How to get to the Green Bridge Wales and Stack Rocks (Elegug Stacks)
The wonderful Green Bridge of Wales and Stack Rocks are found in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park west of Flimston Bay. It is a carboniferous limestone arch that has been formed by crashing waves and pebbles that have eroded the limestone. As a result, caves were created, which have extended to become the arch you see today. It is a beautiful viewpoint to take some pictures and admire the natural and wild beauty of the coastline. There’s no wonder it is highly regarded to be one of the best Welsh landmarks!
It is found next to the Pembrokeshire Coast Path overlooking Wash Bay and is a popular spot for walkers and climbers. Although it is in a military training area, it is mostly still accessible to the public. It would be best if you planned to check whether or not it is open when you want to see the dramatic site! What’s great is that because it has been a military training centre since the 1940s, it has meant that the area has relatively untouched habitats, which gives it a wild and rugged feeling.
Sea Birds are found here because the stack rocks are ideal nesting places. You will be able to spot razorbills and guillemots (elegug in Welsh). At this time, climbers are restricted from climbing on Green Bridge.
How was the Green Bridge of Wales formed?
The Green Bridge of Wales was formed from the flowing and ebbing of the tide over many millennia. The rain and wind eroded the limestone. The erosion has caused caves on both the headlands that have eventually met. However, the headland has not eroded as it is not made out of the same rock.
Eventually, the arch will wear away and erode, and it will leave stacks in its place, just like at the nearby Stack Rocks.
Green Bridge of Wales Parking
The Green Bridge car park is through an active military firing range for the Ministry of Defence found on the B4319 at Merrion. A sign says whether or not it is open. If you want to be sure that it is open before you make the journey you can call Pembroke Visitor Centre before you go to check on: 01437 776499.
Alternatively, you can look on the gov.UK website for the Castlemartin firing notices for firing times. If you are visiting at weekends, in the evening or during holidays, you should not have a problem. However, do not enter if firing is taking place. This area is not safe when they are firing.
Although it initially seems strange because of all the signs, you will eventually arrive at a free car park. Unfortunately, it is prohibited to park overnight here, and there are no toilets or other amenities.
Here you can find information boards about the Green Bridge of Wales and the nesting birds. We would not recommend travelling by public transport as it is not convenient due to its secluded location. Although you can, it would be a long walk from the bus stop.
The address is:
The Green Bridge of Wales
Near Castlemartin
Green Bridge of Wales Postcode: SA71 5EB
Please click here for Google Maps directions to the car park.
Green Bridge of Wales Facts
- The bridge is 24m high and spans out 20m
- It is one of the most spectacular arches in the UK.
- It was damaged in 2017 in both Storm Ophelia and Storm Brian.
- It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, a Special Protected Area and a Special Area of Conservation because of its limestone cliffs and fossil heritage.
- You can walk onto the Green Bridge of Wales, but we did not, as it is done mainly by climbers and is prohibited in nesting season.
- The vegetation on top of the arch is responsible for the ‘Green’ Bridge.
Green Bridge of Wales Map
Stack Rocks (Elegug Stacks)
Elegug is the Welsh name for guillemots, the sea bird that nests in the limestone sea stacks here. Luckily you can visit Green Bridge and Stack Rocks at the same time. It makes an interesting comparison from a geographical perspective because you can see the coastal erosion that has taken place.
The two limestone stacks are close to the shore, and if you want to see the birds, you should visit between early Spring and mid-July.
How to Reach Green Bridge of Wales and Stack Rocks
From the car park, turn left and walk 100m to see Stack Rocks. From here, turn right and walk 200m, where you will come to the viewing platform for Green Bridge of Wales. It will only take about 5-10 minutes, so it is a very quick attraction unless you’re like us, who took food to eat and took lots of pictures! There are no benches, though, so bring a picnic blanket if you want to have a picnic. The walk is flat and exposed, so be careful of the edges if it is a windy day.
Remember if you have taken your dogs with you, to keep them under control. Also, however tempting it may be, try and stay away from the cliff edges. It is
If you decide to walk onto Green Bridge (we did not), please be careful as the edges are steep, and there is no protection. We would not recommend this unless you are part of a climbing tour.
Walk to St Govan’s Chapel
If you feel adventurous or fancy a coastal walk, you can walk from St Govan’s Chapel to Green Bridge of Wales. It is a 3 miles (5km) one-way route along the coast. The trail is part of the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path, a 186-mile course. St Govan’s Chapel has many legends surrounding it and is worth visiting. However, if you do not fancy the walk (recommended especially on a sunny day), then please read our guide about everything you need to know when visiting St Govan’s Chapel here.
You will need the OL36: South Pembrokeshire Map when visiting!
We hope you found this guide to the Green Bridge of Wales and Stack Rocks valuable and exciting. If you are on an extended Wales trip and are looking for more spots to visit nearby: Please read our helpful guides to:
- Best Things to do in Tenby
- Visiting Church Doors Cove – Everything you need to know
- Best things to do in St Davids
- Complete Guide to Blue Lagoon Wales.
Photo Credits: averagelives.com