Elegug Stacks — Place photograph (1 of 3)

Elegug Stacks — Place photograph (2 of 3)

Castlemartin coast, near Pembroke, Pembrokeshire, Wales

Elegug Stacks

Coastal reserve

Place photograph

7.0

Wildland

1–2 hours

Time

Check

Cost

Dramatic

Feel

CoastalPhotographersWildlife loversWalkersHistory lovers

Why it's Wildland

7.0

Two limestone pillars rise from the sea beside the Green Bridge of Wales, a natural arch shaped by wave action. In spring, guillemots and razorbills crowd the stacks and ledges, making this striking stretch of coast both a geological spectacle and a seabird-watching stop.

The drama here comes from the combination: detached limestone stacks, a wave-cut arch, exposed cliffs and seabirds nesting close by. The military range has limited human influence on much of the surrounding coast, but it also means access must be checked before every visit.

Dramatic · Wild · Remote

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Castlemartin coast, near Pembroke, Pembrokeshire, Wales

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The experience

Come for the limestone stacks and Green Bridge of Wales, then take in the cliff scenery and seabirds from the coast path if it is open. St Govan’s Chapel is a worthwhile extension on the National Park’s walk.

Things to do

See Elegug Stacks

Look for the two detached limestone pillars rising from the sea. Elegug is Welsh for guillemot.

Look for the Green Bridge of Wales

This natural limestone arch has been carved by the waves; view it from the coast path where access is open.

Watch for nesting seabirds

In spring, look for guillemots and razorbills on the stacks and ledges, as well as fulmars and kittiwakes along the cliffs. Observe from the path.

Continue to St Govan’s Chapel

The National Park’s coastal walk reaches a 13th-century single-chamber stone chapel set into the rocks. Its 52 rough stone steps may be slippery.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · About 1–2 hours; confirm current access and walking distance before setting out.

Quick Escape: the stacks and the Green Bridge

01
Check the Castlemartin firing-range notice and do not travel onto a closed route.
02
From the permitted access point, follow the coastal path to view Elegug Stacks and the Green Bridge of Wales.
03
Watch seabirds from the path, keeping well back from cliff edges.
04
Return by the same route.

Half day · Around half a day, depending on pace and access.

Make a Half Day of It: coast and St Govan’s Chapel

01
Check that the Castlemartin range route is open before travelling.
02
Follow the National Park’s Stack Rocks–St Govan’s walk, listed as 3.1 miles (4.9 km) one way and 1 hour 30 minutes one way.
03
Look for the limestone cliffs, stacks, Green Bridge, seabirds and St Govan’s Chapel.
04
Use care on the rough stone steps to the chapel; the National Park warns that they may be slippery.

Verified history

The National Park says the Ministry of Defence has used this area as a firing range since the 1940s, limiting human influence on parts of the coast. St Govan’s Chapel, on the associated coastal walk, is a 13th-century single-chamber stone cell.

Folklore & legend

Local legend says the number of steps down to St Govan’s Chapel is never the same as the number on the way back up. The National Park also records stories of St Govan’s encounters with pirates; these are legends, not verified history.

Hidden details

The Cauldron — Look east along the coast for the Cauldron, a feature on the promontory identified by the National Park.

What “Elegug” means — Elegug is the Welsh word for guillemot, a fitting name for stacks where guillemots gather in spring.

When to go

March · April · May · A calm, clear period is preferable for the exposed coastal path; check the forecast and range access before leaving.

The National Park identifies spring as a good time to see wildlife close at hand, including nesting guillemots and razorbills.

This is a remote, exposed and windswept coast. The National Park advises extra care in windy or wet conditions and recommends boots and warm, waterproof clothing. Stay on the path and away from cliff edges.

The route

surface: Well-defined track; rough stone steps at St Govan’s Chapel.
distance: The National Park lists 3.1 miles (4.9 km) one way from Stack Rocks to St Govan’s.
duration: 1 hour 30 minutes one way, according to the National Park.
difficulty: The National Park describes a well-defined, reasonably level track; the chapel is reached by rough steps that may be slippery.
route shape: One way; return arrangements are not specified on the supplied National Park page.
start point: Stack Rocks; grid reference SR925946.
parking start: Parking details are not confirmed by the supplied National Park walk information. Check before visiting.
shorter alternative: A short out-and-back to view the stacks and Green Bridge may be possible from an open access point; distance and access details are not confirmed. Check before visiting.

Elegug Stacks, two detached limestone pillars
The Green Bridge, a natural arch carved by waves
St Govan’s Chapel
Spring seabirds, including guillemots and razorbills
The Cauldron promontory

Worth pairing with

St Govan’s Chapel

A 13th-century chapel built into the rocks, reached on the National Park’s Stack Rocks–St Govan’s coastal walk. Its rough stone steps may be slippery.

Bosherston Lily Ponds

A possible longer coastal-day pairing: a walk account describes passing the ponds on a 12-mile route to Elegug Stacks. Check route conditions and range access before planning the outing.

What to look for

Look for the two detached limestone pillars known as Elegug Stacks, the wave-carved Green Bridge, the Cauldron promontory to the east, and guillemots and razorbills on the stacks and ledges in spring.

Best time to go

Spring, especially when seabirds are nesting; check range access before setting out.

Spring is a particularly rewarding time for seabirds. Choose a calm, clear day if possible, but check the firing-range notice and weather before travelling.

How long to spend

1–2 hours

Perfect for

Photographers · Wildlife lovers · Walkers · History lovers

Before you go

Website Google Maps

Address

Elegug Stacks, Pembroke

Website

pembrokeshirecoast.wales

Listed hours

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Check before visiting.

Google rating

4.8 · 173 reviews

Practical information

Opening & access

Access is restricted when the Castlemartin firing range is in use. Check the current range notice before travelling; do not enter if the route is closed. The coastal path has exposed cliff edges: stay on the path and well back from the edges. Access arrangements are unconfirmed. Check before visiting; do not enter private land or restricted structures.

Check before visiting

Parking

Parking details are not confirmed for Elegug Stacks. Check before visiting.

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Toilets

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Food & drink

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Dogs

Check before visiting; supervise dogs and keep them on the path, well away from cliff edges.

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Accessibility

The National Park describes a well-defined, reasonably level track on its Stack Rocks–St Govan’s walk, but the route is exposed and access can be closed for firing-range use. Check current conditions and route suitability before setting out.

Check before visiting

Cost

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Water

Sea