Hiking in Wales Along the Beautiful Wales Coast Path
Few people know how beautiful the coast of Wales is, and that’s a shame because it is truly stunning! Imagine rugged cliffs covered in soft green grass, where deep blue seawater crashes below. And you can walk along these beautiful cliffs in Wales, on a path that runs along the entire coastline of the country. Meet the Wales Coast Path, a hiking trail that stretches an impressive 1400 km in total, winding along the entire coast of Wales.
Along the coast path, you will constantly enjoy fantastic views and the flora and fauna around you. You can even spot dolphins along the coast path! And did you know that there are also beautiful sandy beaches in Wales? Whether you plan to hike hundreds of kilometers during a complete walking holiday in Wales or just cover small sections of the coast path during your vacation, every kilometer you walk on the Wales Coast Path is rewarded with breathtaking views.
Hiking in Wales Along the Wales Coast Path
The Wales Coast Path is the first path in the world to completely encircle the coastline of a country. The path, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, consists of eight different coastal paths. These coastal routes already existed; it was by connecting the individual coastal paths that a trail was created along the entire coast of Wales. The coast path is divided into different sections, which are further divided into stages. In between, there are charming coastal towns where you can rest from walking, enjoying fresh fish and chips. Along the route, you will see the ‘Coast Path’ signs everywhere. The different sections of the coast path are:
- North Wales Coast & Dee Estuary (132 km)
- Isle of Anglesey (217 km)
- Llŷn & Snowdonia Coast (264 km)
- Ceredigion Coast Path (119 km)
- Pembrokeshire Coast Path (291 km)
- Carmarthenshire (108 km)
- Gower & Swansea Bay (111 km)
- South Wales Coast & Severn Estuary (157 km)
These sections are all further divided into stages, making it very easy for you to walk small parts of the coast path. So even if you’re not an avid hiker but just want to enjoy the beautiful views, you can find routes that suit you.
The Ceredigion Coast Path from New Quay
During our holiday in Wales, we hiked two sections of the Ceredigion Coast Path, including from the town of New Quay. This is a coastal town in Wales with a lovely atmosphere and a beautiful beach, from where you can walk straight into the sea. In New Quay, there are several restaurants where you can eat fish and chips or have a coffee. We were there in the off-season (May) and it was wonderfully quiet. From New Quay, you can walk the coast path in two directions, towards Llangrannog or towards Aberaeron. We walked towards Llangrannog and it was beautiful. The typical English bluebells were blooming everywhere on the grassy cliffs. There are small climbs in this stage, so good shoes are recommended. And, if you find it helpful, walking sticks (tip: these simple foldable walking sticks from Decathlon) can also be useful. But even without this equipment, it’s all very doable.
We chose to walk only part of the stage and take an inland route back to New Quay, which was a fun route. But you can also continue walking to Llangrannog; the total stage of this part of the Wales Coast Path is 15 km.
Dolphin Watching During a Boat Trip in New Quay
Did you know that you have the opportunity to spot dolphins off the coast of Wales? And the chances are quite high too, as dolphins are seen off the coast of New Quay every day. You can best spot them during a special boat trip with New Quay Boat Trips, an organization affiliated with the SeaWatch Foundation. You can easily book this one-hour boat trip online for £15 for a spot on board. This boat has a maximum capacity of 50 people. You can also choose to pay £20 for the luxury boat, where you are on board with a maximum of 12 people. On this boat, you can move around, while on the other boat you must stay in your seat. We paid the extra price and found the ‘exclusive’ experience more than worth it.
We were lucky and spotted several dolphins during the tour, one even swam under our boat! During the boat trip, the enthusiastic biologists on board tell us more about the dolphins, but also about the birds that live in this area. This makes it extra interesting! To not disturb the underwater life, boats are not allowed to stay in one place for more than 10 minutes, but this is plenty of time to admire the dolphins extensively.
Walking the Wales Coast Path from Aberaeron
Another stage of the Wales Coast Path that we found absolutely worthwhile was from Aberaeron. You can easily park at the harbor, where you can immediately take your first photos, because this is a beautiful sight. The colorful houses along the quay combined with the boats in the harbor make it very picturesque. Here too, the coastal path is very beautiful and you can enjoy magnificent views.
How to get to Wales?
Of course, you can fly to Wales, flying to the capital Cardiff and then driving to the coast with a rental car. But you can also take the Stenaline ferry from Hoek van Holland to Harwich. You then have the option to take your own car and from Harwich, with a possible stopover in England, drive to Wales. From Harwich, it’s about a 6-hour drive to New Quay, Wales.
Prefer an organized hiking holiday in Wales?
If you want to hike the Wales Coast Path for several days during a walking holiday in Wales, you can also turn to some travel agencies. At Bookatrekking, you can choose from various multi-day trips to hike the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. You will then stay in typical Welsh hotels on the coastal path. Bookatrekking’s trips also include luggage transport, your luggage will be driven to the next accommodation every day. Want to book a different type of holiday in Wales? Take a look at House of Britain, this travel agency specializes in travel in Great Britain.
Nice stops along the way to Wales
The English countryside is beautiful, so if you have a bit more time, it’s definitely recommended to spend one or more nights here. For example, opt for a stay in one of the nature reserves in South England or combine your trip with a visit to Stonehenge or the slightly less known Avebury. Bristol and Bath are also on the route to Wales and are definitely worth a visit.
Exploring the enchanting coastlines of Wales offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, marine wonders, and cultural experiences. Whether you’re captivated by the playful dolphins off the shore, mesmerized by the quaint charm of Aberaeron, or enchanted by the lush landscapes along the Wales Coast Path, there’s something truly special about this corner of the world. With various travel options, from flying to ferrying, and the possibility of organized hiking tours, embarking on an adventure to Wales promises unforgettable memories and a deep appreciation for the wonders of nature. So, whether you’re seeking a tranquil getaway or an active exploration, Wales welcomes you with open arms, inviting you to discover its treasures at your own pace.
Few people know how beautiful the coast of Wales is, and that’s a shame because it is truly stunning! Imagine rugged cliffs covered in soft green grass, where deep blue seawater crashes below. And you can walk along these beautiful cliffs in Wales, on a path that runs along the entire coastline of the country.…