The first coast path to officially outline an entire country opened May, 2012 and ever since its completion it’s been keeping us busy. However, it appears we’re not the only ones, as The Wales Coast Path has been a lightning rod for those looking for a challenge – whether it be walkers, runners or even one woman and her donkey. It’s an adventure, but it needn’t be an undertaking with our dedicated Wales Coast Path itinerary – although the distance itself is daunting, the trick is to break into manageable sections, day by day, ensuring you have enough stamina left over for the next.
It all sounds pretty simple doesn’t it? Follow the path and keep the sea on your right. However, on the odd occasion a trail diverts inland, skirting marshland or industry – your navigation skills are put to the test. I must admit that the signposts stationed at regular intervals (with their distinctive ‘dragonshell’ insignia’) are a source of encouragement, especially wh
en you feel you need a little reassurance.
It’s all too easy to forget that a significant part of Wales is wild, sparse area – stretches where there is not a single soul around for miles. One of the benefits of getting to know an area on foot, is that this is often the best way to stumble upon the unexpected encounter (be it castles overlooking the shore or a chance wildlife sighting), that really sticks with you after your trip. Walking the Wales Coast Path, you’ll find there’s a lot of nature to be found along the way. Considerable amounts of the coast path fall within the remit of National Parks and other conservation areas, with The Pembrokeshire Coastline falling almost entirely under protected territory.
The Wales Coast Path was always an opportunity to celebrate the best of Wales, but also a chance for our nations well-kept secrets to get their moment in the sun. Over the years, we’ve built strong relationships with accommodation, luggage and transport services across Wales. So while we put together our Wales Coast Path itinerary, the most important aspect of your journey is left untroubled by the logistics and details.
The holiday is based on 2 people sharing a room and includes 80 nights B&B accommodation, 69 days of walking, 11 days at leisure in great places to have a rest day (Chester, Conwy, Beaumaris, Caernarvon, Porthmadog, Barmouth, Aberystwyth, St. David’s, Swansea, Cardiff and Chepstow), detailed route maps and luggage transfers. Overnight accommodation is in high standard B&Bs, farmhouses and small local inns, all with en-suite or private facilities. Our Wales Coast Path itinerary can be varied for faster walkers, or those looking for more or less rest days.
Wales Coast Path Itinerary Destination Breakdown:
North Wales Coast Path (6 walking days, 1 recommended rest day at Chester, Conwy or Llandudno).
- Chester
- Flint
- Mostyn
- Rhyl
- Llandudno
- Conwy
- Bangor
Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path (10 walking days, 1 recommended rest day at Beaumaris) .
- Holyhead
- Trearddur
- Rhosneigr
- Malltraeth
- Brynsiencyn
- Beaumaris
- Benllech
- Dulas
- Cemaes
- Porth Swtan
- Holyhead
Llŷn Peninsula (9 walking days, 1 recommended rest day in Abedaron – consider booking a boat trip for a visit to Bardsey Island).
- Bangor
- Caernarfon
- Clynnog Fawr
- Nefyn
- Colmon
- Aberdaron
- Pentowyn Dunes
- Llanbedrog
- Criccieth
- Porthmadog
Meirionnydd Coast Path (6 walking days, 1 recommended Rest Day at Porthmadog, Harlech, Barmouth or Machynlleth).
- Porthmadog
- Maentwrog
- Harlech
- Tal-y-Bont
- Llwyngwril
- Aberdovey
- Machynlleth
Ceredigion Coast Path (6 walking days, 1 recommended Rest Day at Aberystwyth or New Quay).
- Machynlleth
- Tre-Taliesin
- Aberystwyth
- Llanrhystud
- New Quay
- Aberporth
- Cardigan
Pembrokeshire Coast Path (13 walking days, 2 recommended Rest Days at Marloes & St.Davids).
- St.Dogmaels
- Newport
- Goodwick
- Trefin
- St Justinians
- Solva
- Broad Haven
- Marloes Sands
- Sandy Haven
- Neyland
- Angle
- Bosherton
- Manorbier
- Amroth
Carmarthen Bay (6 walking days, 1 recommended Rest Day at Carmarthen).
- Amroth
- Laugharne
- Llansteffan
- Carmarthen
- Kidwelly
- Llanelli
- Penclawdd
Gower Coast Path (4 walking days, 1 recommended Rest Day at Swansea).
- Penclawdd
- Llanmadoc
- Rhossili
- Penmaen
- Oxwich
- Swansea
South Wales Coast & Severn Estuary (10 walking days, 2 recommended Rest Days at Cardiff & Chepstow).
- Swansea
- Port Talbot
- Porthcawl
- Southerndown
- Gileston
- Barry
- Cardiff Bay
- Lighthouse Park
- Newport Wetlands
- Caldicot
- Chepstow
How arduous is the hiking? In my upper 70’s in good health.
Thanks for contacting us Robert, you’ll find that none of the sections are particularly challenging in themselves – as long as you stay within your comfort zone, leaving enough reserved stamina for the day after. Walking the entire way in one unbroken journey is not a requirement, indeed you can break up the journey, picking the sections that appeal to you most. Hope this has been helpful, do get in touch if you have any more queries 🙂 – Jim
Please send brochure including dates of trips offered
Hi Robert,
With our Wales Coast Path, and indeed with all our trips – we tailor the holiday around the best available dates for you. So it’s really your choice when you start walking, as well as how long you want your journey to be.
I’ve sent you over an itinerary of The Wales Coast Path (divided into sections), hopefully this will help you get a clearer idea of what sort of holiday you’re looking for. If there’s anything else you’re not entirely sure about, do call and we’d be more than happy to discuss future plans with you 🙂 Jim
What’s the topography like and what are the average daily distances. Also, best time to travel? Is the landscape going to be interesting enough to sustain a 70 day walk?
Hi Diny, thanks for getting in touch, I’ll try to be as objective as I can in describing the Welsh landscape, but I must admit it’s not exactly easy!
The coast of Wales is less challenging underfoot than it is inland, and as you walk around the shoreline you’ll often have a landscape with the sea on one side and mountains on the other. In my opinion, there’s a lot of variety in the coastal towns and villages, stretches of wild coastline, cliffs and coves. But the good thing about a walking holiday, is that the scenery changes as you make your way along the route, so if you don’t like one stretch, you keep traveling and find something different around the corner.
Based on a standardised itinerary of the Wales Coast Path, average daily distances should clock in at around just over 9 miles/14.4 km, however this is subject to how much time you’d like spend walking a particular section. Let us know and we’d be more than happy to send you over an itinerary (split into sections), or give us a call and we’ll discuss any questions you may have regarding the trip. – Jim
Can I hire someone to travel with me or just check on me?
Do you need much more than good rain and earths gear? Good walking (not hicking) shoes?
All stay over gear transported from inn to inn. No backpack? Carry own food for day?
Thanks, I’m very interested.
Thanks for contacting us Margaret. Our Wales Coast Path walking holiday is self-guided, meaning it’s up to you to choose who you travel with. If guided walking is something that suits you better, our collection guided walks may be something of interest. (https://www.celtictrailswalkingholidays.co.uk/guided/)
That being said, whilst walking our routes you’ll have 24 hour backup on our phones in case of emergencies, and we’re always at the end of a phone during the walking day if you are unsure or need any help.
Walking the Welsh coast doesn’t require any particularly specialist equipment, a good pair of walking boots and waterproofs is sufficient.
All gear is transferred from one nights stay to the next, but you’ll want a light/day pack to take things like maps/your lunch or anything else you may need for the route.
Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any further questions related to this walk or any others, give us a call or drop us an e-mail and we’ll more than happy to discuss any questions or concerns 🙂 Jim
Do you have a price for solo travellers? It would be great to do this, but without a hefty ‘single supplement’!
Hi Jacqui, thanks for getting in touch. Our price for solo travellers would need to be a bespoke package – tailored to your needs while out on the path. Please don’t hesitate to pop us an e-mail at walk@celtic-trails.com with your specifications, following that we’ll be able to put together a quote for your solo journey along the Wales Coast Path.