How long does Marloes Sands and the Deer Park take?

Most walkers take 3–4 hours for the 11 km route, which has 180 m of ascent. That allows for short stops; give yourself longer in winter, in poor weather or with a group.

Where does the walk start, and where can I park?

It starts at Marloes Sands car park (grid reference SM 779 082). National Trust car park (charge for non-members).

Can I get there by public transport?

The Puffin Shuttle bus runs along the coast in summer. Check times on Traveline.

It's graded moderate. Coast path with some steps and steep sections; lanes.

Colin Park · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Marloes Moderate

Marloes Sands and the Deer Park

Circular Dog friendly

A great beach and a headland facing Skomer, with seals in the coves.

Distance: 11 km
Ascent: 180 m
Time: 3–4 h
Grade: Moderate
Route: Circular
High point: 63 m

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Route mapped on 25 Oct 2026 from OpenStreetMap paths, with heights from EU-DEM terrain data; not yet checked on the ground by TRXO. Added to TRXO on 25 Oct 2026. For planning only: always navigate with an up-to-date map such as OS Explorer or Harvey. How we make our routes.

About this walk

Marloes Sands and the Deer Park is a moderate 11 km circular walk with 180 m of ascent, taking 3 to 4 hours. It starts at Marloes Sands car park (grid reference SM 779 082).

Marloes Sands is a long, cliff-backed beach at the western tip of Pembrokeshire, with the island of Gateholm at its end. From the National Trust car park, the walk crosses to the beach, then follows the coast path round the Deer Park headland to Martin's Haven, where boats leave for Skomer.

Grey seals pup in the coves below the headland in autumn, and the views reach Skomer and Skokholm.

Coastal Wildlife Great views Kid friendly Dog friendly

Route

1
Marloes Sands

Walk down to the beach from the car park.
2
The Deer Park

Follow the coast path round the headland to Martin's Haven, and back by the lane.

Summit

On the way

Marloes Sands
Beach · 900 m from the route

Plan your day

Start Pace Day

Time needed: 3 h 13 min
Back by: 12:13
Sunset: …
Turn back by: …

Based on Naismith's rule plus short breaks. Allow extra in winter or poor weather.

A link with the route, your start time and when you expect to be back, to send to someone at home.

Summit forecast

–

Forecast at Marloes high point summit (63 m). Always check a mountain forecast too.

Getting there

Start: Marloes Sands car park
Grid ref: SM 779 082
Parking: National Trust car park (charge for non-members).
Transport: The Puffin Shuttle bus runs along the coast in summer. Check times on Traveline.
Facilities: Toilets at Martin's Haven; pub in Marloes.

Directions to start

Bothies and hostels nearby

YHA Broad Haven Hostel · 10.2 km

Distances are from the start. Check with whoever runs it before relying on one.

Terrain

Coast path with some steps and steep sections; lanes.

Bog factor

Suitable for dogs.

Access & seasonal notes

Keep well back from the cliff edge, and keep dogs on a lead. Keep off the beaches below the Deer Park in autumn, when seals have pups.

Land and access

In Wales you can walk on public rights of way and open access land. The Countryside Code sets out how to do so responsibly.

Leave gates and property as you find them, and follow paths unless there's wider access.
On open access land, keep dogs on a short lead from 1 March to 31 July, and at any time near livestock.
Take your litter home, and bag and bin dog poo.
Plan ahead and check for signs and local advice.

The Countryside Code

What to take

Nothing out of the ordinary, so the usual kit below.

✓Map and compass (and know how to use them)
✓Waterproof jacket and trousers
✓Warm layer, hat and gloves, even in summer
✓Food, water and a head torch
✓Charged phone; register for emergency SMS (text 'register' to 999)

Hill safety guide

Questions about this walk

How long does Marloes Sands and the Deer Park take?: Most walkers take 3–4 hours for the 11 km route, which has 180 m of ascent. That allows for short stops; give yourself longer in winter, in poor weather or with a group.
Where does the walk start, and where can I park?: It starts at Marloes Sands car park (grid reference SM 779 082). National Trust car park (charge for non-members).
Can I get there by public transport?: The Puffin Shuttle bus runs along the coast in summer. Check times on Traveline.
How hard is it?: It's graded moderate. Coast path with some steps and steep sections; lanes.
Can I take my dog?: Yes, dogs are welcome on this walk. Before you go: Keep well back from the cliff edge, and keep dogs on a lead. Keep off the beaches below the Deer Park in autumn, when seals have pups.

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