Aberfforest Beach, Pembrokeshire: A quite cove with hidden waterfall on the way
If you're looking for a quieter beach in Pembrokeshire, Wales, Aberfforest is well worth a visit. It's one of those places that feels like a secret escape - it has everything we love with a woodland walk in, a freshwater stream, clear waters and interesting features to explore across the beach. We visited in the school holidays and still had most of it to ourselves.
Know before you go
Parking: Small free layby
Walk to Aberfforest beach: Around 10-15 minutes each way for the first beach.
Walk to Aber-Rhigian bay: Around 30-45 minutes each way from Aberfforest beach to get to the second beach.
Pushchairs: Not suitable - a carrier is a better option
Facilities: None
Dogs: Dog friendly year-round
Best for: Wild swimming, paddling, rock pooling and escaping the crowds
Waterfall on the way to the beach
First beach low tide - Aberfforest
Getting there + parking
There isn’t an official car park for this beach but there is a small layby off the the main A487 road. You can find it on Google Maps here. There's space for a couple of cars, so it's worth having a back up option in case you are unable to get a space.
From the layby, cross the road and follow the stunning woodland path down towards the beach. It only takes around 10-15 minutes, but it's a lovely walk with a stream running alongside most of the way. You'll also pass a small waterfall that's perfect for cooling off on a warm day before carrying on to the beach or for rinsing off the salt water afterwards!
The first beach - Aberfforest
Aberfforest beach is a peaceful little cove - the freshwater stream you follow flows onto the beach. Where the stream meets the sea it creates shallow pools that are ideal for little ones to paddle, splash and play in rock pools - we had great fun making an 'ice cream rock shop’.
The beach itself is a mix of pebbles and sand depending on the tide, with plenty of space for swimming and relaxing. Depending on when you go parts of the beach are shady because of the rockface either side. It feels really wild and untouched.
Exdending your adventure with a walk to Aber-Rhigian bay
If you are up for a bit more walking you can continue along the coast path up and over the headland to Aber-Rhigian bay.
The walk offers beautiful coastal views and takes you to a larger beach which is even quieter than Aberfforest (we were the only ones on it when we visited). Here you'll find another freshwater stream flowing down to the beach, with a small shallow pool that’s brilliant for a rinse off after being in the sea or for younger children to play in.
It's a great way to combine two different beaches into one outing. The walk takes around 30-45 mins from Aberfforest beach but there are big drops so keep a very close eye on little ones and dogs. Allow a full day to explore both.
View looking back at Aberfforest Beach
Up on the headland walking round to Aber-Rhigian bay
Looking over to Aber-Rhigian bay
Stream heading into the beach
Fresh water plunge pool
Sandy at low tide (pebbles high tide)
Perfect for sandcastles!
The Waterfall
Whether you head all the way to Aber Rhigian Bay or just stop at the first Abberfforest beach you can build in some time to spend at the waterfall. We usually stop here on the way back from the beach to cool off after a swim and rinse the saltwater off before getting back in the van.
You can follow the footpath or wander up the stream to reach it. It's not deep enough for swimming, but it's a lovely spot for a paddle and a splash about.
Walking up the stream to reach the waterfall
Exploring the waterfall
Final thoughts
Pembrokeshire has no shortage of beautiful beaches, but Aberfforest just feels different. The walk through the woods, the waterfall and the freshwater stream make it feel a bit more adventurous than your average beach trip, and it's the sort of place you can happily spend a few hours or a whole day in peace and quiet.
If you're exploring this part of the coast, we'd definitely add it to your list.
