Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

St. David's Head, on the Prembrokeshire Coast Path, is the westernmost point in Wales.

The Pembrokshire Coast Path winds past cliffs and and circles bays like Newport Bay.

The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is one of the smallest national parks in England and Wales.

The park is mostly coastland, and includes several islands, the largest of which are Skomer, Skokholm, Ramsey, Grasholm and Caldey.

Several of the islands are internationally important for their seabird and seal populations.

The coastline is among the most beautiful and varied in Europe. It has high cliffs, long and open beaches, sheltered coves and harbors as well as mud flats and dunes.

Inland sections include the heavily wooded slopes of the Gwaun Valley and the Preseli Hills, which are packed with ancient artifacts. Celtic culture is an important aspect of Pembrokeshire life, with Welsh spoken in many communities in the northern part of the park.

The Pembrokeshire Coast Path stretches 240 miles and covers the majority of the park from the town of Cardigan in the north all the way around the tip of the county down to Tenby in the south.

Much of the path is at cliff-top level, which gives wonderful views of the cliffs, beaches and offshore islands with their wealth bird life.

Rich in flora and fauna, Pembrokeshire is a paradise for bird and animal watchers alike. With many small offshore islands, birds such as cormorants, gannets and gulls enjoy an undisturbed habitat. Other local wildlife includes gray seal and puffins, and occasionally porpoises or dolphins may be seen swimming by.

On land it is not unusual to sight badger, pheasant or rabbits. There are bird sanctuaries on Grasholm, Skomer, and Skokholm Islands, while Ramsey Island is renowned for its large gray seal population.

Ancient remains abound in the park, with cromlechs (burial chambers) at Pentre Ifan and Arthur's Quoit, and Celtic crosses at Nevern and Crew.

Monks have occupied Caldey Island for 1,500 years, and it is possible to visit the current Cistercian monastery.