A Floral Odyssey Along the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path

One of the most enchanting times along the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path is the vibrant bloom of wildflowers, a spectacle that unfolds from April to June. The trail, spanning over 198 miles, meanders through diverse environments, unveiling a rich tapestry of flora from woodlands and estuaries to sand dunes and clifftop scrub. Let’s delve into the characteristic wildflowers that paint the Pembrokeshire section of the path, each with its own unique charm.

Thrift – The Coastal Emblem

Welsh Name: Clustog Fair (Mary’s Pillow)

We begin with Thrift, also known as Sea Pinks, a personal favourite that encapsulates the essence of the Wales Coast Path. These common coastal flowers, delicate and tufted, thrive on rocky ground and clifftops. In Pembrokeshire, particularly, they bloom prolifically from April to July, earning the title of the county flower.

Red Campion – A Pink Marvel

Welsh Names: Blodyn Neidr (Snake Flower), Blodyn Taranau (Thunder Flower)

Red Campion, despite its misleading name, displays hues of pink and is a common sight along the Wales Coast Path. Known as Blodyn Neidr (Snake Flower) in Welsh, its seeds were historically used in traditional medicine for snake bites. Folklore associates picking this flower with thunderstorms and protecting its seeds from lightning.

Sea Campion – Coastal Elegance

Welsh Name: Gludlys Arfor

Sea Campion is a truly coastal flower that graces clifftops and edges with its delicate white blossoms. Gludlys Arfor, in Welsh folklore, warns against picking this flower, which is believed to invite death. Its elegance and coastal charm make it a quintessential part of Pembrokeshire’s wildflower collection.

Kidney Vetch – Yellow Splendour

Welsh Name: Plucen Felen

Despite its less appealing names, Kidney Vetch or Woundwort is a special flower with bright yellow blooms. Known as Plucen Felen in Welsh, it has ancient medicinal uses and serves as the sole food source for the Small Blue butterfly. A nod to its importance, it’s better left untouched.

Knapweed – Delicate Resilience

Welsh Name: Y Bengaled Fawr (The Big Hard Head)

Knapweed, or Y Bengaled Fawr in Welsh, graces Wales’s coastal areas with its pretty and resilient demeanour. Used in traditional medicinal remedies, it holds cultural significance recorded in ancient texts. A vital pollen source and a boon for birds during autumn, Knapweed is a testament to nature’s resilience.

Marsh Orchid – Coastal Rarity

Welsh Translation: Tegeirian y Gors

A more specialised find, the Marsh Orchid, thrives in marshy coastal grounds and meadows. Spot this coastal rarity from late May to July, adding a touch of elegance to the Wales Coast Path.

Gorse – Year-Round Coastal Bloomer

Welsh Name: Eithin

With its year-round flowering, Gorse graces the coastal landscapes with its distinctive coconut scent. Known as Eithin in Welsh, it holds traditional uses as flavourings and dye. Folklore intertwines this flower with the symbolism of the sun.

This curated selection offers a glimpse into the marvellous wildflowers adorning the Wales Coast Path, particularly in Pembrokeshire, as an enthusiast rather than a botanist, a humble reminder to leave these wonders undisturbed, capturing their beauty through photographs. Wildflowers are often protected by law, underscoring the importance of preserving these blooms for pollinators and birds, ensuring the Wales Coast Path remains a haven for natural splendour.

Discover walks around Tenby where you can discover these beautiful Pembrokeshire coastal wildflowers like these HERE