Cicerone Walking the Wales Coast Path

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 stageA 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 monthsDetailed 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 CaernarfonPlan your trip with ease with practical advice on when to walk, what to pack, and coastal considerations, such as tide timesDownloadable 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.

The Wales Coast Path offers an unparalleled opportunity to walk a nation's coastline in its entirety. Stretching 1400km (870 miles) from Chester to Chepstow, including Anglesey, the waymarked trail takes 2-3 months to complete but can easily be broken into shorter sections. The walking is generally not difficult, although there are occasional rugged sections, steep ascents and descents and more remote stretches with fewer facilities. Promising fantastic scenery and a unique insight into local history and culture, what better way to experience the diversity and beauty of Wales' captivating coastline? The route is presented in 57 stages, ranging from 16 to 32km, each featuring clear route description illustrated with 1:100,000 mapping, overview statistics and notes on the availability of accommodation, facilities and public transport links. You'll find plenty of helpful advice for planning your walk, plus background information on Welsh history, geology, plants, wildlife and local points of interest. A facilities table, Welsh glossary and useful contacts can be found in the appendices. Passing through the Snowdonia and Pembrokeshire Coast National Parks, as well as numerous AONBs and sections of Heritage Coast, the Wales Coast Path takes in seaside resorts, attractive fishing villages, sandy beaches, rocky coves and striking cliff coastline. Highlights include the picturesque Llyn and Gower peninsulas, 13th-century 'Iron Ring' castles and frequent opportunities for wildlife spotting. The route can be linked with Offa's Dyke Path National Trail (covered in a separate Cicerone guide) to complete a full circuit of Wales.