Discover the Wales Coast Path

Thousands of people have enjoyed the varied walking, scenic views, friendly towns, historic sites and unique wildlife along the Wales Coast Path since it opened in 2012. The Wales Coast Path route follows our magnificent coastline, from the border with England, near Chester, and Chepstow, South Wales. You can walk the whole length in either direction, take a detour along one of our other long distance trails, or enjoy a shorter stretch.

• How long is the Wales Coast Path? 870miles/1,400km long
• How long does it take to walk the Wales Coast Path? Dedicated, super fit walkers averaging 20miles per day could finish the route in 6-7 weeks. Many walkers tick off sections bit by bit and enjoy the journey at a slower pace.
• How difficult is the Wales Coast Path? There are all manner of longer sections ideal for day walks of varying difficulty, from short strolls to serious stomps. Read up on each section beforehand to get an idea of what to expect.

Walking is the first activity that comes to mind, but much of the Wales Coast Path is accessible for wheelchairs, bikes, trikes and buggies. These sections are wide, flat and relatively smooth. They cover some glorious bits of the coastline, like the Millennium Coastal Path from Llanelli to Pembrey Forest, the Mawddach Trail between Dolgellau and Barmouth and seafront proms like Rhos on Sea, Llandudno and Llanfairfechan.

There are several short walks on the Wales Coast Path to enjoy if you don't fancy a longer distance. Check out our Wales Coast Path cycling routes page for plenty of advice and recommendations for family-friendly cycle routes.

Of course, it all begins (or ends) with a castle. Chepstow is home to a beautifully-preserved fortress and is where the Wales Coast Path begins (or ends, depending on where you start) as well as where it connects to Offa’s Dyke: the path that runs along the Anglo-Welsh border. Heading west, the path takes an exciting urban turn, passing through Wales’ buzzing capital city.

At Cardiff Bay, take a tour around the Senedd (home to the Welsh Parliament). Then, take in a show at iconic international performance venue, the Wales Millennium Centre, before finishing up in one of the area’s lively restaurants or bars.

If you’re feeling more energetic, head for the rapids at Cardiff International White Water Centre. Find beautiful beaches and more along the Glamorgan Heritage Coast between Aberthaw and Porthcawl. Here, you can stop in at Wales’ longest continually inhabited castle, St Donat’s, whose grounds shelter contemporary cultural gem St Donats Arts Centre.

Gower was the UK’s first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and it’s not hard to see why. Rhossili Bay was recently named best beach in the UK on TripAdvisor, and nearby Three Cliffs Bay can easily claim to have the best campsite views anywhere in Britain, with its majestic vistas across sand dunes, limestone cliffs, and salt marshes.

From Rhossili, check tide times before venturing onto Worm’s Head: a lush tidal island where author Dylan Thomas once got stranded! Surf-lovers can catch waves at Caswell and Langland beaches. The path winds through the city of Swansea to Swansea Marina - an attractive pocket of al fresco cafés, bars, and the free National Waterfront Museum.

Don’t miss Mumbles: a charming fishing village with outstanding ice-cream parlours and attractive bay views from their waterfront development, Oyster Wharf.

World land-speed records were set and broken at Pendine in the early 20th century and you can run for free on Cefn Sidan and Pendine Sands - two of Wales’ longest beaches.

Today, adrenaline-seekers can get their thrills kite-buggying, land-yachting, and Blo-karting. Families looking for a more relaxing time will love Pembrey Country Park. The park backs onto Cefn Sidan and offers plenty of activities for the little ones, including bike hire, adventure trails and toboggan rides. You can also grab an ice cream and hire a bike at the striking and contemporary Millennium Coastal Park Discovery Centre in Llanelli.

And don’t miss Laugharne, the coastal town that charmed Dylan Thomas. Visit the Dylan Thomas Boathouse, where he lived and loved, and stop in Browns, his favourite pub and watering hole.

Pembrokeshire is home to 58 beaches, 14 harbours, and the world’s second-best long distance path according to National Geographic. The Wales Coast Path here follows the stunning National Trail, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path; along these 186 miles you’ll encounter the UK’s smallest city, St Davids - home to the splendid St Davids Cathedral and the brooding St Davids Bishop’s Palace. There are also several Pembrokeshire coast path circular routes to explore.

Of the many beaches, Freshwater West and Marloes Sands caught the eye of multiple film-makers, and have featured in dramatic scenes in Harry Potter, Robin Hood, and Snow White and the Huntsman. If you’re hungry, Coast in Saundersfoot offers a blissful sea-inspired menu located right on the shoreline. We've also got some great recommendations for places to eat in Fishguard and Goodwick.

Pembrokeshire is a fantastic place to fling yourself off the coast path and into the water, and we do mean this literally: the addictive adrenaline fuelled sport coasteering was pioneered here, and the Blue Lagoon, Abereiddi has hosted Red Bull’s Cliff Diving World Series multiple times.

At sunset, pick any west-facing beach on the Ceredigion stretch of the Wales Coast Path and settle in for a spectacular sight as the sea lights up with the day’s last rays. Spot dolphins and seals from Mwnt’s spiritual and secluded beach, or head on a dedicated boat trip with A Bay to Remember from Cardigan.

Further north on the west coast path is Aberaeron: a pretty town with rainbow and pastel-hued seafront houses. For culture close to the sea, Cardigan’s intimate Theatr Mwldan is well worth a visit - or head to lively Aberystwyth for the striking Aberystwyth Arts Centre.

Aberystwyth Cliff Railway takes you up a funicular to the summit of Constitution Hill for beautiful coastal views.

Enjoy old-school seaside charm at Aberdyfi and Barmouth; just outside the latter, you will find trendy eatery Norbar ('North of Barmouth') - a sleekly designed bar and restaurant that’s ideal for a pitstop. Between Fairbourne and Barmouth is a particularly beautiful stretch of the path, with views of the Mawddach Estuary plus Cader Idris and the Eryri National Park looming inland.

A trio of commanding coastal castles at Harlech, Criccieth, and Caernarfon will wow you, while magical Portmeirion delights with its whimsical architecture and riotous floral displays.

The Llŷn Peninsula is one of Wales’ least explored but most rewarding areas, where the coast path has a wild, romantic feel. Climb to the headland from Aberdaron and feel like you’re at the edge of Britain - completely at one with nature.

Most of Anglesey’s coastal zone is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Enjoy sea, mountain, and forest views as you walk to Llanddwyn Island along the beach. Once there, breathe in the tranquillity of this spiritual site, which is the home and resting place of St Dwynwen: Wales’ patron saint of lovers. At the isle’s western edge is Holyhead, and perched right out to sea is South Stack Lighthouse – a dream location for every photographer.

Back towards the mainland don’t miss Beaumaris Castle, considered the most technically perfect castle in Britain. Fancy seeing Anglesey from another angle? Then hop on board an exhilarating RIB ride, zooming under the impressive bridges that span the Menai Strait. On the trip out to Puffin Island you’ll see the adorable seabirds, as well as seals, cormorants, and old shipwrecks.

Historic Conwy Castle and its walls form part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site with impeccably preserved buildings and a truly magnificent castle - all just a stone’s throw from the coast.

Synonymous with Lewis Carroll and Alice’s many adventures, Llandudno is a classic seaside town with the glorious Great Orme at its tip. Steep summit trails take in incredible coastal views and there’s even a tram or cable car available for tired legs. Stroll out on Wales’ longest pier at Llandudno – measuring 2,295 feet – and get a culture fix at stylish waterfront arts complex Venue Cymru.

Spot wildlife at Colwyn Bay and enjoy Prestatyn beaches before rounding off the coast path with – of course – another castle! Flint's 13th century castle was the first Welsh castle to be built during King Edward I’s invasion. Also, be sure to stop off at the imposing Talacre lighthouse, on the coastal path route between Prestatyn and Flint.

To help plan your trip, we recommend you read our handy Wales Coast Path guide. Download the Wales Coast Path app - there's plenty of information on there that you won’t find on maps. On the official Wales Coast Path website you'll find some brilliant itineraries - including mindfulness walks, family walks, culture and heritage and multi-day trips.

Download the Wales Coast Explorer app - it helps you identify wildlife, flora, explore heritage sites along the way, and record your findings.

While lots of sections are small child and pushchair friendly, try out the interactive Family walks with a difference for more ideas. There are also details of easy access sections for wheelchair users and people with limited mobility.

• Before you head out, please read our safety advice for exploring Wales' National Parks and safety tips for staying safe on the Welsh coast.
• Adventure Smart Wales has plenty of advice on how to ‘make a good day better’, and we recommend you read it before planning your days out.
• Traveline Cymru is a useful public transport journey planner.
• There are a number of apps and online maps where you can find the location of electric vehicle charging points across Wales. Several National Trust properties across Wales have EV charging points.
• Help Wales become the first Refill Nation by using nearby Refill Points to fill up your water bottle before you head off. Find out more, including how to download the free Refill app to find your nearest Refill Point on the Refill Wales website.

And for more inspiration, read 10 great reasons to walk the Wales Coast Path, ideas for luxury accommodation, places to visit and best sections for cycling.