Heritage walks on the Wales Coast Path

The Wales Coast Path passes the front door of Penmon Priory and the pilgrimage well of St Seiriol. It’s a magical spot; the atmosphere steeped in centuries of devotion, the views of Eryri's (Snowdonia's) mountains flawless. The problem is leaving behind the UNESCO-listed postcard-perfect castle at Beaumaris. 

You tread in the footsteps of poets and pilgrims on the Aberdaron to Mynydd Mawr circuit. Welsh poet RS Thomas and centuries of pilgrims knew St Hewyn’s Church in Aberdaron. The latter continued on this beautiful cliff walk towards Ynys Enlli (Bardsey Island), the island of 20,000 saints just off the tip of the Llŷn Peninsula. 

So impressive is Castell Harlech they wrote a song about it, ‘Men of Harlech’, and UNESCO put it on the World Heritage list. The Branwen walk puts it at the centre of views fit for a shortbread tin: that mighty medieval fortress, one of the best beaches on the Cardigan Bay coast and the peaks of Eryri behind.

World heritage-listed Castell Conwy and Rhos’ tiny 6th century St Trillo’s Chapel bookend this walk. In between is Wales’ finest traditional resort, Llandudno; Bill Bryson named it his favourite because of the Victorian pier. For the complete heritage day descend from Great Orme headland by tram – Victorian, naturally. 

The Porthgain to Abereddi walk is so scenic is this coast most walkers overlook its industrial heritage. Yet the listed brick hoppers at Porthgain tell of when the harbour flourished exporting stone for road-building in the early 1900s – Porthgain means ‘Chisel Port’ – and Abereiddy’s famous Blue Lagoon is a former slate quarry. The return inland is along the old tramway between the two.

A mini-pilgrimage to honour our patron saint. The St Davids Loop starts at St Non’s medieval chapel, said to be St David’s birthplace, and arc round to Porth Clais, a harbour since Roman times where the saint was said to be baptised. The best is saved till last – a return via the 12 century cathedral of Britain’s smallest city. 

This walk takes you from Stackpole Quay to St Govan's Chapel. No one knows exactly when St Govan’s Chapel was built. At least 1,000 years ago. Maybe 1400. Nor is anyone sure about its steps; legend says their number changes when you walk up and down. Does this tiny chapel in the cliffs end a superb stroll? Definitely. 

Seven miles that pack in thousands of years. Explore a Norman castle and contemporary church in Manorbier – 'the pleasantest spot in Wales' said 12th century chronicler Gerard Cambrensis, today reached by train from Tenby. Then put the sea on your right to discover a Neolithic chamber, King’s Quoit, and sea views before Burrows beach and the walled town of Tenby.

Only in Dylan Thomas’ Laugharne can you track a 'heron priested shore'. Follow the Dylan Thomas Birthday walk around the estuary, and visit the Boathouse where Wales’ most famous poet wrote, and the ruins of medieval Laugharne Castle. Hopefully you’ll avoid 'the pale rain over the dwindling harbour'. If not do as Dylan would: go for a pint in Brown’s Hotel.

Sir Rice Mansel was onto Gower long before it was declared Britain’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. He built his 16th century manor to take advantage of the finest view in Oxwich. Explore a family pile with the latest Elizabethan mod cons (inside toilets) then discover one of the most outstanding coastlines in Wales.

• To help plan your trip take a look at 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.
• Download the Wales Coast Explorer app - it helps you identify wildlife, flora, explore heritage sites along the way, and record your findings.
• Check out the HistoryPoints website. Using your smart phone, you can scan one of the hundreds of QR coded HiPoint locations and discover more about the history of that particular place. 
• The Rail to Trail website is a great resource for planning walks from railway stations.
• 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 UK 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.