Explore mile upon mile of dramatic coastal scenery where abundant spring wildflowers add splashes of vibrant colour. This section of the Pembrokeshire coast, around St David’s,  is host to colonies of seabirds which nest along the cliffs. If we are in luck, there is the possibility of spotting seals, porpoises and even dolphins as we walk the coastline. On one day, we hope to take the boat out to view Ramsey Island with its colonies of cliff nesting birds. We hope to see razorbills, guillemots, fulmar petrels, gannets and rarer species like the chough and peregrine falcon. Led by natural history expert Madeline Holloway, you are bound to get the most out of the natural environment under her expert guidance.

We are based at the City Inn in the UK’s smallest city, St David’s, dominated by its huge cathedral which houses the remains of the saint.

Itinerary (subject to change, especially the order of the walks)

Day 1: A coastal walk from St. Justinian’s to St. David’s

We leave the Lifeboat Station behind at St. Justinian’s and stretch our legs on the coastal path, with Ramsey Island clearly visible across Ramsey Sound. We can expect to see carpets of flowers on the cliffs, oxeye daisy, kidney vetch, sea pinks and sky-blue sheep’s-bit, to name but a few. We’ll also see and hear birds like whitethroats and stonechats as well as flocks of linnets, charms of goldfinch and several seabirds. Extra special treats include sheltered coves, ice-cream and cake enroute. Distance: 5.5 miles Ascent/Descent: 50m

Day 2: A ferry trip to Ramsey Island

Today we take the ferry from St. Justinian’s across to Ramsey Island, a magical place surrounded by magnificent cliffs and a wild interior. The ferry takes about 10 minutes and, although Ramsey Sound has one of the strongest currents in Britain, the sea can often be like a mill pond and we have a gentle, smooth, crossing. A small path meanders around the island where we’ll likely be treated to stonechats, wheatears, meadow pipits, linnets and skylarks. Meanwhile the cliffs are home to guillemots, razorbills, fulmars and kittiwakes whilst extra special treats include rare choughs feeding on the pastures, little owls breeding beside the field walls and peregrines guarding their cliff nests. Distance: 4.5 miles Ascent/Descent: 70m (optional 136m to cairn)

Day 3: A coastal walk from St. David’s to Solva, via St. Non’s Retreat

We leave St. David’s and head towards the coast, first stopping at St. Non’s Retreat and a tiny chapel whose origin was in the saints of Celtic Christianity. From here, we wander down to Caerfai Bay – our ‘local’ beach – before having elevenses enjoying dramatic views from the cliffs. Our path along the coast will be strewn with flowers, including hundreds of foxgloves, wild carrot and, quite likely, several ‘wild’ horses. We have our picnic on Morfa Common, overlooking the crags of Aber Llong and Loch Warren, where we may spy some seals and, if we’re really lucky, some porpoises and dolphins. Later on, we reach the natural harbour of Solva where we can stop for coffee and cake before catching the bus back to St. David’s. Distance: 5.5 miles Ascent/Descent: 50m

Day 4: A round trip around St. David’s Peninsula

Today, we catch the Celtic Coaster to Whitesands Bay – one of the most beautiful bays in Wales – and from here head up onto the granite ledge of land jutting into the Atlantic to arrive at St. David’s Peninsula. We stroll along the rugged coastline for a while and then cut inland to find the burial chamber of King Arthur, tucked away in the very old settlement and field systems here. Once again, the scenery is breath-taking and the flowers stunning. After lunch, we stroll back to Whitesands Bay – for tea and cake at the beach café – before ambling along the coastal path above this gorgeous bay. We can catch the Celtic Coaster back to St. Davids from Whitesands Bay or, optionally, walk as far as the smaller bay of Porthselau and from here catch the Celtic Coaster back to St. David’s. Distance: 5 miles Ascent/Descent: 125m

Day 5: St David’s This morning we will take a shorter walk near our accommodation to enjoy some last views of the cativating surroundings before saying our goodbyes and heading home in the early afternoon.

• Price
• Grade
• Guide
• Accommodation
• Travel

£685 Single Occupancy Ensuite £100 discount per personTwin Shared Ensuite (If there is nobody available to share, you will be asked to pay the single supplement or you can choose to cancel if this is not feasible.) Price includes: 5 nights' B&B accommodation; packed lunch; public transport to walks; Ramsey Island boat trip Not included: Dinner (This will be arranged by your guide); travel to St Davids; personal expenses; insurance

The walking on this holiday is taken at a leisurely pace with the focus being on observing the nature, birds and wildlife around you. There will be some ups and downs to contend with on the coastal path but the paths are generally good. The walks are up to 6 miles but often shorter.

Madeline Holloway is a natural history expert and freelance ecologist with a hugely impressive knowledge of birds and nature. She has been a walking guide for over 10 years and her enthusiasm for her subject is infectious. Be prepared to end up on your hands and knees magnifying glass in hand!

We stay at the family run City Inn, a small hotel which is clean and comfortable.

The City Inn, New St, St Davids SA62 6SU By train: The nearest stations are Fishguard and Haverford West, both about 16 miles from the accommodation. We can arrange a shared taxi by request at around 4pm (not included). You can also catch the T11 bus which takes around 45 / 50 minutes - although do consult the timetable as buses are infrequent. By car: HAVERFORDWEST (approx 16 miles) Head west on A487 from Haverfordwest follow signs for St Davids. Once in St Davids follow A487 signs for Fishguard, pass the fire station on your left, 200yards past fire station move to the right hand side of the road and keep to the right. At the junction follow road for 100 yards destination is on your left. FISHGUARD (approx 16 miles) Follow A487 from Fishguard to St. Davids, follow the one-way system round, destination is on your left.