Wales Coast Path
Why we love the Wales Coast Path
This isn’t just a walking trail – encircling the entire shore of its namesake nation, the Wales Coast Path serves up 870 miles (1,400km) of breathtaking sea views, glorious beaches, wildflower-topped cliffs and charming harbour villages. From Snowdonia’s (Eryri’s) peaks and the south’s thriving cities, to Pembrokeshire’s wildlife-filled islands and Anglesey’s historic gems, each section has its own charms – and there are countless ways to explore.
For most hikers, the whole trail takes around two months to complete (in either direction), but its shorter walks are just as rewarding. Use them as a starting point to discover the treasures of coastal Wales: from surfing, sailing and swimming, to horse riding on beaches and cycling through forests.
You don’t have to be a long-distance hiker to enjoy the Wales Coast Path – even on a shorter adventure, you’ll feel the benefits of mindfulness on the Welsh coast as you switch off and step into nature. And don’t forget this is an all-year-round outdoor playground, so even in winter you’ll be spoilt for choice with all-weather trails, watersports and sightseeing opportunities. Wildlife lovers, thrill seekers, day trippers – this one’s for you.
Winter chills and thrills
No need to hibernate this winter – the Wales Coast Path is full of life all year round. Admire the frosty peaks of Snowdonia (Eryri) from a paddleboard, bike or hiking trail – with a flask of something warm to boot. Nature lovers, make a beeline to Pembrokeshire, where you’ll spot migrating birds breaking up their journey at Marloes Mere or Stumble Head. For a spot of shopping, head to the rainbow village of Portmeirion for its Christmas Food and Craft Fair, chock-full of Welsh goodies.
Escape the ordinary
Leap into the unknown! From kite surfing on the Llŷn Peninsula and paddleboarding in Ceredigion, to coasteering in Pembrokeshire and white water rafting in Cardiff – there are countless activities all along the Welsh coast. Surfers, you’ll love the swells of the Gower and north Wales coasts, while Abersoch offers wakeboarding and waterskiing.
Get in the saddle
The Wales Coast Path isn’t just for hikers: some sections are open to cyclists and horse riders too. Maybe you’ll pedal the beachy trail between Mumbles and Swansea, or the riverside route between Chester and Connah’s Quay? As for riding, there are stables in every region of the path, with bridleways leading to quiet coves, woodlands and nature reserves.
Seek ancient treasures
Immerse yourself in Welsh legends, arts and heritage. The trail is dotted with UNESCO-listed castles such as Conwy, Caernarfon and Harlech, while Anglesey’s South Stack Lighthouse reveals the island’s rich maritime legacy. In Cardiff, visit the Wales Millennium Centre for world-class opera, dance and music performances.
Circumnavigate an island
The island of Anglesey is famous for its beaches, watersports, golf and history – and spectacular hiking, of course. There are cycling trails to explore, and a fabulous foodie scene to devour. This section of the Wales Coast Path takes around two weeks to hike, or you can opt for shorter day walks.
Explore more of Wales’ islands
Follow an epic trail
From gentle strolls with an ice cream in hand, to sea-spritzed climbs up the steepest cliffs: there’s no such thing as a ‘typical’ Wales Coast Path walk. On Pembrokeshire’s section, you’ll ascend around 10,600 metres (35,000ft) in total, which is more than Mount Everest – while the south coast offers flatter routes with good wheelchair access. Where will the trail take you?
Lace up your boots for Wales’ best long distance trails
Watch out for wildlife
Have you ever cruised to an island where puffins roost, or seen grey seals lazing on a beach? The Wales Coast Path offers all of these encounters – and more. Whether you’re scuba diving on colourful reefs, spotting otters in the wetlands or walking through osprey sanctuaries in Snowdonia (Eryri), wildlife always adds to the adventure.
Find out where to spot Welsh wildlife
Wales Coast Path
The Wales Coast Path takes in 870 miles (1,400km) of beaches, clifftop hikes, wildlife-filled islands, and historic castles along the nation’s coastline.
For most hikers, the whole trail takes around two months, although the route can be divided up into shorter sections, linked by bus, car or train routes.
Anglesey bursts with historic gems, water sports and wildlife, or hike and cycle the island’s coastal path.
Discover medieval history at UNESCO-listed castles such as Harlech, Conwy and Caernarfon.
Explore sandy beaches and charming fishing ports on the Llyn Peninsula and along the picturesque Pembrokeshire coast.
Catch a wave at the surfing hotspot of Gower, or head to Cardiff for white-water rafting.
Fun fact
Fun fact
The seven-mile (11km) stretch of sandy beach at Pendine Sands on Wales’ south coast has attracted many to attempt the World Land Speed Record. Discover this history at the Museum of Land Speed, including when Malcolm Campbell set the record in 1924 in his Sunbeam Bluebird, travelling at 146.16 mph (235.22 kph).
Did you know?
Did you know?
- Wales was the first country in the world to create a continuous footpath along the entire length of its coastline.
- Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park is home to the world’s fastest zip line, Velocity 2, which can reach speeds of up to 100 mph (161 kph).
- The Gower section of the Wales Coast Path, the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, can be explored as part of a walking festival each September.
- Cardigan Bay has the largest population of resident bottlenose dolphins in the UK, which can be visited on a wildlife spotting boat trip.
Things to do on the Wales Coast Path
Featured things to do
Best foot forward
As the weather warms, the landscape comes to life. It’s the perfect time to come out of hiking hibernation and embrace Wales’ salt-spritzed coastlines.
Learn more about walking the Wales Coast Path
Superb sands
What’s your perfect beach? From the wildlife-rich shores of the Llŷn Peninsula, to the heaven of Pembrokeshire, now’s the season to kick back on spectacular sands.
Learn more about beaches on the Wales Coast Path
Stepping up
From fascinating history to local wildlife, culture and stargazing, the Gower Walking Festival (in September) hosts an array of expert-led hikes on this glorious peninsula.
Learn more about the Gower Walking Festival
Bags of fun
Take a break from your hike on Anglesey with a spot of Christmas shopping in the colourful coastal town of Beaumaris. Take your pick from plentiful independent traders for a Christmas gift with a difference.
Visit colourful Beaumaris this festive seasonPlaces to stay on the Wales Coast Path
Cardiff
The Welsh capital sits right on the Coast Path, so you can walk a quick snippet – such as the circular route around Cardiff Bay – while enjoying a city break too.
The north coast
With its train links to towns and villages all along the Wales Coast Path (plus Chester, Liverpool and Manchester), this region is a brilliant base.
Anglesey
As well as beautiful walks on the Wales Coast Path, this island is rich in wildlife, adventure and quaint places to stay – including bed and breakfasts, hotels and campsites.
Explore nearby
Getting to the Wales Coast Path
The Wales Coast Path stretches between Chester (in the north) and Chepstow (in the south) – both of which have good bus and train stations. If you want to walk from Chester, the closest international airport is in Liverpool (a 40-minute drive away); if you’re destined for Chepstow, Cardiff Airport is the most convenient (one hour). Various towns along the path also have direct rail links with the likes of London, Birmingham, Manchester and Cheltenham.
Getting around
Don’t fancy walking the entire Wales Coast Path? No problem: simply catch the train or bus to a spot within walking distance of your accommodation, and spend the day hiking ‘home’. Planning is essential, so ensure you have the latest OS map or guidebook for the trail, and follow the official safety guidance from the Countryside Code. If you’re hiking long-distance, book a luggage transfer company to carry your bags.
By bus
The Wales Coast Path is well connected by buses – even on remote stretches such as Anglesey and Pembrokeshire. Visit traveline.cymru for timetables.
By train
Trains serve the north and south coasts of Wales, as well as parts of Cardigan Bay (north of Aberystwyth), with stations along most of the Coast Path.
By bike
The Coast Path’s bike-friendly sections include those near Swansea, Gower, Llandudno and Caernarfon, and there are dedicated cycle routes nearby too.
Want to know more
Want to know more?
Planning a business event in Devon?
Planning a business event in Wales?
Sales and distribution
Newsletter
The latest news, straight to your inbox
Sign up for our newsletters to receive inspirational content, practical resources and information about Britain’s new products and events.
Sign up for our newsletters to receive inspirational content, practical resources and information about Britain’s new products and events.
