Wales Coast Path

The Wales Coast Path (Llwybr Arfordir Cymru in Welsh) is a National Trail which follows the entire coastline of Wales, the first country in the world to have such a trail. It officially opened in May 2012, and offers an 870-mile (1,400-km) walking route from Chepstow in the south to Queensferry in the north. In 2011 the path was voted by National Geographic magazine as the second-best coastal destination in the world.

This trail offers a deep dive into Welsh maritime history and natural beauty, passing through eleven nature reserves, two national parks (Snowdonia and the Pembrokeshire Coast), and five national landscapes: the Clwydian Range, Anglesey, the Llŷn Peninsula, the Gower Peninsula and the Wye Valley. As well as providing impressive coastal scenery, the path takes in the country's capital, Cardiff, and three other important cities: Swansea, Newport and Bangor. There are a number of historic castles and bridges to see and explore along the way. The Welsh coast has over 30 beaches designated Blue Flag quality.

The trail was formed by joining together facilities and resources from 16 local government authorities, two national parks and Natural Resources Wales. Some areas already had established paths, such as the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, the Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path and the Llŷn Coastal Path. New sections of trail joined these together to complete the entire route.

The path takes you along some stunning cliffs and long sandy and stony beaches as well as some wide river estuaries. The rocky coastline and large river estuaries provide excellent birdwatching opportunities, with good chances of seeing cormorants, puffins and many waders. If you are lucky you may also see bottlenose dolphins, otters and grey seals. While most of the trail is really suitable only for walkers, some specific paved sections are adapted for cyclists, families with pushchairs, and those with restricted mobility.

While digital navigation is the modern standard, you might prefer the reliability of paper Ordnance Survey maps for this route. Hiking footwear is recommended, alongside waterproof sandals or equivalent gear for sand and rock pools. Waterproof clothing is mandatory even on sunny days, as the Welsh climate is famously wet and unpredictable.

While much of the path involves stiles and steep gradients, some sections (like those sharing National Cycle Route 5) are suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. When planning places to stay, check with the hotels if they are prepared to transfer your luggage; there are also a number of companies that provide luggage transfer services so you do not need to carry everything in a heavy backpack.

As many of the towns along the way are tourist destinations, there are ample opportunities to sample pub lunches and seafood. You do not need to carry a camping stove or heavy food supplies. Don't miss the chance to taste Welsh lamb or laverbread, which is made from seaweed. There is generally a town or small village at least every 10 miles (16 km) along the coast, and even the smallest of Welsh villages seem to have a Spar shop for daily snacks and supplies.

Tap water in Wales is of high quality and safe to drink, so you can easily refill bottles at your accommodations or in towns. A small rucksack with enough drinking water for 10 to 20 miles should be enough for most stretches. If there are restaurants and cafés along your specific route, you can rely on those for refreshments. Avoid drinking from wild streams due to potential agricultural runoff.

Check the town pages along the route for hotels, bed and breakfast guest houses and caravan/camp-sites. A number of interesting places to sleep are available, including a couple of lighthouses converted into hotels. During peak summer months, reservations are highly recommended. While there are many organized campsites, be aware that wild camping is generally not permitted without the express permission of the landowner.

For its latitude, Wales has a mild maritime climate. However, the winter can be a little cold and windy for hiking, and at any time of the year you must be prepared for rain. Summer is the most popular time to hike, but cliff-top paths can be hazardous during periods of high wind.

The path runs through delicate ecosystems and eleven nature reserves. Hikers are expected to follow the Countryside Code and "Leave No Trace." To protect the landscape, ensure your boots are cleaned of mud before moving between different regions to prevent the spread of invasive plant seeds or soil-borne diseases.

The north trailhead is on the Chester Canal just over the English border. From a small park called 53.1938-2.90451 The Cop (¾-mile walk from Chester Cathedral), follow the canal towpath signed as the Dee Coastal Path for 1 mile, until you reach the border and the official start of the Wales Coast Path.

The southern end is at 51.6456-2.67132 Chepstow Riverside on the banks of the River Wye. From the Town Gate, descend High Street and Bridge Street ½ mile to the Chepstow Bridge. Instead of crossing the bridge into England, turn right onto The Back, a short riverside path that leads you to the Wales Coast Path end marker.

If 870 miles is not long enough for you, a circular walk can be made by adding the Offa's Dyke Path which connects with both ends of the coastal path providing a full circle of the country.

The closest main international airports are 53.353889-2.2753 Manchester Airport (MAN ^IATA) and 52.453889-1.7480564 Birmingham Airport (BHX ^IATA). Both have flights from across Europe, Asia, and North America. 51.396667-3.3433335 Cardiff Airport (CWL ^IATA) and especially 51.382778-2.7191676 Bristol Airport (BRS ^IATA) have a range of European flights while 53.248056-4.5352787 Anglesey Airport (VLY ^IATA) just has a domestic service from Cardiff.

From England, the M56 will get you to the northern end of the trail while the M4-M48 Severn Bridge will get you to the southern end.

The M4, A48 and A40 serve much of Wales's south coast, the A55 follows the north coast and the A487 and A470 link them up along the west coast. If you can, bring two cars, to park at each end of a day's hike.

Chester is a rail hub for North Wales and North West England, receiving trains from London Euston, Manchester, Liverpool, Crewe, Wrexham and Holyhead, among many others. The station is a 2-mile walk to the trailhead, or just over 1 mile to The Cop park described above.

Chepstow is on the line from Newport to Gloucester, and also receives trains from Cardiff Central. The start of the trail is ½ mile from the station.

Cardiff and Swansea are on the main line from London Paddington. Aberystwyth and some of the west coast towns can be reached from Birmingham New Street and Shrewsbury, while the north coast towns can be reached via the North Wales Coast Line from Manchester Oxford Road and Crewe.

• National Express provide a service to Chester.

To Holyhead there are ferries from Dublin and Dún Laoghaire; and to Fishguard from Rosslare. A number of towns with harbours have private moorings.

52°23′24″N 4°0′0″W

Map of Wales Coast Path

Chester to Prestatyn

 29 mi

You might begin your journey by exploring the English city of 53.1926-2.89181 Chester, where medieval streets of timber-framed shops connect sandstone landmarks like 53.191-2.891 Chester Cathedral and 53.1891-2.88692 Chester Roman Amphitheatre.

The trail begins some two miles west of the city via the Dee towpath at the 53.183195-2.9204338 Wales/England border, where a stone monolith marks the official start of the 870-mile Wales Coast Path. From here, the trail follows the embankment of the River Dee along a flat, paved shared-use path. You will soon enter 53.210363-3.0170152 Queensferry and pass under the 53.210363-3.0170153 Blue Bridge, a 1927 bascule bridge that serves as a local landmark. The path continues through the industrial landscape of 53.209-3.0423 Shotton , following the "New Cut" of the river.

As you head west, the industry gives way to the vast salt marshes of the Dee Estuary. The path leads directly to 53.244-3.1324 Flint, where you can explore the ruins of 53.251799-3.1299574 Flint Castle. Built by Edward I of England starting in 1277 as part of his conquest of Wales, it features a unique detached keep and was the site where Richard II was famously betrayed and deposed by his cousin Henry Bolingbroke in 1399.

Beyond Flint, the route passes the coastal villages of 53.268-3.1685 Bagillt and 53.289-3.216 Greenfield , the latter of which provides access to the historic Basingwerk Abbey nearby. Continuing towards 53.314-3.2697 Mostyn , you will spot the TSS Duke of Lancaster, a former passenger ferry, permanently docked at Llanerch-y-Mor. Known locally as the "Fun Ship", it has been an arcade, a bar and an outdoor art gallery, before settling on its current role as an abandoned wreck.

The landscape becomes increasingly wild as you reach 53.329667-3.2957878 Ffynnongroyw and the 53.294413-3.1804075 Dee Estuary - Point of Ayr RSPB nature reserve . This is a critical habitat for overwintering birds like godwits and knots. Rounding the northernmost point of mainland Wales, you'll find the 53.3569-3.322226 Point of Ayr lighthouse rising from the sands of 53.3512-3.319119 Talacre . The final stretch follows the coast through the Gronant Dunes, the only place in Wales where little terns still breed, before arriving at the finish of this section in the seaside town of 53.331-3.40510 Prestatyn.

Prestatyn to Bangor

 60 mi

This stretch guides hikers away from the Dee Estuary and along the popular resort coastline of North Wales. The journey begins at 53.3463-3.41571 Prestatyn beach, a Blue Flag destination. Nearby, hikers will find the 53.342558-3.4125019 Start of Offa's Dyke Path, marked by a sculpture indicating the northern terminus of the 177-mile National Trail that spans the length of the Welsh border.

Leaving Prestatyn, the path follows the sea wall towards 53.321231-3.48018911 Rhyl, a town characterised by its long sandy beaches and seaside amusements. Crossing the border from Denbighshire into Conwy, the trail reaches Pensarn and the vast stretch of 53.2974-3.58522 Abergele Pensarn Beach, another Blue Flag site noted for its expansive views of the Irish Sea.

The route continues through the modern waterfront of 53.29-3.712 Colwyn Bay. Here, you can see the restored 53.2973-3.7237 Victoria Pier , opened in 1900. Rounding the corner past 53.304313-3.7372543 Rhos-on-Sea beach at 53.3128-3.74913 Rhos-on-Sea , the path climbs towards the elegant beach resort of 53.3225-3.82514 Llandudno. The town is famous for 53.3293-3.828038 Llandudno Pier — the longest in Wales — and its whitewashed Victorian hotels. At the western end of Llandudno Bay is the limestone headland of the Great Orme, which can climbed up to on foot or by riding the charming 53.327248-3.8356054 Great Orme Tramway. Perched on the cliffs is the 53.3423-3.86891 Great Orme Lighthouse , a fortress-style building from 1862 that has been converted into a unique hotel.

The path then turns south towards 53.3-3.8333315 Deganwy and 53.284-3.80916 Llandudno Junction to cross the River Conwy. This crossing is home to the famous 53.280701-3.8235039 Conwy bridges, including Thomas Telford's suspension bridge and Robert Stephenson's tubular railway bridge.

On the western bank sits the fortified town of 53.28-3.8317 Conwy, the first of four UNESCO World Heritage Sites you'll visit on your journey around Wales' north west coast. The skyline is dominated by 53.280149-3.82562910 Conwy Castle , where visitors can walk the ramparts for views of the town and river. Within the medieval walls, the Elizabethan townhouse 53.281065-3.83003911 Plas Mawr is a highlight. For those staying overnight, the 53.278615-3.8388512 YHA Conwy is located on the hill overlooking the town.

The final leg of this section passes through the coastal towns of 53.27-3.92818 Penmaenmawr and 53.253-3.97319 Llanfairfechan, where the mountains of Snowdonia (Eryri) begin to drop steeply into the sea. This stretch follows the busy A55 expressway for 6 miles. While there's no danger from traffic, the noise might grate, and for this reason you may choose to follow the official alternative route through the mountains between Conwy and Llanfairfechan. After the latter town, the expressway heads inland and the newly-peaceful coast path crosses into Gwynedd. Enjoy the views over the Lavan Sands mudflats, and keep your eyes peeled for birds such as curlews and oystercatchers. The trail concludes in the city of 53.228-4.12820 Bangor. While only home to 14,000 people, Bangor is culturally important to North Wales, being a stronghold of the Welsh language and hosting Bangor University since 1884. The Grade II* listed 53.2374-4.1229212 Garth Pier is one the country's finest, and stretches 460 metres into the Menai Strait — halfway to Anglesey!

Anglesey Coastal Path

 124 mi

The path around the Isle of Anglesey (Ynys Môn) is a spectacular journey through an area of outstanding natural beauty. Take the path west out of Bangor 2 miles to the architectural marvel of the 53.220139-4.16312513 Menai Suspension Bridge . Designed by Thomas Telford and completed in 1826, this was the world's first modern suspension bridge and remains the primary pedestrian link for those wishing to cross onto the island.

Once crossed, you reach the eponymous town of 53.232443-4.17287921 Menai Bridge. As Anglesey is an island, you can walk around it in either direction!

Following the anticlockwise option, the trail heads east through the quiet village of Llandegfan towards the handsome town of 53.263-4.09422 Beaumaris. Beau marais, French for 'beautiful marsh', features 53.261358-4.09008614 Beaumaris Pier , offering views back across the strait to the Eryri mountains, and an interesting museum dedicated to the 17th-century 53.264-4.0900415 Beaumaris Courthouse. But the crowning jewel here is undoubtedly 53.264908-4.0895716 Beaumaris Castle UNESCO World Heritage Site, a masterpiece of symmetry and the last to be built of Edward I's coastal strongholds.

Continuing to the eastern tip of the island at Penmon, you'll encounter the 53.3129-4.0406817 Trwyn Du Lighthouse , which guides ships through the Puffin Island passage. Guillemots and cormorants are the dominant species on Puffin Island (Ynys Seiriol, after Saint Seiriol), but puffin numbers are recovering after the eradication of invasive brown rats; boat excursions visit from Beaumaris.

Turning west, the path briefly heads inland to avoid some disused limestone quarries, before rejoining the cliffs for the approach to the vast sands of 53.304247-4.1476925 Llanddona beach and 53.2965-4.2071118MISSING WIKILINK Red Wharf Bay. After passing through the popular resort of 53.320278-4.22583323 Benllech and the picturesque fishing village of 53.353889-4.23472224 Moelfre, the terrain becomes more rugged.

On the northern heights, you'll find the distinctive 53.4161-4.2891719 Point Lynas Lighthouse , followed by the industrial heritage of 53.410154-4.34566225 Amlwch, where the 53.4154-4.33320 Amlwch Lighthouse stands watch over the historic copper-exporting harbour. Erosion has created many inlets and outcrops along the next stretch. You'll pass the crumbling former brickworks at 53.4212-4.401921 Porth Wen, before preceding past Hell's Mouth to 53.4243-4.44522 Eglwys Llanbadrig, said to be founded by Saint Patrick in 440 AD which, if true, would make it the oldest church in Britain. The fishing port of 53.4241-4.445326 Cemaes is the most northerly village in Wales. Next is 53.4097-4.510323 Cemlyn Nature Reserve, where a rough-going shingle ridge takes you past a lagoon home to breeding colonies of arctic, common and sandwich terns May-July.

If the weather's fine, take some time to enjoy the Blue Flag waters at 53.374-4.55746 Church Bay beach. Several miles later, you skirt the Royal Air Force village of Valley, and cross the Stanley Embankment onto Holy Island. The bustling port of 53.309-4.63227 Holyhead features the historic 53.31422-4.6199124 Holyhead Mail Pier Light . The highlights of Holy Island are found on the western cliffs: the stunning 53.306667-4.69944425 South Stack Lighthouse , accessible via a zigzagging staircase, and the 53.303604-4.69259226 South Stack Cliffs RSPB reserve , where puffins and choughs nest. Nearby, the 53.3054-4.683827 Holyhead Mountain Hut Circles (Ty Mawr) offer a glimpse into Iron Age life.

After a stop for refreshments at the 53.30516-4.6908791 South Stack Cafe, the trail passes the sandy cove of 53.2865-4.65227 Porth Dafarch beach—home to the 53.293593-4.6443023 Anglesey Outdoor Centre—and enters 53.283-4.61728 Trearddur. Heading south, you cross Four Mile Bridge and pass the 53.262-4.52528 Valley Wetlands RSPB reserve toward the surfing hub of 53.227778-4.51888929 Rhosneigr.

The southern coast offers ancient history at the 53.207-4.5035229 Barclodiad y Gawres neolithic burial chamber. Passing through 53.195447-4.46351930 Aberffraw, the route reaches the ethereal Ynys Llanddwyn. Here, the 53.135165-4.41557430 Llanddwyn Island Lighthouse stands near the ruins of St Dwynwen's church, adjacent to the massive dunes of 53.1406-4.38848 Llanddwyn Beach near 53.164789-4.35931 Newborough.

The circuit concludes by passing Llanidan and the massive 53.21625-4.18583331 Britannia Bridge , finishing in the village with the world-famous long name, 53.223333-4.19944432 Llanfairpwllgwyngyll.

Bangor to Caernarfon

 11 mi

This 11-mile stretch follows the scenic banks of the Menai Strait, providing constant views across the water to the Isle of Anglesey.

The trail proceeds southwest, often following the line of the old railway and quiet coastal lanes. You will pass through the picturesque village of 53.183-4.2133 Y Felinheli (formerly known as Port Dinorwic), once a busy port for exporting slate from the Dinorwic Quarry. The final leg of this section offers a grand approach to the historic town of 53.14-4.2734 Caernarfon, where the path terminates in the shadow of the massive stone walls of the castle.

Caernarfon to Porthmadog

 91 mi

This 91-mile journey covers the Llŷn Coastal Path, a rugged and remote section that skirts the edges of the Llŷn Peninsula. The section begins in Caernarfon, where the path passes beneath the towering walls of 53.139306-4.27688932 Caernarfon Castle , an immense medieval fortress that overlooks the harbor and the Menai Strait.

Heading south, the trail follows the coastline to the popular seaside village of 53.086033-4.33625335 Dinas Dinlle, known for its steep pebble ridge and the sandy expanse of 53.084578-4.3366639 Dinas Dinlle beach. The route then enters a more secluded landscape, passing through the historic pilgrimage village of Clynnog Fawr, the granite-quarrying village of Trefor, and the sheltered bays of Morfa Nefyn.

Rounding the tip of the peninsula, the trail reaches Llangwnnadl and the remote village of Aberdaron, historically the last stop for pilgrims traveling to Bardsey Island. From here, the path climbs the slopes of 52.821-4.47436 Rhiw and passes the small hamlet of Pentowyn before descending into the upscale sailing resort of 52.8239-4.506637 Abersoch. Here, the sheltered 52.8207-4.499410 Abersoch Beach is famous for its colorful beach huts.

Continuing eastward, you pass through the wooded headlands of Llanbedrog to reach 52.883333-4.41666738 Pwllheli, the peninsula's main market town. Its south-facing beach, 52.87943-4.4248511 Marian y De beach, offers miles of sand. The trail then winds through Llanystywmdwy, the childhood home of David Lloyd George, toward the Victorian resort of 52.916969-4.23626139 Criccieth. Perched on a rocky promontory between two beaches is 52.916111-4.232533 Criccieth Castle , a native Welsh fortress later expanded by the English. The final leg leads across the reclaimed marshland of the Glaslyn Estuary to finish in the busy harbor town of 52.928056-4.13333340 Porthmadog.

Porthmadog to Machynlleth

 69 mi

This 69-mile stretch traverses the historic county of Meirionnydd, where the mountains of the Snowdonia National Park (Eryri) meet the sea. Leaving Porthmadog, the path skirts the estuary toward the famous Italianate village of 52.913056-4.09916741 Portmeirion, designed by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis. The trail then heads south along the coastal flats to 52.860439-4.10548942 Harlech, dominated by the UNESCO-listed 52.860004-4.10916434 Harlech Castle . This medieval fortress sits atop a sheer rocky crag that, centuries ago, was lapped by the sea.

The path continues through a series of coastal villages including Llandanwg, Pensarn, Llanbedr, and Tal-y-bont before reaching the popular resort of 52.722-4.05543 Barmouth. Here, the wide sands of 52.7228-4.061912 Barmouth beach are a major draw. One of the highlights of the entire Wales Coast Path is crossing the Mawddach Estuary via the 52.7156-4.040535 Barmouth Bridge —a magnificent 820-meter timber viaduct that carries both a rail line and a footway. For those with extra time, a detour inland leads to the scenic 52.7472-3.9361144 Penmaenpool and the market town of 52.743056-3.88555645 Dolgellau.

South of the estuary, the path reaches the village of 52.696889-4.05241146 Fairbourne, known for its miniature railway. The terrain becomes more elevated as you pass through Llwyngwril and Tonfannau before descending to 52.586944-4.08722247 Tywyn, where the promenade overlooks the Blue Flag 52.582-4.102113 Tywyn beach.

Rounding the coast to the mouth of the River Dyfi, you arrive at the picturesque sailing village of 52.544381-4.044448 Aberdyfi. Because there is no pedestrian bridge across the lower Dyfi, the trail turns inland, following the river through the village of Pennal and crossing the border into Powys. This section concludes in the historic "ancient capital" of 52.591-3.84949 Machynlleth.

Machynlleth to Cardigan

 65 mi

This stretch follows the sweeping curve of Cardigan Bay, beginning just south of Machynlleth. Before crossing the border from Powys into Ceredigion, the trail passes near the 52.5688-3.9180336 Cors Dyfi nature reserve , home to the famous Dyfi Osprey Project. Continuing west, you reach the 52.5467-3.9451637 Ynys-hir RSPB reserve , a diverse landscape of oak woodland and saltmarsh that was famously a filming location for Springwatch.

The path winds through the villages of Tre'r-ddol and Furnace, where you can see the 52.538132-3.94030238 Dyfi Furnace , a beautifully restored 18th-century charcoal blast furnace. Reaching the coast, the trail opens up at 52.53-4.05539 Ynyslas , a stunning nature reserve of sand dunes and a submerged forest visible at low tide. This leads into the Blue Flag sands of 52.4908-4.054514 Borth Beach and the village of 52.485331-4.05103150 Borth.

After climbing the cliffs at Clarach, the path descends into the university town of 52.416667-4.06666751 Aberystwyth. Here, you can ride the 52.423388-4.0832940 Aberystwyth Cliff Railway , the longest electric funicular in Britain, or stroll along the 52.4159-4.087841 Royal Pier . For inland adventures, this is the hub for visiting 52.376831-3.84976752 Devil's Bridge and Ponterwyd.

Heading south, the trail passes through the coastal hamlets of Llanrhystud, Llanon, and 52.2485-4.2352853 Aberarth before reaching the Georgian harbor town of 52.24245-4.2593954 Aberaeron, famous for its colorful houses and honey ice cream. Further along is the seaside resort of 52.212864-4.35898955 New Quay, where 52.2142-4.357515 New Quay Harbour Beach provides a perfect spot for dolphin watching.

The final rugged section of the Ceredigion path features some of the county's most iconic coves, including the Blue Flag beaches at 52.1596-4.47051956 Llangrannog, Penbryn, and 52.1356-4.5173516 Tresaith Beach, which features a dramatic waterfall cascading directly onto the sand. After passing through the twin bays of 52.133333-4.5517 Aberporth, the trail rounds the headland at Mwnt and Gwbert, finishing in the historic town of 52.084169-4.65791957 Cardigan on the banks of the River Teifi.

Cardigan to Amroth

 186 mi

The path crosses into Pembrokeshire at the Teifi estuary, leading directly to the historic 52.080458-4.68061842 St. Dogmaels Abbey , a 12th-century Tironensian foundation. From here, the trail reaches the expansive 52.107-4.69618 Poppit Sands , a Blue Flag beach marking the official northern start of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail. Nearby, hikers can find accommodation at the 52.107164-4.7135284 YHA Poppit Sands.

The terrain becomes increasingly rugged as you pass the dramatic folding rocks of 52.07874-4.761243MISSING WIKILINK Ceibwr Bay and the 52.018595-4.82820344 Carreg Coetan Arthur burial chamber, a Neolithic tomb near 52.01975-4.83606958 Newport. After rounding the headlands of Cwm-yr-Eglwys and Pwllgwaelod, the path reaches the ferry port of 51.9982-4.9804159 Fishguard and neighboring Goodwick. To the west lies the remote Pen Caer peninsula, home to the 52.02985-5.07379345 Strumble Head Lighthouse , one of the best spots in Wales for spotting porpoises and seals.

Continuing south through the former industrial harbors of 51.9579-5.1227460 Abercastle, 51.948-5.18161 Porthgain, and the "Blue Lagoon" at 51.9333-5.262 Abereiddy, the trail reaches the surfer's paradise of 51.8944-5.2958319 Whitesands beach . This is the gateway to 51.882222-5.26861163 St Davids, Britain's smallest city, centered around its magnificent cathedral. The path then winds past the colorful harbor of 51.8744-5.188964 Solva and the massive pebble bank of 51.8523-5.123420 Newgale beach.

The central Pembrokeshire section features the Blue Flag sands of 51.7819-5.102621 Broad Haven Beach and leads around the Marloes Peninsula, offering views of the puffin-rich island of Skomer. At the mouth of the Milford Haven waterway stands the 51.681-5.1736246 St. Ann's Head Lighthouse and the sheltered 51.7087-5.168622 Dale beach. After navigating the industrial and maritime landscape of 51.714181-5.04273965 Milford Haven and the hidden reaches of the Daugleddau estuary near Lawrenny, the trail visits the medieval 51.676039-4.915866 Pembroke and its massive castle.

The final stretch is a succession of world-class beaches and limestone cliffs. From the surfing waters of Freshwater East and the dunes of Manorbier, the path passes the resort of 51.6516-4.7597823 Lydstep beach before arriving at the iconic walled town of 51.671389-4.69944467 Tenby. Tenby boasts three Blue Flag beaches: 51.6678-4.703424 South beach, 51.6717-4.695225 Tenby Castle Beach, and 51.6753-4.701626 North Beach. The path concludes by passing through 51.711389-4.768 Saundersfoot—home to 51.7114-4.697627 Saundersfoot Beach and 51.716-4.693428 Coppet Hall Beach—to finish at 51.7329-4.654129 Amroth beach in 51.73-4.6669 Amroth at the Carmarthenshire border.

Amroth to Llanelli

 68 mi

This section traverses the diverse coastline of Carmarthenshire, from legendary speed-testing sands to historic marshlands. Leaving Amroth, you soon reach 51.747189-4.56393170 Pendine, home to the famous 51.7325-4.497547 Pendine Sands , a 7-mile flat beach that hosted numerous land speed record attempts in the 1920s. The path then moves toward 51.769444-4.46305671 Laugharne, the village famously associated with poet Dylan Thomas; his writing shed overlooks the Taf estuary.

The trail continues through 51.7689-4.3854372 Llansteffan, where a medieval castle guards the mouth of the River Tywi. The route takes a loop inland through the county town of 51.856944-4.31638973 Carmarthen, the oldest continuously inhabited town in Wales, to cross the river. Returning to the coast at 51.766667-4.36666774 Ferryside, the path heads toward 51.736-4.30775 Kidwelly, notable for its remarkably well-preserved Norman castle.

The landscape then shifts to the scenic Millennium Coastal Park, an award-winning transformation of former industrial land. Here you will find the 8-mile golden expanse of 51.7024-4.374630 Cefn Sidan beach at Pembrey. Following the path through the harbor of 51.69-4.2576 Burry Port, look for the distinctive 51.677475-4.25117648 Burry Port Lighthouse , a white harbor light built in the 1830s. The section finishes in the industrial and rugby-loving town of 51.683333-4.1577 Llanelli, before passing through Bynea to cross the Loughor Bridge into Swansea territory.

Llanelli to Port Talbot

 97 mi

This expansive section rounds the world-famous Gower Peninsula, the UK's first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. After passing the cockle-picking village of Penclawdd, the trail navigates the salt marshes of the North Gower coast. On the far northwestern tip, the unique cast-iron 51.6525-4.2510249 Whiteford Lighthouse stands in the surf of Whiteford Sands.

The path then rounds the iconic Rhossili Bay and heads toward the village of 51.545319-4.21578 Port Eynon . Here, the 51.544-4.208631 Port Eynon Bay beach offers excellent bathing, and hikers can stay at the 51.545041-4.2103215 YHA Port Eynon, housed in a historic former lifeboat station. The South Gower coast is a succession of breathtaking limestone cliffs and Blue Flag bays, including 51.5689-4.0333632 Caswell Bay , 51.566667-433 Langland Bay , and the rocky 51.5652-3.9779534 Bracelet Bay .

Rounding the Mumbles Head, the trail enters the gentler waters of Swansea Bay. You'll pass the historic 51.5697-3.9802850 Mumbles Pier , an 1898 Victorian structure, and the seaside suburb of Mumbles before following the 5-mile promenade into the city of 51.616667-3.9579 Swansea.

Continuing east, the path transitions from urban scenery to the heavy industrial landscape of Neath Port Talbot. The skyline is dominated by the massive Port Talbot Steelworks , one of Europe's largest industrial sites. The section concludes near the town of 51.59809-3.76483580 Port Talbot and the historic estate of Margam, famous for its abbey and deer park.

Port Talbot to Chepstow

 110 mi

The final stretch of the Wales Coast Path journeys through the industrial heartlands and dramatic limestone cliffs of South East Wales. Leaving Port Talbot, the trail enters the Vale of Glamorgan, home to the spectacular Glamorgan Heritage Coast . This 14-mile stretch is defined by unique Jurassic-era cliffs and rocky shores, beginning near the popular surfing spot at 51.489-3.72835 Rest Bay and the seaside town of 51.48-3.6981 Porthcawl.

Heading east, the path passes the golden dunes of 51.4769-3.684836 Trecco Bay and moves toward the mouth of the River Ogmore. Here, hikers can explore the remains of 51.4806-3.6114951 Ogmore Castle , a 12th-century fortress, before crossing the river via stepping stones (tide permitting). The trail then leads to 51.45-3.6166782 Southerndown and the dramatic 51.440674-3.60326252 Dunraven Bay and Park, where the layered rock formations are among the most striking in Britain. Nearby, the active 51.400848-3.55211753 Nash Point Lighthouse , built in 1832, stands as a guardian of the Bristol Channel.

The path continues past the villages of 51.4-3.4166783 Gileston and 51.3906-3.3523684 Rhoose, skirting the edge of the cliffs near Cardiff Airport. Soon, the trail reaches the bustling resort of 51.4064-3.266785 Barry, famous for the amusement parks at 51.38841-3.2748337 Whitmore Bay. After passing through 51.41-3.2186 Sully and rounding the headland to 51.435833-3.17587 Penarth, hikers find the elegant 51.4351-3.1665154 Penarth Pier , a restored Art Deco masterpiece.

Crossing the barrage into 51.463-3.16438 Cardiff Bay , the path enters the Welsh capital, passing the Senedd and the Wales Millennium Centre. Moving into the Gwent Levels, the scenery becomes flat and atmospheric. Along the estuary, the 51.54061-2.994656 West Usk Lighthouse , now a hotel, marks the approach to the city of Newport . Here, the path passes one of the world's few remaining functional 51.570639-2.98555655 Newport Transporter Bridge and the rich bird habitats of the 51.546-2.96156 Newport Wetlands RSPB reserve.

The final leg enters Monmouthshire, passing through the village of 51.590833-2.74916788 Caldicot and under the shadow of the massive Second Severn Crossing. The journey concludes in the historic border town of 51.641944-2.67589 Chepstow, where the path ends at 51.6439-2.675757 Chepstow Castle , the oldest surviving post-Roman stone fortification in Britain. The path also meets the 51.647957-2.67227810 Offa's Dyke Path at this point.

Although few of the villages and towns along the route have hospitals or medical centres, fixed line telephones and mobiles are common and in any emergency you should just dial ☏ 999}. Then tell the emergency operator whether you need the Fire, Police or Ambulance services.

When it's less urgent than a 999 call, contact the local police in England and Wales on ☏ 101}. This number should be answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Some parts of the path run along the tops of cliffs. Be careful of undercutting erosion near the edge. Also when at sea level be aware of tide changes to avoid being cut off as the tide comes in.

There are no dangerous wild animals in the U.K. but be aware of livestock in field, some cows and bulls can get annoyed and have been known in rare cases to injure. The only plant to be careful of is the stinging nettle, which for most people is only an annoying irritant.

Don't refer to the Welsh as "English".

Head inland:

• Offa's Dyke Path is a popular walking route through the border regions of England and Wales. The dyke itself (Clawdd Offa in Welsh) has partially disappeared in places, although in the parts where it is preserved. All of Offa’s Dyke Path follows legally defined Rights of Way for all walkers and is clearly signed with an acorn symbol. Some sections are also available for horse riders and cyclists.
• Snowdonia National Park, stunning maintain, and glacial valley landscape.
• Brecon Beacons National Park the Black Mountain as well as a vast array of moorland, forests, valleys, waterfalls, lakes, caves and gorges.
• Pennine Way 429 mi (690 km) walk running the spine of England from Edale in Derbyshire to Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish Borders
• Coast To Coast Walk a 190-mile long-distance walking trail in England which crosses the North of England from St Bees in Cumbria on the West coast to Robin Hood's Bay in North Yorkshire on the East coast.

Move on to the English coast, such as the:

• Cumbria Coastal Way - from Lancashire to the Scottish border.
• South West Coast Path - 630 mi (1,010 km), running from Minehead in Somerset, along the coasts of Devon and Cornwall, to Poole Harbour in Dorset.

Or explore the continental coastline

• E9 European Coast Path Portugal to Estonia.