Penally combines limestone cliffs and seabird habitats with a distinctive historical feature: the Penally Range Practice Trenches. The Penally Nature Trail, St Nicholas and St Teilo's Church, and the Penally Cross add paths, church history and carved art to the range of things to explore. When choosing a place to stay or a hotel in Penally, a simple consideration can help: should the trip focus mainly on scenery and nature trails, or are you more interested in historical traces?

Cliffs and trails

Penally’s limestone cliffs provide a habitat for fulmars, razorbills and gulls, mostly herring gulls. Those interested in coastal scenery and birdlife will find two closely connected aspects of the area here. The cliff path near Penally is closed during firing times. Before going for a walk, check the range’s latest notices and take this restriction into account when planning your route.

The Penally Nature Trail is approximately 4.3 km long and starts at the village pump; it leads to St Nicholas and St Teilo's Church. Its features include five cattle grids, four gates and a footbridge. This gives you a clear idea not only of the approximate distance but also of the path’s features. Trails may change due to maintenance work or weather, so you should check the latest trail conditions before setting out. The two routes involve different planning considerations: the Nature Trail’s distance and features provide guidance, while the cliff path is subject to closure during firing times.

Historical traces and church art

The Penally Range Practice Trenches are considered the only fully preserved example of their kind in the United Kingdom. The site was used to train troops. Here, a unique state of preservation and a specific historical function come together. When the range is closed, the trenches can be viewed from the alternative footpath.

St Nicholas and St Teilo's Church in Penally was first mentioned in the Llandaff Charters, which date from around 675 AD. As the Nature Trail leads to the church, the route links a named destination with an early historical reference. The Penally Cross offers a different focus: it is richly carved with a wheel cross on both sides and combines Celtic and Northumbrian styles. The church represents an early written mention; the Cross, with its carvings on both sides, brings together these stylistic traditions.

Railway and Wales Coast Path

Penally railway station is a request stop on the route of the Wales Coast Path. This route is used during high tides or when the MoD firing range is in use. The request stop is relevant if you are travelling by train; when planning a walk along the coast path, take high tides and use of the firing range into account. Before travelling, check the latest timetable and factor in these conditions if you plan to walk the Wales Coast Path. This lets you consider the train journey and route planning as two separate steps.

Discover more destinations

Goodwick, Lydstep, Clarbeston Road, Templeton, Newgale, Llanfyrnach, Tenby, Mynachlog-ddu

For the broader travel overview: Pembrokeshire.