IT SEEMS ONLY THE BLINK OF AN EYE since the Wales Coast Path was officially launched back in 2012, yet the Wales Coast Path will be ten years old on Thursday, 5th May 2022. It’s quite a landmark.

Over the past decade, the path has become one of Wales’ flagship attractions, with a growing number of fans around the world. Walkers have come from almost every country around the globe. And no wonder: the 870 mile/1440 km path is the only continuous signposted path in the world that traces the entire coast of a country. And when joined to the Offa’s Dyke Path, it’s possible to circumnavigate the whole of Wales on foot — an amazing  circuit of some 1,047 miles / 1,685 km.

Wales’ unique and varied landscape

The Wales Coast Path attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors to the Welsh coast each year to explore the unique and varied landscape, its rich wildlife, and the history and culture of Wales. There’s always plenty to see and do — much of it unique to Wales. Did you know, for example, that:

  • There are 16 ancient castles built either on or close to the Welsh coastline;
  • There are 3,000 historic shipwrecks within 2 kilometres of the Welsh coast;
  • There are 30 RNLI lifeboat stations around Wales; Welsh RNLI volunteer lifeboat crews assist more than 3,000 people each year;
  • At least 2,000 pairs of Sandwich terns (agile, gull-like seabirds) can be seen during summer months at Cemlyn Bay on the Isle of Anglesey; the only nesting colony in Wales;
  • 45% of Wales Coast Path visitors cited the ability to relax and unwind while on the path as a key motivation for walking;
  • 88% of Wales Coast Path visitors agreed that using the path had contributed to their appreciation of Wales and its ancient culture;
  • 96% of Wales Coast Path visitors said they really enjoyed using the path;

Tenth anniversary — events programme

The anniversary will be marked by a programme of key celebratory events, starting on 1 March, St David’s Day, Wales’ National day. Events will include:

  • Walking festivals, cultural activities and environmental events along the Welsh coastline throughout the year;
  • A new Welsh language guidebook for the Llŷn Peninsula;
  • 20 new walking itineraries on a heritage theme;
  • New resources and opportunities for more young people to walk the path;
  • Wales – the refill nation, celebrating that there are over 600 refill sites along the coast path, where you can refill your water bottle;
  • A Wales Coast Path art installation, a response to climate change.

So, all in all, ten years of the Wales Coast Path has brought huge benefits to Wales and its many visitors. Everything from amazing walks, increased physical and mental health and wonderful holidays to increased visitor satisfaction and visitor footfall — plus incalculable contributions to the Welsh economy.

If you’ve yet to enjoy the Wales Coast Path, then there’s no time like the present.

Book your visit today.

Long live the Wales Coast Path!