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The Wales Coast Path (Llwybr Arfordir Cymru in Welsh) is a National Trail which follows the entire coastline of Wales, the first country in the world to have such a trail. It officially opened in May 2012, and offers a 870 mi (1,400 km) walking route from Chepstow in the south to Queensferry (near Chester) in the north. In 2011 the path was voted by National Geographic magazine as the second-best coastal destination in the world.

Understand

This trail offers a deep dive into Welsh maritime history and natural beauty, passing through eleven nature reserves, two National Parks (Snowdonia National Park and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park), and five Areas of Outstanding National Beauty. As well as providing impressive coastal landscapes, there are also a number of historic castles and bridges to see and explore along the way. The Welsh coast has over 30 beaches designated Blue Flag quality.

The trail was formed by joining together facilities and resources from sixteen local government authorities, two national parks and the Wales Natural Resources department. Some areas already had established paths, such as the Pembrokeshire Path, the Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path and the Llŷn Coastal Path. New sections of trail joined these together to complete the entire route.

The path takes you along some stunning cliffs and long sandy and stony beaches as well as some wide river estuaries. The rocky coastline and large river estuaries provide excellent birdwatching opportunities, with good chances of seeing cormorants, puffins and many waders. If you are lucky you may also see bottlenose dolphins, otters and grey seals. While most of the trail is really suitable only for walkers, some specific paved sections are adapted for cyclists, families with pushchairs, and those with restricted mobility.

Prepare

While digital navigation is the modern standard, you might prefer the reliability of paper Ordnance Survey maps for this route. Hiking footwear is recommended, alongside waterproof sandals or equivalent gear for sand and rock pools. Waterproof clothing is mandatory even on sunny days, as the Welsh climate is famously wet and unpredictable.

While much of the path involves stiles and steep gradients, some sections (like those sharing National Cycle Route 5) are suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. When planning places to stay, check with the hotels if they are prepared to transfer your luggage; there are also a number of companies that provide luggage transfer services so you do not need to carry everything in a heavy backpack.

Get in

The north trailhead is on the Chester Canal just over the English border. The southern end is at Chepstow on the banks of the River Wye.

Walk

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Map of Wales Coast Path

Start at Welsh border to Prestatyn

 29 mi

The journey begins at the 53.183195-2.9204336 Wales/England borderCategory:Has map markers, where a stone monolith marks the official start of the 870-mile Wales Coast Path. From here, the trail follows the embankments of the River Dee along a flat, paved shared-use path. You will soon enter 53.210363-3.0170151 QueensferryCategory:Has map markers and pass under the 53.210363-3.0170151 Blue BridgeCategory:Has map markers, a 1927 bascule bridge that serves as a local landmark. The path continues through the industrial landscape of 53.209-3.0422 ShottonCategory:Has map markers , following the "New Cut" of the river.

As you head west, the industry gives way to the vast salt marshes of the Dee Estuary. The path leads directly to 53.244-3.1323 FlintCategory:Has map markers, where you can explore the ruins of 53.251799-3.1299572 Flint castleCategory:Has map markers. Built by Edward I starting in 1277, it features a unique detached keep and was the site where Richard II was famously betrayed in 1399.

Beyond Flint, the route passes the coastal villages of 53.268-3.1684 BagilltCategory:Has map markers and 53.289-3.215 GreenfieldCategory:Has map markers , the latter of which provides access to the historic Basingwerk Abbey nearby. Continuing toward 53.314-3.2696 MostynCategory:Has map markers , you will spot the TSS Duke of Lancaster, a former passenger ferry known locally as the "Fun Ship," permanently docked at Llanerch-y-Mor.

The landscape becomes increasingly wild as you reach 53.329667-3.2957877 FfynnongroywCategory:Has map markers and the 53.294413-3.1804073 Dee Estuary - Point of Ayr RSPB nature reserveCategory:Has map markers . This is a critical habitat for overwintering birds like godwits and knots. Rounding the northernmost point of mainland Wales, you'll find the 53.3569-3.322224 Point of Ayr lighthouseCategory:Has map markers rising from the sands of 53.3512-3.319118 TalacreCategory:Has map markers . The final stretch follows the coast through the Gronant Dunes, the only place in Wales where little terns still breed, before arriving at the finish of this section in the seaside town of 53.331-3.4059 PrestatynCategory:Has map markers.

North Wales Path

 60 mi

This stretch guides hikers away from the Dee Estuary and along the popular resort coastline of North Wales. The journey begins at 53.3463-3.41571 Prestatyn beachCategory:Has map markers, a Blue Flag destination. Nearby, hikers will find the 53.342558-3.4125017 Start of Offa's Dyke PathCategory:Has map markers, marked by a sculpture indicating the northern terminus of the 177-mile National Trail that spans the length of the Welsh border.

Leaving Prestatyn, the path follows the sea wall toward 53.321231-3.48018910 RhylCategory:Has map markers, a town characterized by its long sandy beaches and seaside amusements. Crossing the border from Denbighshire into Conwy, the trail reaches Pensarn and the vast stretch of 53.2974-3.58522 Abergele Pensarn BeachCategory:Has map markers, another Blue Flag site noted for its expansive views of the Irish Sea.

The route continues through the modern waterfront of 53.29-3.711 Colwyn BayCategory:Has map markers. Here, you can see the restored 53.2973-3.7235 Victoria PierCategory:Has map markers , which originally opened in 1900. Rounding the corner past 53.304313-3.7372543 Rhos on Sea beachCategory:Has map markers at 53.3128-3.74912 Rhos-on-SeaCategory:Has map markers , the path climbs toward the elegant Victorian resort of 53.3225-3.82513 LlandudnoCategory:Has map markers. The town is famous for the 53.3293-3.828036 Llandudno PierCategory:Has map markers —the longest in Wales—and the limestone headland of the Great Orme. Perched on the cliffs is the 53.3423-3.86891 Great Orme LighthouseCategory:Has map markers , a fortress-style building from 1862 that has been converted into a unique hotel.

The path then turns south toward 53.3-3.8333314 DeganwyCategory:Has map markers and 53.284-3.80915 Llandudno JunctionCategory:Has map markers to cross the River Conwy. This crossing is home to the famous 53.280701-3.8235037 Conwy bridgesCategory:Has map markers, including Thomas Telford’s suspension bridge and Robert Stephenson’s tubular railway bridge. On the western bank sits 53.28-3.8316 ConwyCategory:Has map markers, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The skyline is dominated by 53.280149-3.8256298 Conwy castleCategory:Has map markers , where visitors can walk the ramparts for views of the town and river. Within the medieval walls, the Elizabethan townhouse Plas Mawr is a highlight. For those staying overnight, the 53.278615-3.8388512 YHA ConwyCategory:Has map markers is located on the hill overlooking the town.

The final leg of this section passes through the coastal villages of Penmaenmawr and 53.253-3.97317 LlanfairfechanCategory:Has map markers, where the mountains of Snowdonia (Eryri) begin to drop steeply into the sea. Crossing into Gwynedd, the trail concludes at 53.228-4.12818 BangorCategory:Has map markers, home to the elegant, Grade II* listed 53.2374-4.122929 Garth PierCategory:Has map markers , which stretches 460 meters into the Menai Strait.

Anglesey Coastal Path

 124 mi

The path around the Isle of Anglesey (Ynys Môn) is a spectacular journey through a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Starting from the suspension bridge at 53.232443-4.17287919 Menai BridgeCategory:Has map markers, the trail heads east through the quiet village of Llandegfan toward the elegant town of 53.263-4.09420 BeaumarisCategory:Has map markers. This town is a hub for hikers, featuring the 53.261358-4.09008610 Beaumaris PierCategory:Has map markers and the 17th-century Courthouse. The crowning jewel here is 53.264908-4.0895711 Beaumaris CastleCategory:Has map markers , a masterpiece of symmetry and the last of Edward I's coastal strongholds.

Continuing to the eastern tip of the island at Penmon, you will encounter the 53.3129-4.0406812 Trwyn Du LighthouseCategory:Has map markers , which guides ships through the Puffin Island passage. The path then turns west along the northern coast, passing the vast sands of 53.304247-4.1476924 Llanddona beachCategory:Has map markers and the expansive 53.2965-4.2071113MISSING WIKILINK Red Wharf BayCategory:Has map markersCategory:Marker with Wikivoyage article but no wikilink. After passing through the popular resort of 53.320278-4.22583321 BenllechCategory:Has map markers and the picturesque fishing village of 53.353889-4.23472222 MoelfreCategory:Has map markers, the terrain becomes more rugged.

On the northern heights, you'll find the distinctive 53.4161-4.2891714 Point Lynas LighthouseCategory:Has map markers , followed by the industrial heritage of 53.410154-4.34566223 AmlwchCategory:Has map markers, where the 53.4154-4.33315 Amlwch lighthouseCategory:Has map markers stands watch over the historic copper-exporting harbor.

After enjoying the Blue Flag waters at 53.374-4.55745 Church BayCategory:Has map markers beach, the path crosses the Stanley Embankment into Holy Island. The bustling port of 53.309-4.63224 HolyheadCategory:Has map markers features the historic 53.31422-4.6199116 Holyhead Mail Pier LightCategory:Has map markers . The highlights of Holy Island are found on the western cliffs: the stunning 53.306667-4.69944417 South Stack LighthouseCategory:Has map markers , accessible via a zigzagging staircase, and the 53.303604-4.69259218 South Stack Cliffs RSPB reserveCategory:Has map markers , where puffins and choughs nest. Nearby, the 53.3054-4.683819 Holyhead Mountain Hut CirclesCategory:Has map markers (Ty Mawr) offer a glimpse into Iron Age life.

After a stop for refreshments at the 53.30516-4.6908791 South Stack CafeCategory:Has map markers, the trail passes the sandy cove of 53.2865-4.65226 Porth DafarchCategory:Has map markers beach—home to the 53.293593-4.6443023 Anglesey Outdoor CentreCategory:Has map markers—and enters 53.283-4.61725 TrearddurCategory:Has map markers. Heading south, you cross Four Mile Bridge and pass the 53.262-4.52520 Valley Wetlands RSPB reserveCategory:Has map markers toward the surfing hub of 53.227778-4.51888926 RhosneigrCategory:Has map markers.

The southern coast offers ancient history at the 53.207-4.5035221 Barclodiad y GawresCategory:Has map markers neolithic burial chamber. Passing through 53.195447-4.46351927 AberffrawCategory:Has map markers, the route reaches the ethereal Ynys Llanddwyn. Here, the 53.135165-4.41557422 Llanddwyn Island LighthouseCategory:Has map markers stands near the ruins of St Dwynwen's church, adjacent to the massive dunes of 53.1406-4.38847 Llanddwyn BeachCategory:Has map markers near 53.164789-4.35928 NewboroughCategory:Has map markers.

The circuit concludes by passing Llanidan and the massive 53.21625-4.18583323 Britannia BridgeCategory:Has map markers , finishing in the village with the world-famous long name, 53.223333-4.19944429 LlanfairpwllgwyngyllCategory:Has map markers.

Bangor to Caernarfon

 11 mi

This 11-mile stretch follows the scenic banks of the Menai Strait, providing constant views across the water to the Isle of Anglesey. Starting in 53.228-4.12830 BangorCategory:Has map markers, the path leads toward the architectural marvel of the 53.220139-4.16312524 Menai Suspension BridgeCategory:Has map markers . Designed by Thomas Telford and completed in 1826, this was the world's first modern suspension bridge and remains the primary pedestrian link for those wishing to cross onto the island.

The trail proceeds southwest, often following the line of the old railway and quiet coastal lanes. You will pass through the picturesque village of 53.183-4.2131 Y FelinheliCategory:Has map markers (formerly known as Port Dinorwic), once a busy port for exporting slate from the Dinorwic Quarry. The final leg of this section offers a grand approach to the historic town of 53.14-4.2732 CaernarfonCategory:Has map markers, where the path terminates in the shadow of the massive stone walls of the castle.

Caernarfon to Porthmadog

 91 mi

This 91-mile journey covers the Llŷn Coastal Path, a rugged and remote section that skirts the edges of the Llŷn Peninsula. The section begins in Caernarfon, where the path passes beneath the towering walls of 53.139306-4.27688925 Caernarfon CastleCategory:Has map markers , an immense medieval fortress that overlooks the harbor and the Menai Strait.

Heading south, the trail follows the coastline to the popular seaside village of 53.086033-4.33625333 Dinas DinlleCategory:Has map markers, known for its steep pebble ridge and the sandy expanse of 53.084578-4.3366638 Dinas Dinlle beachCategory:Has map markers. The route then enters a more secluded landscape, passing through the historic pilgrimage village of Clynnog Fawr, the granite-quarrying village of Trefor, and the sheltered bays of Morfa Nefyn.

Rounding the tip of the peninsula, the trail reaches Llangwnnadl and the remote village of Aberdaron, historically the last stop for pilgrims traveling to Bardsey Island. From here, the path climbs the slopes of 52.821-4.47434 RhiwCategory:Has map markers and passes the small hamlet of Pentowyn before descending into the upscale sailing resort of 52.8239-4.506635 AbersochCategory:Has map markers. Here, the sheltered 52.8207-4.49949 Abersoch BeachCategory:Has map markers is famous for its colorful beach huts.

Continuing eastward, you pass through the wooded headlands of Llanbedrog to reach 52.883333-4.41666736 PwllheliCategory:Has map markers, the peninsula's main market town. Its south-facing beach, 52.87943-4.4248510 Marian y DeCategory:Has map markers beach, offers miles of sand. The trail then winds through Llanystywmdwy, the childhood home of David Lloyd George, toward the Victorian resort of 52.916969-4.23626137 CricciethCategory:Has map markers. Perched on a rocky promontory between two beaches is 52.916111-4.232526 Criccieth CastleCategory:Has map markers , a native Welsh fortress later expanded by the English. The final leg leads across the reclaimed marshland of the Glaslyn Estuary to finish in the busy harbor town of 52.928056-4.13333338 PorthmadogCategory:Has map markers.

Porthmadog to Machynlleth

 69 mi

This 69-mile stretch traverses the historic county of Meirionnydd, where the mountains of the Snowdonia National Park (Eryri) meet the sea. Leaving Porthmadog, the path skirts the estuary toward the famous Italianate village of 52.913056-4.09916739 PortmeirionCategory:Has map markers, designed by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis. The trail then heads south along the coastal flats to 52.860439-4.10548940 HarlechCategory:Has map markers, dominated by the UNESCO-listed 52.860004-4.10916427 Harlech CastleCategory:Has map markers . This medieval fortress sits atop a sheer rocky crag that, centuries ago, was lapped by the sea.

The path continues through a series of coastal villages including Llandanwg, Pensarn, Llanbedr, and Tal-y-bont before reaching the popular resort of 52.722-4.05541 BarmouthCategory:Has map markers. Here, the wide sands of 52.7228-4.061911 Barmouth beachCategory:Has map markers are a major draw. One of the highlights of the entire Wales Coast Path is crossing the Mawddach Estuary via the 52.7156-4.040528 Barmouth BridgeCategory:Has map markers —a magnificent 820-meter timber viaduct that carries both a rail line and a footway. For those with extra time, a detour inland leads to the scenic 52.7472-3.9361142 PenmaenpoolCategory:Has map markers and the market town of 52.743056-3.88555643 DolgellauCategory:Has map markers.

South of the estuary, the path reaches the village of 52.696889-4.05241144 FairbourneCategory:Has map markers, known for its miniature railway. The terrain becomes more elevated as you pass through Llwyngwril and Tonfannau before descending to 52.582939-4.08988945 TywynCategory:Has map markers, where the promenade overlooks the Blue Flag 52.582-4.102112 Tywyn beachCategory:Has map markers.

Rounding the coast to the mouth of the River Dyfi, you arrive at the picturesque sailing village of 52.544381-4.044446 AberdyfiCategory:Has map markers. Because there is no pedestrian bridge across the lower Dyfi, the trail turns inland, following the river through the village of Pennal and crossing the border into Powys. This section concludes in the historic "ancient capital" of 52.591-3.84947 MachynllethCategory:Has map markers.

Ceredigion Coast Path

 65 mi

This stretch follows the sweeping curve of Cardigan Bay, beginning just south of Machynlleth. Before crossing the border from Powys into Ceredigion, the trail passes near the 52.5688-3.9180329 Cors Dyfi nature reserveCategory:Has map markers , home to the famous Dyfi Osprey Project. Continuing west, you reach the 52.5467-3.9451630 Ynys-hir RSPB reserveCategory:Has map markers , a diverse landscape of oak woodland and saltmarsh that was famously a filming location for Springwatch.

The path winds through the villages of Tre'r-ddol and Furnace, where you can see the 52.538132-3.94030231 Dyfi FurnaceCategory:Has map markers , a beautifully restored 18th-century charcoal blast furnace. Reaching the coast, the trail opens up at 52.53-4.05532 YnyslasCategory:Has map markers , a stunning nature reserve of sand dunes and a submerged forest visible at low tide. This leads into the Blue Flag sands of 52.4908-4.054513 Borth BeachCategory:Has map markers and the village of 52.485331-4.05103148 BorthCategory:Has map markers.

After climbing the cliffs at Clarach, the path descends into the university town of 52.416667-4.06666749 AberystwythCategory:Has map markers. Here, you can ride the 52.423388-4.0832933 Aberystwyth Cliff RailwayCategory:Has map markers , the longest electric funicular in Britain, or stroll along the 52.4159-4.087834 Royal PierCategory:Has map markers . For inland adventures, this is the hub for visiting 52.376831-3.84976750 Devil's BridgeCategory:Has map markers and Ponterwyd.

Heading south, the trail passes through the coastal hamlets of Llanrhystud, Llanon, and 52.2485-4.2352851 AberarthCategory:Has map markers before reaching the Georgian harbor town of 52.24245-4.2593952 AberaeronCategory:Has map markers, famous for its colorful houses and honey ice cream. Further along is the seaside resort of 52.212864-4.35898953 New QuayCategory:Has map markers, where 52.2142-4.357514 New Quay Harbour BeachCategory:Has map markers provides a perfect spot for dolphin watching.

The final rugged section of the Ceredigion path features some of the county's most iconic coves, including the Blue Flag beaches at 52.1596-4.47051954 LlangrannogCategory:Has map markers, Penbryn, and 52.1356-4.5173515 Tresaith BeachCategory:Has map markers, which features a dramatic waterfall cascading directly onto the sand. After passing through the twin bays of 52.133333-4.5516 AberporthCategory:Has map markers, the trail rounds the headland at Mwnt and Gwbert, finishing in the historic town of 52.084169-4.65791955 CardiganCategory:Has map markers on the banks of the River Teifi.

Pembrokeshire Coast Path

 186 mi

The path crosses into Pembrokeshire at the Teifi estuary, leading directly to the historic 52.080458-4.68061835 St. Dogmaels AbbeyCategory:Has map markers , a 12th-century Tironensian foundation. From here, the trail reaches the expansive 52.107-4.69617 Poppit SandsCategory:Has map markers , a Blue Flag beach marking the official northern start of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail. Nearby, hikers can find accommodation at the 52.107164-4.7135284 YHA Poppit SandsCategory:Has map markers.

The terrain becomes increasingly rugged as you pass the dramatic folding rocks of 52.07874-4.761236MISSING WIKILINK Ceibwr BayCategory:Has map markersCategory:Marker with Wikivoyage article but no wikilink and the 52.018595-4.82820337 Carreg Coetan ArthurCategory:Has map markers burial chamber, a Neolithic tomb near 52.01975-4.83606956 NewportCategory:Has map markers. After rounding the headlands of Cwm-yr-Eglwys and Pwllgwaelod, the path reaches the ferry port of 51.9982-4.9804157 FishguardCategory:Has map markers and neighboring Goodwick. To the west lies the remote Pen Caer peninsula, home to the 52.02985-5.07379338 Strumble Head LighthouseCategory:Has map markers , one of the best spots in Wales for spotting porpoises and seals.

Continuing south through the former industrial harbors of 51.9579-5.1227458 AbercastleCategory:Has map markers, 51.948-5.18159 PorthgainCategory:Has map markers, and the "Blue Lagoon" at 51.9333-5.260 AbereiddyCategory:Has map markers, the trail reaches the surfer's paradise of 51.8944-5.2958318 Whitesands beachCategory:Has map markers . This is the gateway to 51.882222-5.26861161 St DavidsCategory:Has map markers, Britain's smallest city, centered around its magnificent cathedral. The path then winds past the colorful harbor of 51.8744-5.188962 SolvaCategory:Has map markers and the massive pebble bank of 51.8523-5.123419 Newgale beachCategory:Has map markers.

The central Pembrokeshire section features the Blue Flag sands of 51.7819-5.102620 Broad Haven BeachCategory:Has map markers and leads around the Marloes Peninsula, offering views of the puffin-rich island of Skomer. At the mouth of the Milford Haven waterway stands the 51.681-5.1736239 St. Ann's Head LighthouseCategory:Has map markers and the sheltered 51.7087-5.168621 Dale beachCategory:Has map markers. After navigating the industrial and maritime landscape of 51.714181-5.04273963 Milford HavenCategory:Has map markers and the hidden reaches of the Daugleddau estuary near Lawrenny, the trail visits the medieval 51.676039-4.915864 PembrokeCategory:Has map markers and its massive castle.

The final stretch is a succession of world-class beaches and limestone cliffs. From the surfing waters of Freshwater East and the dunes of Manorbier, the path passes the resort of 51.6516-4.7597822 Lydstep beachCategory:Has map markers before arriving at the iconic walled town of 51.671389-4.69944465 TenbyCategory:Has map markers. Tenby boasts three Blue Flag beaches: 51.6678-4.703423 South beachCategory:Has map markers, 51.6717-4.695224 Tenby Castle BeachCategory:Has map markers, and 51.6753-4.701625 North BeachCategory:Has map markers. The path concludes by passing through 51.711389-4.766 SaundersfootCategory:Has map markers—home to 51.7114-4.697626 Saundersfoot BeachCategory:Has map markers and 51.716-4.693427 Coppet Hall BeachCategory:Has map markers—to finish at 51.7329-4.654128 Amroth beachCategory:Has map markers in 51.73-4.6667 AmrothCategory:Has map markers at the Carmarthenshire border.

Amroth to Llanelli

 68 mi

This section traverses the diverse coastline of Carmarthenshire, from legendary speed-testing sands to historic marshlands. Leaving Amroth, you soon reach 51.747189-4.56393168 PendineCategory:Has map markers, home to the famous 51.7325-4.497540 Pendine SandsCategory:Has map markers , a 7-mile flat beach that hosted numerous land speed record attempts in the 1920s. The path then moves toward 51.769444-4.46305669 LaugharneCategory:Has map markers, the village famously associated with poet Dylan Thomas; his writing shed overlooks the Taf estuary.

The trail continues through 51.7689-4.3854370 LlansteffanCategory:Has map markers, where a medieval castle guards the mouth of the River Tywi. The route takes a loop inland through the county town of 51.856944-4.31638971 CarmarthenCategory:Has map markers, the oldest continuously inhabited town in Wales, to cross the river. Returning to the coast at 51.766667-4.36666772 FerrysideCategory:Has map markers, the path heads toward 51.736-4.30773 KidwellyCategory:Has map markers, notable for its remarkably well-preserved Norman castle.

The landscape then shifts to the scenic Millennium Coastal Park, an award-winning transformation of former industrial land. Here you will find the 8-mile golden expanse of 51.7024-4.374629 Cefn SidanCategory:Has map markers beach at Pembrey. Following the path through the harbor of 51.69-4.2574 Burry PortCategory:Has map markers, look for the distinctive 51.677475-4.25117641 Burry Port LighthouseCategory:Has map markers , a white harbor light built in the 1830s. The section finishes in the industrial and rugby-loving town of 51.683333-4.1575 LlanelliCategory:Has map markers, before passing through Bynea to cross the Loughor Bridge into Swansea territory.

Llanelli to Port Talbot

 97 mi

This expansive section rounds the world-famous Gower Peninsula, the UK's first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. After passing the cockle-picking village of Penclawdd, the trail navigates the salt marshes of the North Gower coast. On the far northwestern tip, the unique cast-iron 51.6525-4.2510242 Whiteford LighthouseCategory:Has map markers stands in the surf of Whiteford Sands.

The path then rounds the iconic Rhossili Bay and heads toward the village of 51.545319-4.21576 Port EynonCategory:Has map markers . Here, the 51.544-4.208630 Port Eynon BayCategory:Has map markers beach offers excellent bathing, and hikers can stay at the 51.545041-4.2103215 YHA Port EynonCategory:Has map markers, housed in a historic former lifeboat station. The South Gower coast is a succession of breathtaking limestone cliffs and Blue Flag bays, including 51.5689-4.0333631 Caswell BayCategory:Has map markers , 51.566667-432 Langland BayCategory:Has map markers , and the rocky 51.5652-3.9779533 Bracelet BayCategory:Has map markers .

Rounding the Mumbles Head, the trail enters the gentler waters of Swansea Bay. You'll pass the historic 51.5697-3.9802843 Mumbles PierCategory:Has map markers , an 1898 Victorian structure, and the seaside suburb of Mumbles before following the 5-mile promenade into the city of 51.616667-3.9577 SwanseaCategory:Has map markers.

Continuing east, the path transitions from urban scenery to the heavy industrial landscape of Neath Port Talbot. The skyline is dominated by the massive Category:See listing with no coordinatesPort Talbot SteelworksCategory:Has map markers , one of Europe's largest industrial sites. The section concludes near the town of 51.59809-3.76483578 Port TalbotCategory:Has map markers and the historic estate of Margam, famous for its abbey and deer park.

Port Talbot to Chepstow

 110 mi

The final stretch of the Wales Coast Path journeys through the industrial heartlands and dramatic limestone cliffs of South East Wales. Leaving Port Talbot, the trail enters the Vale of Glamorgan, home to the spectacular Category:See listing with no coordinatesGlamorgan Heritage CoastCategory:Has map markers . This 14-mile stretch is defined by unique Jurassic-era cliffs and rocky shores, beginning near the popular surfing spot at 51.489-3.72834 Rest BayCategory:Has map markers and the seaside town of 51.48-3.6979 PorthcawlCategory:Has map markers.

Heading east, the path passes the golden dunes of 51.4769-3.684835 Trecco BayCategory:Has map markers and moves toward the mouth of the River Ogmore. Here, hikers can explore the remains of 51.4806-3.6114944 Ogmore CastleCategory:Has map markers , a 12th-century fortress, before crossing the river via stepping stones (tide permitting). The trail then leads to 51.45-3.6166780 SoutherndownCategory:Has map markers and the dramatic 51.440674-3.60326245 Dunraven Bay and ParkCategory:Has map markers, where the layered rock formations are among the most striking in Britain. Nearby, the active 51.400848-3.55211746 Nash Point LighthouseCategory:Has map markers , built in 1832, stands as a guardian of the Bristol Channel.

The path continues past the villages of 51.4-3.4166781 GilestonCategory:Has map markers and 51.3906-3.3523682 RhooseCategory:Has map markers, skirting the edge of the cliffs near Cardiff Airport. Soon, the trail reaches the bustling resort of 51.4064-3.266783 BarryCategory:Has map markers, famous for the amusement parks at 51.38841-3.2748336 Whitmore BayCategory:Has map markers. After passing through 51.41-3.2184 SullyCategory:Has map markers and rounding the headland to 51.435833-3.17585 PenarthCategory:Has map markers, hikers find the elegant 51.4351-3.1665147 Penarth PierCategory:Has map markers , a restored Art Deco masterpiece.

Crossing the barrage into 51.463-3.16437 Cardiff BayCategory:Has map markers , the path enters the Welsh capital, passing the Senedd and the Wales Millennium Centre. Moving into the Gwent Levels, the scenery becomes flat and atmospheric. Along the estuary, the 51.54061-2.994656 West Usk LighthouseCategory:Has map markers , now a hotel, marks the approach to the city of Category:City listing with no coordinatesNewportCategory:Has map markers . Here, the path passes one of the world's few remaining functional 51.570639-2.98555648 Newport Transporter BridgeCategory:Has map markers and the rich bird habitats of the 51.546-2.96149 Newport WetlandsCategory:Has map markers RSPB reserve.

The final leg enters Monmouthshire, passing through the village of 51.590833-2.74916786 CaldicotCategory:Has map markers and under the shadow of the massive Second Severn Crossing. The journey concludes in the historic border town of 51.641944-2.67587 ChepstowCategory:Has map markers, where the path ends at 51.6439-2.675750 Chepstow CastleCategory:Has map markers , the oldest surviving post-Roman stone fortification in Britain. The path also meets the 51.647957-2.6722788 Offa's Dyke PathCategory:Has map markers at this point.

Stay safe

Although few of the villages and towns along the route have hospitals or medical centres, fixed line telephones and mobiles are common and in any emergency you should just dial 999. Then tell the emergency operator whether you need the Fire, Police or Ambulance services.

When it's less urgent than a 999 call, contact the local police in England and Wales on 101. This number should be answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Some parts of the path run along the tops of cliffs. Be careful of undercutting erosion near the edge. Also when at sea level be aware of tide changes to avoid being cut off as the tide comes in.

There are no dangerous wild animals in the U.K. but be aware of livestock in field, some cows and bulls can get annoyed and have been known in rare cases to injure. The only plant to be careful of is the stinging nettle, which for most people is only an annoying irritant.

Don't refer to the Welsh as "English".

Go next

Head inland:

• Offa's Dyke Path is a popular walking route through the border regions of England and Wales. The dyke itself (Clawdd Offa in Welsh) has partially disappeared in places, although in the parts where it is preserved. All of Offa’s Dyke Path follows legally defined Rights of Way for all walkers and is clearly signed with an acorn symbol. Some sections are also available for horse riders and cyclists.
• Snowdonia National Park, stunning maintain, and glacial valley landscape.
• Brecon Beacons National Park the Black Mountain as well as a vast array of moorland, forests, valleys, waterfalls, lakes, caves and gorges.
• Pennine Way 429 mi (690 km) walk running the spine of England from Edale in Derbyshire to Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish Borders
• Coast To Coast Walk a 190-mile long-distance walking trail in England which crosses the North of England from St Bees in Cumbria on the West coast to Robin Hood's Bay in North Yorkshire on the East coast.

Move on to the English coast, such as the:

• Cumbria Coastal Way - from Lancashire to the Scottish border.
• South West Coast Path - 630 mi (1,010 km), running from Minehead in Somerset, along the coasts of Devon and Cornwall, to Poole Harbour in Dorset.

Or explore the continental coastline

• E9 European Coast Path Portugal to Estonia.