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St. David'S And The Cathedral Close

Carn Llidi Summit View

St. David'S And The Cathedral Close

Carn Llidi Summit View

Highlight • Natural Monument

Carn Llidi Summit View

Hiking

5.0

(36)

Whilst it may be modest in height, Carn Llidi looks more like a mini mountain than the hill that it is. With a prominent, rocky body towering over the relatively flat landscape of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, it’s hard to see it without immediately wanting to bag the summit. And it’s a good idea, because the 594-foot (181 m) top offers fabulous views inland, along the craggy coast and out to sea.

You’ll find this spectacular hill right about where Wales runs out of land at its south west tip. Just north west of St David’s, a tiny city, the hill is peppered with ancient history, burial chambers and medieval field systems etched into the landscape. There are numerous trails around the hill and a footpath leading from the south to the summit, so you can easily add Carn Llidi into as short or as long an adventure as you want.

This Highlight is in a protected area

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Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

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Location: St. David'S And The Cathedral Close, Pembrokeshire, South Wales, Wales, United Kingdom

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Tips

Dan Hobson

March 21, 2019

Hiking

Standing at 594 feet (181 m) tall, Carn Llidi is not exactly a giant. Do not let this deter you, though; this hill packs a lot of punch for its size. Every bit as perfectly formed as the mountains further north, the summit of Carn Llidi affords spectacular views along the Pembrokeshire coastline to Ramsey Island and across the Irish Sea to the Wicklow mountains.

Grace

April 25, 2021

Hiking

Amazing views from the top of Carn Llidi, great place to see sunset from. It is a bit of a scramble up to the top and worth it for the views.

DULMI

July 3, 2023

Hiking

The monument includes the remains of two chamber tombs from the Neolithic period (ca. 4,400 BC - 2,900 BC). Chamber tombs were built and used by local farming communities over long periods of time.
The two sub-megalithic burial chambers lie in rock-strewn open moorland on the sloping terrain northwest of Garn Llidi, at the westernmost point of the ridge.

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Nearby routes

Best routes near Carn Llidi Summit View

4.8

(43)

291

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#1.

St. David's Head coastal loop — Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

8.02km

02:18

190m

The St. David's Head coastal loop offers a moderate hiking experience across 5.0 miles (8.0 km) with 629 feet (192 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking 2 hours and 18 minutes to complete. You will navigate rugged, rocky coastal paths featuring slopes and about 70 steps, winding through coastal heathland. The trail provides panoramic views of an island-dotted seascape, including Ramsey Island and the Bishops and Clerks islets. Look out for the towering, jagged outcrop of Carn Llidi, formed from ancient volcanic rock. In late summer, heather and gorse paint the headland purple and gold, while spring and summer bring a burst of wildflowers like sea campion and bluebells.

This trail is generally considered moderate, with its rugged terrain and uneven surfaces contributing to the challenge. While the research does not specify trailhead access or parking details, you should plan for the full 2 hours and 18 minutes duration. Be aware that some sections can be muddy or marshy, especially after rain. The route follows cliff edges, so exercise caution as you hike.

What makes this trail particularly notable are its historical and geological features. You can explore significant prehistoric monuments, including Coetan Arthur, a Neolithic burial chamber dating back to around 4,000 BC. The headland itself is a geological marvel, formed from volcanic rock almost half a billion years old. Keep an eye out for diverse wildlife, such as porpoises, dolphins, and various birds, and you might even spot Welsh mountain ponies grazing the heathland.

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Moderate

hikers

#2.

St. David's Head, Carn Llidi — Parc Cenedlaethol Arfordir Penfro / Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

2.90km

00:54

110m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

4.8

(4)

hikers

#3.