Wales Coast Path
Why we love the Wales Coast Path
This isn’t just a walking trail – it’s the route to adventure, culture, wildlife and more. 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 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 horseriding on beaches and cycling through forests.
You don’t have to be a long-distance hiker to enjoy the Wales Coast Path: wildlife lovers, thrill seekers, day trippers – this one’s for you.
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 Coastal Path takes around two weeks to hike, or you can opt for shorter day walks.
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?
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, wildlife always adds to the adventure.
Things to do on the Wales Coast Path
Featured things to do
Flower power
As the weather warms, the landscape comes to life – with newborn lambs in the fields, cliffs full of birds, and blooming daffodils at every turn. It’s prime time for walking the trail.
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
Aerial acrobatics
Look to the skies! Above Aberystwyth pier, thousands of starlings create a spellbinding spectacle in winter, flying in shape-shifting formations known as ‘murmurations’.
Learn more about wildlife on the Wales Coast PathPlaces 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 B&Bs, 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 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?
For more travel tips and exciting things to do, visit the official Wales Coast Path website.