Coetan Arthur, also called Arthur’s Quoit, is a Neolithic burial chamber on the hillside near St Davids Head in Pembrokeshire. The collapsed monument dates to around 3000 BCE, and its large capstone gives you a clear sense of the scale of the ancient structure. Reach it on foot from Whitesands Beach car park, about a mile away along undulating coastal paths. The walk brings open views across the peninsula, with Carn Lidi and other nearby sites to explore along the way.
A burial chamber near St Davids Head
Coetan Arthur, or Arthur’s Quoit, is the remains of a Neolithic burial chamber on the hillside close to St Davids Head. It dates to around 3000 BCE. The monument is a collapsed chamber, thought to have formed part of a passage grave with a round barrow.
Its capstone measures about 6 metres by 2.5 metres. One side rests on an upright supporting stone, known as an orthostat, about 1.5 metres high. The site is a scheduled ancient monument, and the headland is in the care of the National Trust.
Walking from Whitesands Beach
The route from Whitesands Beach car park is about a mile and crosses undulating ground. Follow the footpath closely: Coetan Arthur is not easy to spot if you stray from the route. Before descending towards the path to Porthmelgan Beach, the monument can be seen to the northwest. From there, one option is a steep path up to the site; another is to continue around the headland on the coastal path.
The surrounding paths also lead towards Carn Lidi, where concrete bases from a Second World War radar station remain on the western face. The headland has further historical sites and coastal viewpoints, so the walk can take in more than the burial chamber.
FAQ
How do you get to Coetan Arthur?
Walk about a mile from Whitesands Beach car park along the coastal paths. The ground is undulating, and the monument can be easy to miss if you leave the footpath.
How old is Coetan Arthur?
The burial chamber dates to around 3000 BCE.
Is parking available near Coetan Arthur?
You can park at Whitesands Beach car park. Parking is paid.
What else can you see nearby?
Carn Lidi is nearby, with remains of concrete bases from a Second World War radar station on its western face. The headland also has coastal paths and viewpoints.
