Kilgetty: Mining History and Walking Routes

Kilgetty combines a long mining and railway history with walking routes and places to visit in the surrounding area. If you’re looking for a hotel in Kilgetty, historic sites, a walk in the national park or a visit to Folly Farm can each shape your stay in different ways. The following information about places and routes can help you decide which interests to focus on.

Mining and the Railway

The mining history of Begelly and Kilgetty dates back to mining work in 1581. A railway opened in 1834 to transport coal from the mines in Begelly to Saundersfoot. Kilgetty also grew around the railway after a station opened there in 1866.

The Miners Walk offers another glimpse into the area’s mining past. It follows the route of the former Saundersfoot Railway, built around 1830 to transport coal. The walk thus combines a stroll with the history of a former railway route.

Crafts and Traditions

The Lovespoon Workshop carries on the Welsh love spoon tradition, which dates back to the 17th century. Another craft tradition is found at Avondale Glass Blowing Studio in Kilgetty: Vicenzo Speranza originally founded it in 1976. The Avondale Glass business passed to Speranza’s son and then to his grandson.

Walks and Nature

The Kilgetty Station Walk starts at Kilgetty railway station and leads into Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. If you’re planning to take this route, check the latest route information before setting out.

The Wisemans Bridge/Pleasant Valley walking route near Kilgetty is 3.5 miles (5.7 kilometres) long and takes 1 hour and 30 minutes. It follows the route of a disused colliery railway. In the woods along the route, you can spot great tits, blue tits, wrens, great spotted woodpeckers and chaffinches. Nearby, a woodland walk runs through Pleasant Valley to the ruins of Kilgetty Ironworks.

Places to Visit and Getting There

Folly Farm is at Begelly, Kilgetty, Pembrokeshire, SA68 0XA. There is a bus stop directly outside the entrance. From Kilgetty railway station, Folly Farm is a short taxi ride or about a 20-minute walk away. As local transport services may change, check your connection before travelling.

To reach the southern end of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path at Amroth, take the train to Kilgetty and then bus 351 to Amroth. Check the latest bus service before travelling, as transport information can change.

Choosing Hotels in Kilgetty

If you’re looking for hotels in Kilgetty, first consider whether the town’s history, walking routes or Folly Farm will shape your stay. Then compare each hotel’s specific location and facilities with your plans.

Discover more destinations: Angle, Porthgain, Saint Dogmaels, Nevern, Pembroke Dock, Solva, Abercych, Houghton.

Go to the main travel overview: Pembrokeshire.