Pembrokeshire · Easy · Circular

Dinas Island from Pwllgwaelod

A short circuit of the Dinas headland from Pwllgwaelod: up to Dinas Head, round to the ruined church at Cwm-yr-Eglwys and back along the valley.

Distance
5.1 km (3.2 mi)
Ascent
129 m
Time
About 1 h 30 min
High point
140 m
Grade
Easy

Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.

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Dinas Island from Pwllgwaelod
Jeff Buck · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

The walk

The walk starts from the car park above the beach at Pwllgwaelod. Take the coast path up the west side of the headland, climbing steadily along the cliff top to the trig point on Dinas Head, Pen y Fan, 142 m above the sea, with views to Strumble Head and across Fishguard Bay and Newport Bay. The path then turns down the east side, past Needle Rock, where seabirds nest, to the cove of Cwm-yr-Eglwys and the remains of its church, destroyed by a storm in 1859. A level, surfaced path through the marshy valley that all but cuts off the headland leads straight back to Pwllgwaelod.

It is 5.1 km with 129 m of ascent; allow about 1½ hours. The grade is Easy.

The climb to Dinas Head is steep in places and the path runs close to high, unfenced cliffs: stay on the path and away from the edge, keep children and dogs close, and take extra care in wind or wet. The valley path back is easy, and suitable for wheelchairs.

Parking at Pwllgwaelod is free. Buses on the Fishguard to Cardigan road stop at Dinas Cross, about 1.5 km away, and the Poppit Rocket (405) runs in season.

Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.

Good to know

  • Not an island but a headland, partly cut off from the mainland
  • Dinas Head, Pen y Fan, is 142 m above the sea
  • The church at Cwm-yr-Eglwys was destroyed by a storm in 1859
  • Needle Rock, off the east side, is a breeding place for seabirds

Summits on the way

  • Pen y Fan 142 m

Getting there

Start: Pwllgwaelod car park · Free parking. 52.02132, -4.90798

Directions to the start

Places to stay nearby

Rooms in and around Fishguard Harbour: Booking.com → Expedia →

Affiliate links: if you book, Global Adventurer earns a small commission at no cost to you.

Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line and figures come from OpenStreetMap and our own checks; take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.