Stackpole Estate Circular Walk
Pembrokeshire
The Stackpole Estate is a National Trust property on the south Pembrokeshire coast, and this 8km circuit takes in a remarkable variety of landscape: limestone sea cliffs, the lily-covered freshwater lakes of Bosherston, dense broadleaf woodland and the stunning beach at Barafundle Bay, regularly voted among the best in Britain. The route follows the coast path along dramatic cliffs before dropping to Barafundle, a perfect arc of golden sand reached down a long flight of steps, then returns through the woodland and alongside the Bosherston lily ponds. With 175 metres of undulating ascent, the terrain is varied and interesting throughout.
This dog friendly walk combines coastal drama with inland beauty in a single circuit. Off-lead potential is moderate on the cliff-top and beach sections, though leads are needed through the farmland and near the lily ponds where wildlife is sensitive. Barafundle Bay provides excellent swimming access on the sand, and the lily ponds are beautiful but dogs should stay out of them. Livestock grazes some of the coastal fields, so plan lead changes accordingly. The Stackpole Inn at Stackpole village welcomes dogs and is one of Pembrokeshire's finest gastropubs. National Trust parking is available at Stackpole Quay or Bosherston. A walk that justifies the journey to this corner of Wales.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 8.1 km (5.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 2 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Coastal, Woodland, Lake
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- Stackpole Quay NT tearoom (dog-friendly); toilets at Stackpole Quay and Bosherston
- Parking
- Stackpole Quay car park (SA71 5LS); £3 for 3 hours or £6 all day; free for NT members
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stackpole Estate Circular Walk dog friendly?
Yes, dogs are welcome on this 8km National Trust circuit, which earns a solid 7/10 for dog friendliness. The route takes in Barafundle Bay , one of Britain's most celebrated beaches , where dogs can enjoy a proper swim, as well as cliff-top paths and woodland. After your walk, the Stackpole Inn in Stackpole village is a dog-friendly gastropub well worth a visit, and the NT tearoom at Stackpole Quay also welcomes dogs.
Can dogs be off lead at Stackpole Estate Circular Walk?
Off-lead opportunities are moderate , the cliff-top and beach sections offer the most freedom, but leads are required through farmland due to grazing livestock and near the Bosherston lily ponds where wildlife is sensitive. Barafundle Bay is a highlight for dogs, offering open sand and good swimming access. It's worth planning your lead changes in advance so you can make the most of the off-lead stretches.
What should I know before visiting Stackpole Estate Circular Walk with my dog?
The walk covers varied terrain over 8km with 175 metres of ascent, so it's a decent outing , make sure your dog is comfortable with steps, as Barafundle Bay is accessed via a long flight of them. Livestock grazes some of the coastal fields, so keep your dog on a lead in those areas, and while the lily ponds are beautiful, dogs should be kept out of the water there. Parking is available at Stackpole Quay (SA71 5LS) or Bosherston , NT members park free, otherwise it's £3 for 3 hours or £6 for the day.
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