Goodwick: Coastal Paths, Moorland and History

When choosing Goodwick as your destination, you can focus on different things, from coastal paths and the Goodwick Moor nature reserve to Goodwick Sands and local traces of history. The paths connect moorland and coast; beaches, wildlife watching and historic sites complete the picture of the town.

Paths between moorland and coast

Art Afoot comprises three paths connecting the coastal towns of Fishguard and Goodwick. One of them is the Moor Trail: it leads from the Ocean Lab to Goodwick Moor, around the boardwalk there, and then back to the Ocean Lab. At 2.5 km, the Moor Trail is longer than the 1-mile (1.61 km) section of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path from Goodwick Parrog to Harbour Village. These two distance figures can help you gauge the length of each route.

Another circular route runs from Goodwick around the headland of Pen Anglas. The path crosses rugged coastal heathland to the headland’s volcanic rock formations. This gives you a different focus for your planning than the Moor Trail: here, heath and rocks shape the route, while the moor and boardwalk are at the heart of the other trail.

Goodwick Moor and coastal wildlife watching

A boardwalk runs through the Goodwick Moor nature reserve. Access is via a footbridge; the boardwalk is not suitable for wheelchairs. Notable mammals in the area include otters and voles. Wildlife sightings can vary by season and are not guaranteed.

Goodwick Sands is a small sandy beach beside the ferry terminal. A promenade runs above the beach, and you can walk along a long breakwater. Dolphins and basking sharks are occasionally spotted swimming through the harbour area off Goodwick Sands. Sightings are seasonal and cannot be relied on when planning your visit.

Culture and history in the area

Fishguard Fort, also known as Castle Point Old Fort, stands on a headland overlooking the bay at Goodwick. Near Harbour Village, a plaque marks the field where Denys Corbett Wilson began his historic flight. The two sites tell different stories: the fort is a historic structure that shapes the coastline, while the plaque recalls a specific starting point in aviation history.

Goodwick Fish Trap 2 lies on the southeast side of the bay at Goodwick. Built from stone, the V-shaped fish trap extends from the coastal rocks on its southern side. Together with the fort and the aviation plaque, it adds an example of coastal heritage that stands out from the other historic traces.

Ocean Lab and experiences on the water

Sea Môr, an aquarium featuring local species, is located in the Ocean Lab. The animals are released back into the wild after a limited time. The Discovery Room also offers a paid virtual-reality experience about the Celtic Sea, which can be booked online. Check the booking details in advance, as they may change.

Ocean Lab’s Sea Shore Safaris visit a beach in Fishguard Bay and reveal the local coastal wildlife as the tide goes out. Availability of this experience may vary. For another kind of wildlife watching, the area around Goodwick Moor is home to the mammals mentioned above, while marine animals are occasionally spotted in the harbour area off Goodwick Sands. These sightings are not guaranteed.

Plan your journey

Fishguard Harbour railway station is next to the Stena ferry terminal, which offers ferry connections to Ireland. Goodwick is about a 15-minute walk from the station. If you plan to take a ferry, check the timetable before you travel.

Discover more destinations: Llandissilio, Ludchurch, Abercych, Cosheston, Tenby, Mathry, Begelly, Narberth.

Return to the main travel overview: Pembrokeshire.