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.

Author Top Tip

“Throughout this guidebook, public transport is mentioned at hundreds of points along the route. If walkers finish in a place with little or no convenient accommodation, a 10min bus ride could lead to a place with an abundant choice of lodgings – but always remember to check that it is possible to return to the route the following day. Services on Sunday tend to be reduced or absent.” 

- Paddy Dillon, author of Walking the Wales Coast Path

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

Seasons

In summer you'll get the best weather, and all services will be open. The route is feasible in spring and autumn but expect cooler and wetter weather, and some places will be closed. Not recommended in winter.

Centres

Chester, Llandudno, Bangor, Holyhead, Caernarfon, Pwllheli, Barmouth, Machynlleth, Aberystwyth, Cardigan, Fishguard, St David's, Pembroke, Tenby, Carmarthen, Swansea, Cardiff, Newport, Chepstow

Difficulty

Walkers need to be careful to cover comfortable distances, and not over-extend themselves. There are occasional rugged sections, sometimes featuring short steep ascents and descents, and some remote stretches with few facilities. It is necessary to be aware of the weather forecast, tides and the availability of accommodation and public transport.

Must See

The historic 'Iron Ring' castles; holiday resort towns including Llandudno, Barmouth and Tenby; wild cliffs, rocky coves, sandy beaches; parts of the Eryri (Snowdonia) and Pembrokeshire National Parks; numerous AONBs, Heritage Coasts and nature reserves; museums and visitor centres

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