10k Run Pembrokeshire: Coastal Adventure from Stackpole Quay

Route Overview & Local Insights

Experience the very best of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park on this scenic 9.5km loop through the Stackpole Estate. This route offers a captivating mix of terrain, transitioning from the smooth, paved sections near Stackpole Quay to the springy clifftop grass of Stackpole Head and the soft sands of Barafundle Bay. With a modest 45m of ascent, the course is relatively flat but technically engaging, featuring sandy paths and dramatic coastal views that make every kilometer fly by. Runners should be mindful of the sheer drop-offs along the cliff edges and prepare for a bracing sea breeze as they navigate one of the most picturesque segments of the Wales Coast Path.

The Stackpole area is steeped in both natural beauty and aristocratic history, originally curated as a grand landscape for the Cawdor family. As you loop back toward Bosherston, you’ll run alongside the famous lily ponds—artificial lakes created over 200 years ago that are now a haven for otters and dragonflies. Passing Barafundle Bay feels like stepping back in time; once a private beach for the Stackpole Court estate, it remains accessible only by foot, preserving its pristine, remote atmosphere. This trail isn't just a run; it’s a journey through a National Trust managed jewel where the rugged limestone coast meets the refined elegance of 18th-century landscape design.