My spinal cord injury seven years ago completely changed my life. These days I need crutches, orthotics, a wheelchair or a trike to get around. But I'm certainly not giving up on my dreams. One of them was to navigate all 871 miles of the Wales Coast Path.
With friends walking sections that aren’t accessible, I'm doing it bit by bit raising money for the Welsh Spinal Injuries Unit as I go.
Here are some of my favourite sections so far.
Abergele, Conwy
This is a lovely long path on the North Wales coast. I have chosen it as it's fully accessible, with plenty of cafés, pubs and disabled loos.
Llanfairfechan to Glan y Môr Elias circular route
Starting from Llanfairfechan promenade, this 4 mile route passes alongside the beach, saltmarshes and through nature reserves. With plenty of bird life it's a great outing for nature lovers, and provides the opportunity to admire the views out to Puffin Island.
I loved the wooden benches at Glan y Môr Elias nature reserve, carved with the names and pictures of the birds you can spot.
Read more of Amanda's experience of exploring the North Wales coast on the Wales Coast Path website.
St Govan's Head, Pembrokeshire
Although one of my shortest sections, St Govan's Head is definitely my favourite so far. The scenery is spectacular and it allowed me to really experience the full wild and rugged nature of the Welsh coastline. I was pleasantly surprised by the provision of disabled parking in this relatively remote area, but to the best of my knowledge there were no loos and certainly no cafés.
Swansea Bay
A very popular section which is totally accessible and with great cafés, restaurants and facilities at either end. Seeing the Mumbles lighthouse in the distance at the far end from Swansea Marina is a bit daunting, but there's always a feeling of a great achievement when you get there and enjoy a fully deserved ice cream!
Porthcawl, Bridgend
The promenade at Porthcawl is an old favourite with plenty of benches, on road parking and facilities along the front. And it is now possible to follow the path all the way around to Rest Bay and extend on past the golf course on the step-free boardwalk out towards Kenfig dunes.
