04/06/2026
Have you ever spotted the wild ponies around St Davidās Head?
One of our favourite walks from Calebās Cottage is along the Pembrokeshire coastline towards Whitesands Bay, especially when weāre out with the dogs or in the mood for a proper hike. Scattered across the headland are herds of wild ponies, and every time we see them, they stop us in our tracks.
Theyāre often gathered together on the skyline, just beyond the brow of a hill, looking as though theyāve been part of the landscape forever. There are different colours too ā white, brown, black and grey ā and they look particularly beautiful at this time of year against the coastal backdrop.
Legend has it that their origins may be linked to Iceland, although Iāve never discovered whether thatās true. Whatever their history, they seem completely at home here, roaming the cliffs and heathland above the sea.
If youāre looking for them, there are usually a few clues along the way! The freshness of the pony poo is often a good indicator of how close they are, and then, if you scan the horizon carefully, youāll often spot a whole herd quietly huddled together in the distance.
Our dogs are always fascinated by them, and the ponies seem remarkably relaxed around respectful walkers and well-behaved dogs. Thereās something incredibly special about encountering them out there in the wild.
They really are one of the hidden treasures of the Pembrokeshire coast.
āHave you ever seen them on your walks around St Davidās?ā or āDoes anyone know the true story behind their origins?ā
