Walk 
9 to 11 nights
115 mls (km)
South Wales
Easy to Moderate 
Mar to Oct
£1235
Where the City Meets the Sea; The Diverse Landscape of the South Wales/Severn Estuary
- Cardiff Bay is the capital's thriving marina and a popular tourist destination – take an extra day to enjoy at your leisure
- Seaside resorts of Barry and Penarth
- Rest Bay at Porthcawl, world-renowned for its surf
- RSPB Newport Wetlands - a sanctuary for wildlife, a quiet moment for birdwatching and cafe stop
- From Port Talbot to Porthcawl you encounter the infamous 800 year old Sker House, made famous by R. D. Blackmore in his book ‘The Maid of Sker’
- Sweeping views out from the iconic Newport Transporter Bridge (only one other of its kind in UK)
- Nearing 1,000 years old, the stunning Norman architecture of Chepstow Castle showcases the oldest surviving post-Roman stone fortification in Britain
South Wales Coast Path: Rugged Cliffs and Coastline
The estuary's landscape, disseminated with steelworks, power stations and lighthouses could go some way to explaining why the dramatic cliff-scape remains overlooked. The unusual rock formations that cover the heritage coast have been used in TV productions - including Doctor Who - where the striking characteristics of the coastline have doubled up as the surface of alien planets.
Old railway lines follow alongside the estuary, where the surging Atlantic and rivers that meet form a protected environment for over 85,000 migratory birds. As you make your way towards the English border, the riverbanks and marshland meet huge, impressive structures - such as the arches of the Severn Bridge stretching over the banks that emerge along the river. Reaching the castle at Chepstow towering over the River Wye, heralds the end of the Wales Coast Path (but the start of the Offa’s Dyke Path– for a complete circuit of Wales).
Path Walkthrough
A canal towpath leads out of Swansea, where you follow the old way out alongside Crymlyn Bog. This National Nature Reserve is one of the most important wetland sites in Europe and its extensive reed and sedge beds are home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Its survival is remarkable considering its location next to industrialised Swansea.
The start of the journey is occupied by power stations and steelworks, but the path thereon is predominantly sand dunes toward Ogmore, passing the coastal town of Porthcawl. Rugged cliffs and wooded slopes along the dramatic Glamorgan Heritage coast provide panoramic views, before meeting the seaside resort of Barry.
From the esplanade at Penarth to Cardiff Bay Barrage and waterfront you have an easy-going walk overlooking the Mouth of the River Severn. Through the industrial fringes of Newport you pass the RSPB Wetlands Centre, here the path re-joins the coast past Goldcliff, around the medieval town of Redwick. The Severn bridge emerges into view as the route meets the Severn estuary, occasionally heading inland through fields towards Chepstow.
Our South Wales Coast & Severn Estuary Itineraries
Swansea to Chepstow
Distance: 115 miles (185km)
- Good standard accommodation at a mixture of guesthouses, farmhouses, local inns and B&Bs with en-suite or private facilities wherever possible
- Breakfast
- Luggage transfers
- Personal transfer between accommodation and path that form a part of our standard package
- Route planning
- Walk pack including Trail Guide and mapping, itinerary, accommodation directions and route notes, lunch and dinner information, restaurant recommendations and holiday planning details
You choose which day you would like your holiday to start on. We will book your holiday in accordance with your requirements.
Our South Wales Coast & Severn Estuary holidays are available to walk March to October.
We arrange holidays along this section of the Welsh Coast between Mar - October. Generally, the South Wales coast has a mild, temperate climate and plenty of opportunities throughout the year to make the most of the fair weather at places like Penarth, Cardiff Bay, Barry and Porthcawl.
Getting to the most well connected route out of the Wales Coast Path shouldn't be a problem. Eastbound trains run directly to Swansea, while other directions typically change at Bristol Parkway and Cardiff. There are good overseas connections from Cardiff International airport and regular bus services running nearby all sections of the path.
📷Cardiff Castle, perspective from Bute Park, South Wales Coast Path
📷Southerndown, Dunraven Bay
📷Porthcawl Beach © Visit Wales
📷Severn Bridge, Severn Estuary near Chepstow© fromthevalleys
📷Nash Point, before St.Donats and Llantwit Major 
📷Glamorgan Heritage Coast
📷Glamorgan Heritage Coast outside of Monknash
📷Penarth EsplanadeSouth Wales Coast & Severn Estuary Client Reviews
4.9/5 based on 11 reviews
Felt a lot of satisfaction after completing the whole Welsh Coast Path with Celtic Trails - they are very organised and professional.
Graham Ford - August 2024
Always feel better when completing A long distance trail. I would highly recommend Celtic Trails.
Graham Ford - May 2024
Celtic Trails are a professional and competent service, catering to our personal requests and wishes. It started as a hike in Wales and became a challenge to complete the whole coastal path. Wales is beautiful and very special in every way.
Siân and Rolf - May 2024
Celtic Trails are a competent and helpful service, always considering our wishes.
Siân and Rolf, Switzerland - September 2023
Celtic Trails have a vast amount of experience and are willing to give advice in all areas of the planning of your trip - a great way to start walking the wonderful trails in the UK.
Kate, Llanfairfechan - September 2023
The walk was extremely varied and interesting. Celtic Trails offers alternative itinerary for each walk which allows you to choose a distance you are comfortable to walk each day. Having someone to organise accommodations and transfers for you is lovely. We've already booked to walk Carmarthen to Swansea with Celtic Trails in September.
D. Mealing - June 2023
A first class service + + + My aim was to walk around Wales before my birthday and I did!
M. Morgans - August 2019
Celtic Trails pay a thorough attention to detail - I would recommend them. I particularly like having a dedicated tour organiser,
Anon - July 2019
We would describe our experience with Celtic Trails as completely stress free and relaxing. It was a great opportunity to meet fellow walkers, enjoy superb scenery; the wild flowers were simply stunning.
Anon. - May 2019
This holiday made me feel better, I lost a little weight and it stimulated me to do more walking in the future. Great!
S. Nason - April 2019
Accommodations all very good.
Lively - June 2018
