Sign of the times?: The Wales Coast Path’s distinctive logo  is a white dragon-tailed seashell on a blue background

What is the Wales Coast Path?

The idea of creating a coastal path around the whole seaboard of Wales sprang from the huge popularity and economic successes of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail, the Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path, and the Ceredigion Coast Path.

The Wales Coast Path (or Llwybr Arfordir Cymru) was developed over six years by the Welsh government, the then Countryside Council for Wales (now renamed Natural Resources Wales), sixteen local authorities and two National Parks.

At the opening ceremony in Cardiff in 2012, the Environment Minister rightly claimed the Wales Coast Path was “a huge asset for Wales”.

Walking in Wales

The whole Welsh coastal path is accessible to walkers, with sections suitable for cyclists, families, pushchairs, people with restricted mobility and horse riders, too.

As well as bringing new visitors to Wales and boosting coastal economies, the Wales Coast Path means Welsh locals can enjoy the health benefits of walking and outdoor recreation.

Discover the shape and soul of a nation

Lonely Planet’s Best Travel guide says of the path:

“What a wonderful thing: to walk the entire length of a country’s coastline, to trace its every nook, cranny, cliff-face, indent and estuary.

How better to truly appreciate the shape – and soul – of a nation?”

In addition to the linear route, there’s a wealth of circular walks along all stretches of the path. Many of them visit places of interest just inland, such as the Aber Falls on the North Wales Coast, Harlech Castle in Gwynedd, or St Davids Cathedral in Pembrokeshire.

The very best of these short circular coastal walks are collected in the inexpensive, beautifully produced and illustrated, pocket-size Top 10 Walks series for the Wales Coast Path. Discover short circular walks along every section of the Wales Coast Path. Titles include: North Wales Coast, Llyn Peninsula, Isle of Anglesey, Snowdonia and Ceredigion Coast, Pembrokeshire, Carmarthen Bay and Gower, and South Wales Coast. There’s also a fascinating Walks to Lighthouses and several books of pub walks and tea shop walks.

For details, browse the Shop on this website.