Walking the Wales Coast Path
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About Walking the Wales Coast Path
The Complete Guide to Walking the Wales Coast Path
The complete free guide to the All Wales Coastal Path long distance footpath. If you’re planning on backpacking the entire Wales Coast Path, or hiking easier circular walks on the Wales Coast Path, you won’t find a more comprehensive collection. Each route on the Wales Coast Path has a route guides, free maps and GPS files. Each route has accommodation nearby so you can plan your trip with ease.
About the Wales Coast Path
The Wales Coast Path was opened in May 2012 and joins up existing Welsh coastal paths by adding new sections to create the world’s first coastal path that traces a whole country. It was an exciting project that was announced in 2006 and took about six years to complete. During this time, the rambling community waited eagerly for the day to arrive when this walk would be completed and open to the public. The eventual opening was celebrated with the Big Welsh Coastal Walk that was hosted by the Ramblers Cymru. The event was a roaring success and went on to become one of the largest mass participation events Wales has ever seen. This one-of-a-kind path has captured the attention and imagination of many people around the world and was declared Lonely Planet’s number one region for 2012.
If you want to be one of the first people to walk this unique path, and its 1,400 km (870 miles), then this guide will give you a taste of the route and what it has in store for you.
Where Does the Wales Coast Path Start?
Although the path is entitled the Wales Coast Path, it actually makes sense to start just over the border in the English City of Chester. From there you can easily start the walk at the English/Wales border near Saltney, as it is only a short journey from Chester where excellent accommodation facilities and historic architecture await you, making it the prefect starting point for this 1,400 km walk. Upon leaving Chester and entering Wales, the route takes you along the North Wales Path covering the 60 miles of coastal path between Prestatyn and Bangor, before seamlessly linking up with the seven other areas that make up the trail.
Highlights of the Wales Coast Path
The rest of the route will see you taking in the beauty of the Welsh coast and countryside. The path heads through seaside towns, a National Park and along miles of sand and beach. The capital city of Wales, Cardiff is also part of the walk creating a great contrast between the hustle and bustle of the city and the peace and tranquillity of the countryside.
Unfortunately, some landowners have not granted access to the route, or walkers following it, and for about 20% of the Wales Coast Path the course diverts on to roads, some of which do not have a clear view of the sea. However, it should be pointed out that these are mainly quiet country lanes, so this should not see any walkers forced into heavy traffic to complete the route.
To make the route even more popular and accessible, many stretches of it are open to cyclists and horse riders. Long parts of the route are also suitable for pushchairs and strollers making it ideal for family days out, taking in the scenery and fresh air.
Where to Go for More Information on the Wales Coast Path?
For those of you that don’t think that 1,400 km is quite enough, the walk can be extended to follow the border with England back to the start of the coastal walk. This is done by linking up with the Offa’s Dyke Path National Trail which adds a further 260 km to the walk, taking you all the way around the whole of Wales.
All the Mud and Routes articles on the Wales Coastal Path are below – or visit our sister site – Walking the Wales Coast Path.