Ten Reasons to Walk the Wales Coast Path
I’m currently walking 870 miles around the entire coast of Wales – a challenge I would thoroughly recommend. Whether you decide to walk the whole route in one go over several weeks, or do it in small chunks over several years, here are ten reasons you should walk the Wales Coast Path…
1. It's a Unique Adventure
Wales is the only country in the world to have a waymarked path around the entirety of its coastline. A walk along the Wales Coast Path offers a unique adventure that you can’t have anywhere else. Plus, if you combine your Wales Coast Path walk with a hike along the Offa’s Dyke National Trail, you will have walked around the whole country. What better way to get to know somewhere?
2. Wondrous Wales
Growing up, I visited Wales every year with my family, and, because of this, I have grown increasingly attached to this wonderful country. From awe-inspiring mountainous landscapes and some of the world’s most stunning coastline, to bustling cities and historic World Heritage Sites, Wales has it all. If you haven’t yet discovered the joys of Cymru, you definitely should do.
3. It’s Good for the Soul
When I decided to embark on my Wales Coast Path adventure, I was looking for something that would keep me active without being a chore, and this is exactly what I got. Walking the Wales Coast Path isn't easy – the total rise and fall of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path alone is around 35,000 feet, which is the same height as Everest – but the stunning scenery ensures it always feels worthwhile. Putting the screens away for a few hours (bar checking the GPS to ensure we don’t get lost!) and walking in nature, with the sound of the sea and birdsongs, and no other distractions, truly is the perfect tonic.
4. Brilliant Beaches
Wales is renowned for its stunning coastline – Barafundle Bay, for example, is often listed as one of the top beaches in the world. Walkers of the Wales Coast Path will discover the country’s most renowned beaches as well as less well-known hidden gems.
5. Wonderful Wildlife
There are also plenty of opportunities to get to know the country’s coastal habitats. Take a detour to Skomer Island to meet the largest breeding puffin colony in southern Britain, or to Grassholm, which is home to the only gannet colony in Wales. You’ll also have the chance to see seals, porpoises, and even dolphins!
6. Welsh Cities
It’s not all beautiful coastline. There are seven cities in Wales – Bangor, Cardiff, Newport, St Asaph, St Davids, Swansea and Wrexham – and the Wales Coast Path passes five of them. The path goes through Cardiff Bay, offering the perfect opportunity to explore the country’s capital city. Visit Cardiff Castle, find out more about the Wales’ history at the National Museum Cardiff, catch a game at the Principality Stadium, or stay out in nature at the Cardiff Bay Wetland Reserve.
7. World Heritage Sites
Wales has more castles per square mile than any other country in Europe, and a few of them even make up a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd, made up of Harlech and Beaumaris Castles, and the fortified complexes of Caernarfon and Conwy, are described by UNESCO as ‘the finest examples of late thirteenth-century and early fourteenth-century military architecture in Europe’, and were inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1986. Discover these incredible examples of Welsh history on your Wales Coast Path walk.
8. Culinary Credentials
One of the unexpected delights of walking the Wales Coast Path is that it gives you the opportunity to discover some of the country’s culinary specialities. Discover the restored Seaweed Drying Hut at Freshwater West, which showcases one of Pembrokeshire’s most unique specialities, laverbread, and try it Café Môr in Angle. Drop by MamGu in Solva to try their delicious selection of Welsh cakes, including their savoury leek and cheese flavour. They also do a delicious Welsh rarebit! You’ll also find plenty of places to try Glamorgan sausages, bara brith, Welsh cawl and lots of other traditional dishes.
9. Every Walk is Different
You never quite know what you’re going to get when you set out on a walk along the Wales Coast Path. You’ll definitely discover your new favourite beach (and you may well change your mind several times!), but you’ll also stumble across plenty of other exciting spots. Wander through Dylan Thomas country, explore Wales' industrial heritage, discover the history behind the Men of Harlech, go castle-spotting, and sharpen your cow-dodging skills. It won’t always be sunny, but it will always be an adventure.
10. It’s an Incredible Achievement
One of the most exciting things for me about walking the Wales Coast Path is the sense of achievement. How many people can say they’ve walked a country's entire coastline?! One of the main things that keeps me going is that it’s such an exciting challenge. You can even commemorate your journey with a Wales Coast Path completion certificate!
A walk along the Wales Coast Path is an amazing adventure, so what are you waiting for?! If you’re ready to start planning your walk, you can find lots of resources to help you on your way here.
