Moorland, beach and coastal paths reveal different sides of Goodwick. In Goodwick Moor Nature Reserve, a boardwalk runs through the protected area; access is via a pedestrian footbridge. The boardwalk is not suitable for wheelchairs. The Art Afoot Moor Trail combines a visit with a clearly defined circular route: from Ocean Lab, the trail leads to Goodwick Moor, loops around the boardwalk, and returns to Ocean Lab. The route is 2.5 km long.
Paths between moorland and coastal heath
Art Afoot is a series of three paths connecting Fishguard and Goodwick in Pembrokeshire. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path covers a different section: the stretch from Goodwick Parrog to Harbour Village is one mile, or 1.61 km, long. On the headland of Pen Anglas, a circular walk from Goodwick crosses rugged coastal heath to volcanic rock formations. The paths therefore differ not only in their landscapes but also in their form: the Moor Trail loops around the boardwalk, the Coast Path runs between two named places, and Pen Anglas is a circular walk to the headland.
Wildlife on the moor and in the bay
Notable mammals in Goodwick Moor Nature Reserve include otters and voles. Wildlife presence can vary seasonally; sightings are not guaranteed. Dolphins and basking sharks are occasionally seen off Goodwick Sands as they swim through the harbour area. Goodwick Sands is a small sandy beach beside the ferry terminal. These observations relate to different habitats: the moor on one hand and the water off the beach on the other.
Ocean Lab is home to Sea MĂ´r, an aquarium featuring local species. The animals are released back into the wild after a limited period. The Discovery Room at Ocean Lab offers a paid, online-bookable virtual reality experience about the Celtic Sea. Booking details may change; check them before planning this experience. Ocean Lab's Sea Shore Safaris visit a beach in Fishguard Bay, where coastal wildlife is explored as the tide goes out. Availability of this experience may vary.
Coast and local history
A promenade runs above the small sandy beach, and you can also walk along a long breakwater. 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. Another coastal landmark is Goodwick Fish Trap 2 on the southeastern side of the bay: a V-shaped stone fish trap extending from the coastal rocks on its southern side. Together, the beach, fortification, plaque and fish trap offer different points of interest for a visit that takes in local history as well as the paths.
Getting there and planning your stay
Fishguard Harbour railway station is next to the Stena ferry terminal, with ferry services to Ireland. Goodwick is about a 15-minute walk from the station. If you are planning a ferry trip, check the timetable before you travel. These highlights can help you organise your visit without combining the different paths into a single loop. Also bear in mind the restriction on the boardwalk if you plan to visit it.
Discover more destinations: Houghton, Clarbeston Road, Letterston, Clynderwen, Newport, Boncath, Pembroke, Mathry.
See the main travel overview: Pembrokeshire.
