Full Description
Discover the Wales Coast Path, Llwybr Arfordir Cymru, Britain's longest continuous coastal trail. Stretching approximately 1400km (870 miles) from Chester in the north to Chepstow in the south, this remarkable long-distance route traces the entire Welsh coastline, linking dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, rugged headlands, historic ports and seaside towns. Suitable for through-walkers and section hikers alike, the route is waymarked and can be enjoyed in shorter segments or as an extended adventure that most walkers complete in 2-3 months.
This comprehensive Cicerone guidebook delivers detailed route descriptions for all 57 stages (16 - 30km each), presented across 9 logical sections from North Wales to South Wales, so through-hikers have all they need to take on the full route, whilst section hikers can enjoy the trail in shorter segments.
Route descriptions are supplemented with 1:100,000 mapping to help you keep on track at every stage
A comprehensive facilities table and stage-by-stage planner detail public transport, accommodation (campsites to hotels), refreshments (cafés, pubs, shops) and key amenities, helping you book ahead during the busier summer months
Detailed public transport information is provided for every stage, covering trains, buses and ferries at major centres like Bangor, Aberystwyth, St David's and Swansea, ideal for linking sections or basing day hikes from hubs like Tenby or Caernarfon
Plan your trip with ease with practical advice on when to walk, what to pack, and coastal considerations, such as tide times
Downloadable GPX files provide a reliable digital navigation option, complementing the clear printed maps and descriptions for use on smartphones or GPS devices
Passing through diverse landscapes, including the Eryri (Snowdonia) and Pembrokeshire Coast National Parks and multiple National Landscapes (Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty), the Wales Coast Path is both a walking challenge and an exploration of Wales's rich coastal heritage, wildlife and tidal landscapes. With this Cicerone guidebook as your companion, you'll have the detailed guidance, maps, planning tools and navigation support to explore the Welsh coast with confidence and make the most of every day on Britain's longest coastal route.
Contents
Overview map Route map key Route summary table INTRODUCTION Geology Brief history of Wales Scenery Wildlife Trees and flowers Nature reserves Transport to and from the route Transport along the route When to walk Accommodation Food and drink Money matters Communications Planning your schedule Time and tide wait for no man! What to pack Waymarking and access Maps of the route Emergencies Using this guide 1 NORTH WALES Stage 1 Chester to Flint Stage 2 Flint to Prestatyn Stage 3 Prestatyn to Colwyn Bay Stage 4 Colwyn Bay to Conwy Stage 5a Conwy to Bangor (coastal) Stage 5b Conwy to Bangor (inland) 2 ISLE OF ANGLESEY Stage 6 Bangor to Glan-yr-afon Stage 7 Glan-yr-afon to City Dulas Stage 8 City Dulas to Cemaes Stage 9 Cemaes to Llanfachraeth Stage 10 Llanfachraeth to South Stack Stage 11 South Stack to Fourmilebridge Stage 12 Fourmilebridge to Aberffraw Stage 13 Aberffraw to Dwyran Stage 14 Dwyran to Menai Bridge 3 LLŶN PENINSULA Stage 15 Menai Bridge to Dinas Dinlle Stage 16 Dinas Dinlle to Nefyn Stage 17 Nefyn to Methlem Stage 18 Methlem to Rhiw Stage 19 Rhiw to Abersoch Stage 20 Abersoch to Llanystumdwy Stage 21 Llanystumdwy to Penrhyndeudraeth 4 MEIRIONNYDD Stage 22 Penrhyndeudraeth to Llandanwg Stage 23 Llandanwg to Barmouth Stage 24 Barmouth to Tywyn Stage 25 Tywyn to Machynlleth 5 CEREDIGION Stage 26 Machynlleth to Borth Stage 27 Borth to Llanrhystud Stage 28 Llanrhystud to New Quay Stage 29 New Quay to Aberporth Stage 30 Aberporth to St Dogmaels 6 PEMBROKESHIRE Stage 31 St Dogmaels to Newport Stage 32 Newport to Goodwick Stage 33 Goodwick to Abercastle Stage 34 Abercastle to St Justinian Stage 35 St Justinian to Newgale Stage 36 Newgale to Martin's Haven Stage 37 Martin's Haven to Sandy Haven Stage 38 Sandy Haven to Pembroke Stage 39 Pembroke to Freshwater West Stage 40 Freshwater West to Freshwater East Stage 41 Freshwater East to Saundersfoot 7 CARMARTHENSHIRE Stage 42 Saundersfoot to Laugharne Stage 43 Laugharne to Llansteffan Stage 44 Llansteffan to Ferryside Stage 45 Ferryside to Burry Port 8 THE GOWER Stage 46 Burry Port to Pen-clawdd Stage 47 Pen-clawdd to Rhossili Stage 48 Rhossili to Penmaen Stage 49 Penmaen to Swansea 9 SOUTH WALES Stage 50a Swansea to Margam (coastal) Stage 50b Swansea to Margam (inland) Stage 51 Margam to Ogmore Stage 52 Ogmore to Limpert Bay Stage 53 Limpert Bay to Cadoxton Stage 54 Cadoxton to Pengam Green Stage 55 Pengam Green to Newport Stage 56 Newport to Rogiet Stage 57 Rogiet to Chepstow APPENDICES Appendix A Facilities table Appendix B Topographical glossary Appendix C Useful contacts
