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Caves

Stackpole And Castlemartin

St Govan's Chapel

Caves

Stackpole And Castlemartin

St Govan's Chapel

Highlight • Historical Site

St Govan's Chapel

Recommended by 100 hikers out of 102

This Highlight is in a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

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Location: Stackpole And Castlemartin, Pembrokeshire, South Wales, Wales, United Kingdom

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Best Hikes to St Govan's Chapel

4.6

(27)

233

hikers

1. From Broad Haven to The Green Bridge of Wales — Parc Cenedlaethol Arfordir Penfro / Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

14.2km

03:48

160m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

4.6

(21)

159

hikers

2. Stack Rocks to St Govan's - Wheelchair Walk — Parc Cenedlaethol Arfordir Penfro / Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

9.96km

02:40

110m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

4.8

(25)

105

hikers

3. Bosherston / St Govan's — Parc Cenedlaethol Arfordir Penfro / Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

7.16km

01:53

60m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

Tips

Dan Hobson

September 18, 2019

This small hermit’s chapel can be found at the bottom of a long and steep set of steps, nestled into the cliffs. The effort is worth it, though, as this immensely atmospheric place cannot be missed.

Whilst the exact history is unclear, St Govan was an Irish Abbott living in the 6th century. According to legend, Govan was on his way to Wales when Irish pirates attacked him. Govan ran to the cliffside and the rocks miraculously transformed into a secret cave that concealed him. After his attackers left, he remained in the cave and, as thanks to God, set up a monastic hermitage. He remained there for the rest of his life, surviving solely on the nature around him.

NOTE: This Highlight is on a MOD army tank range and is closed at certain times. Call Pembroke Visitor Centre on 01437 776499 to check if the range is open to the public. Alternatively, you can check by visiting: gov.uk/government/publications/castlemartin-firing-notice--2

Włóczykij- Snufkin

December 12, 2019

A beautiful place worth visiting and seeing with your own eyes. The chapel is rather well preserved ruins of what was once here. Down a fairly steep road with lots of stairs made of stone, it's worth spending time and going down to see the views and rub pictures. Note, this area belongs to the army and there is a military training ground. You should check if it's open when you go there. In my experience I can say that it is always open on Saturdays and Sundays.

Translated by Google •

chilifish

July 10, 2023

Very beautiful view and a small, simple chapel. Steep path and slippery steps. The story about St Govan who (allegedly) hid in the crevice is quite interesting.

Details

Informations

Elevation 90 m

Open during reasonable daylight hours

Free entry

Contacts

St Govan's Head, Nr Bosherston, SA71 5DR

www.visitpembrokeshire.com/attraction-listing/st-govans-chapel

tourism@pembrokeshire.gov.uk

01437 776499

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Saturday 27 December

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Max wind speed: 28.0 km/h

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Location: Stackpole And Castlemartin, Pembrokeshire, South Wales, Wales, United Kingdom

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St Govan's Chapel

1. From Broad Haven to The Green Bridge of Wales — Parc Cenedlaethol Arfordir Penfro / Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

2. Stack Rocks to St Govan's - Wheelchair Walk — Parc Cenedlaethol Arfordir Penfro / Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

3. Bosherston / St Govan's — Parc Cenedlaethol Arfordir Penfro / Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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