Probably the most varied stretch of the Wales Coast Path. From Porthmadog, the Path passes Portmeirion’s fantasy village and skirts the edge of the Snowdonia National Park to run along a vast sandy beach to Harlech Castle high on its crag.

Continuing down Cardigan Bay, the Path meets several broad estuaries: the Dwyryd, Mawddach and Dyfi – rich with waders and wildlife. There are huge dune systems, too, including Morfa Harlech and Morfa Dyffryn.

From Aberdyfi, the Path detours inland to Machynlleth before returning to the coast at Borth, with an optional detour to Ynyslas on the Ceredigion Coast Path.

Beyond Borth, the Wales Coast Path takes on a new character: dipping in and out of wooded ravines, crossing high cliff-tops and dropping in on pretty coastal settlements.

With no two days the same, this promises to be a refreshing and fascinating walk.

Best bits of the Snowdonia and Ceredigion Coast

Porthmadog town and harbour, Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland railways, Portmeirion Italianate village, Harlech Castle, St Tanwg’s ‘church in the dunes’, Shell Island, Morfa Dyffryn Nature Reserve, Mawddach Estuary, Barmouth harbour and bridge, Fairbourne Railway, Talyllyn Railway, Aberdyfi panorama walk, Machynlleth clocktower and Owain Glyndwr Museum, Ynys Hir RSPB reserve, Cors Fochno nature reserve, Borth submerged forest, Aberystwyth funicular railway, lime kilns, long sandy beaches, marine wildlife centre, Mwnt church, Cardigan town