Pembrokeshire Sea Cliffs – Spring Bank Holiday May 2026

On the Spring Bank Holiday (23rd, 24th, 25th May) our Chairman Paul Kingston and I headed to Pembrokshire for some of the best quality sea cliffs climbing in the UK.

The original plan was to attend the briefing at the MoD base camp and spend 3 days on the mysterious Range West.

But instead, we decided to invest in the future of our sport and do more amenable routes with the next generation of trad climbers, introducing our respective sons to the ecstasy (and agony) of sea cliffs.

On Saturday 23rd, away from the crowds, we went to Flimstone Bay, climbing as a party of 4 on Flimstone Slab. (with some impressive rope management from our Chairman)
Flimstone Crack 3*** VD
Fantastic Four 2** S

Both great fun with no particular technicalities, just the joy of climbing.

On Sunday 24th, again at Flimstone Bay, we visited the Bow-Shaped Slab, this time climbing in a more manageable party of 3.
Bow-Shaped Slab 3*** HS 4b
Bow-Shaped Corner 3*** HS 4b

Both quality climbs with their own characteristics, good moves and some run out at the top!

On Monday 25th, the intention was to climb at Penally, on Giltar Slab. But we opted to visit the local beaches instead.

The sea cliffs in Pembrokeshire are where I learned the trad rudiments and I always feel a sense of “coming home” every time I go, therefore biased. Objectively, there is a lot to love about those sea cliffs… the limestone features are superb and the variety of climbs is incredible. On the slabs a climber can meander and wander around, jumping from crack to crack, and really be free to move and explore as they please, finding their own way up. But for me, the most immersive experience comes from actually being on the slabs. Hanging for quite some time 40 or 50 mt down a (usually steep) rock face, on a few pieces of gear, with the ocean roaring underneath and the wind howling all around… we are definitely onto something special here, mate…