Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), drawn by Global Adventurer.
The walk
The walk starts from the Quickwell Hill car park, a short step from the Cross Square in the middle of St Davids. It goes down past the cathedral and the ruined Bishop's Palace, then by footpaths and fields south-west to Porth Clais, the small harbour where David is said to have been baptised. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path leads east from the harbour along the cliffs to the ruins of St Non's chapel and its holy well, where David is said to have been born, and on above Caerfai Bay. A lane, Ffordd Caerfai, brings you back up to the city.
It is 7.3 km with 139 m of ascent; allow about 2¼ hours. The grade is Easy.
Take care on the Coast Path and stay away from the cliff edge: the cliffs here erode quickly and the path has been moved inland in places. The slope down to Porth Clais is steep and rough, the path by the well is cobbled, and there are steps and some steep slopes on the way. There is some road walking at the start and end.
The Quickwell Hill car park charges. Caerfai Bay has its own car park, and the city has cafés and pubs.
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
- St Davids is the smallest city in the UK by population, with 1,751 residents in 2021
- The cathedral stands beside the ruins of the Bishop's Palace, whose roof lead Bishop Barlow sold in 1536
- Saint David is said to have been born to Saint Non around 500 AD where the chapel of St Non now stands
- At Porth Clais, a small harbour, David is said to have been baptised
Getting there
Start: Quickwell Hill car park, St Davids · Pay and display. 51.88239, -5.26601
Directions to the start
Places to stay nearby
Rooms in and around Quickwell Hill car park: Booking.com → Expedia → Hotels.com →
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 is drawn along OpenStreetMap paths and the figures are worked out from it; take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.
