South Wales

travel time: September 2025

In South Wales, we spent our first day in Pembrokeshire National Park. The weather forecast didn’t look too promising, but we hoped to finish our hike before the rain set in. We started along the Wales Coast Path at Stackpole Quay, following the trail along the cliffs to Barafundle Beach - often called one of the most beautiful beaches in Wales. From there, we continued to Broad Haven and eventually made our way back to Stackpole Quay.

Unfortunately, during the last hour of our hike, the rain caught up with us and it started pouring down. By the time we reached the car, we were completely soaked. We quickly grabbed a hot coffee at the little café by the car park before heading back to the hotel. After drying off and resting for a bit, we spent the evening at the Swansea Marina, enjoying drinks at the Meridian Tower with wonderful views over the sea and the city. For dinner, we went to an Indian buffet atRaj, and it was absolutely delicious - the perfect ending to a very wet but memorable day on the Welsh coast.

The next day, we set out to explore the beautiful Gower Peninsula, one of South Wales’ most scenic coastal areas. Our first stop was Worm’s Head and Rhossili Beach, where we enjoyed a few lovely walks along the cliffs and dunes. The sun was shining, and it felt surprisingly warm despite the strong sea breeze. The views over the sweeping beach and the rugged coastline were absolutely stunning - the kind of landscape that makes you stop just to take it all in.

Horse at Rhossili Beach

Worm's head

Later, we drove to Llanmadoc, where we parked the car and started our hike to Whiteford Lighthouse. The trail first leads through fields and woodland before opening up to sand dunes and a wide, empty beach. We followed the Wales Coast Path for most of the way, walking behind the dunes where we were a little sheltered from the wind coming off the sea. The lighthouse itself is fascinating - built in the 19th century, it stands far out in the water, and depending on the tide, it can look completely surrounded by the ocean. From the beach, it feels like you’re gazing at a lonely sentinel keeping watch over the bay.

Just a short drive away, we stopped at Weobley Castle, a 14th-century ruin perched on a hill overlooking the estuary. You can wander through the remains of the old walls and towers, and from the top, you have sweeping views across the salt marshes and out to sea.

In the evening, we made our way to Mumbles, a charming seaside village near Swansea, where we ended the day with a hearty Welsh pub dinner. The atmosphere was cozy and welcoming, and after a long day of hiking and exploring, it was the perfect place to relax and enjoy some traditional Welsh food.

On our last day in Wales, it was time to begin the long drive back north. But before hitting the road, we made our first stop at the famous Penderyn Brecon Beacons Distillery. There, we tasted some Welsh whisky and picked up two bottles to take home as souvenirs -  the perfect way to bring a little piece of Wales with us.

In Brecon, we visited the Brecon Cathedral, which has stood for around 900 years. Inside, we met a friendly member of the church who shared some fascinating stories about its history. When he discovered that we spoke German, the conversation turned even more personal as he told us some of his own life stories - a truly memorable encounter. After a relaxed stroll through the charming town and a quick coffee stop, we continued our journey north.

View over Brecon

Brecon

Telephone cell in Brecon

Our final sightseeing stop of the day was Powis Castle, a grand red-stone fortress surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens. The drive to the castle leads through a vast park where, if you’re lucky, you might spot deer roaming freely. As it was already late in the afternoon, the castle itself was closing, so we didn’t get to see the interior. Still, the exterior alone was impressive - perched high above the valley, with sweeping views over the gardens and the surrounding countryside.

Our time in South Wales was filled with dramatic coastlines, cozy seaside towns, and a good dose of adventure. From hiking the windswept trails of Pembrokeshire and the Gower Peninsula to exploring ancient castles and tasting Welsh whisky, every stop had its own special charm. Even the unpredictable weather couldn’t dampen the experience - if anything, it made the landscapes feel even more alive. Between the sea breeze, the warm hospitality, and the countless photo stops along the way, South Wales left us with memories as rich and varied as its scenery.