosherston Lily Ponds car park (SA71 5DN); NT pay and display; free for members
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bosherston Lily Ponds to Broad Haven South dog friendly?
This walk scores 8/10 for dog friendliness and genuinely suits dogs well. The easy, well-maintained terrain , including boardwalks through the wetter sections around the ponds , is manageable for dogs of all ages and fitness levels, and the route finishes at Broad Haven South beach, which offers sand, surf and plenty of space for a run and a paddle.
Can dogs be off lead at Bosherston Lily Ponds to Broad Haven South?
Off-lead potential is described as moderate overall, with the beach at Broad Haven South being the best spot for open running. Livestock risk is low across the route, which is a plus, but seasonal restrictions may apply on the beach and are worth checking before you go.
What should I know before visiting Bosherston Lily Ponds to Broad Haven South with my dog?
The route is 5.6 km with negligible climbing, so it's an easy outing for most dogs. The lily ponds section has boardwalks to keep feet dry through wetter ground, and the birdlife , including herons and kingfishers , may catch your dog's attention along the way. For facilities, there's a café and National Trust toilets in Bosherston, and parking is available at Bosherston Lily Ponds car park (SA71 5DN), pay and display with free entry for NT members.
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