Walking the South Wales Coast Path
Depending on which way you're going, the South Wales coast and Severn Estuary is either the first, or the last, section of the Wales Coast Path. We chose to walk from south to north, so the South Wales coast was where we enjoyed the first hikes of our adventure.
This section of the Wales Coast Path is incredibly varied, and it’s safe to say that some spots along this stretch are more scenic than others! Nevertheless, walking the South Wales coast is a great opportunity to discover three of the country’s seven cities, as well as exploring Wales’ industrial history, and the stunning Glamorgan Heritage Coast.
How Long is the South Wales Coast Path?
The South Wales section of the Wales Coast Path is approximately 115 miles long.
What are the Start and End Points of the South Wales Coast Path?
We are walking the Wales Coast Path from south to north, so we started our South Wales coastal walk at the Old Wye Bridge in Chepstow, and finished at Swansea Marina.
Where Can I Find a Map of the South Wales Coast Path?
You can view an interactive map of the Wales Coast Path on the official Wales Coast Path website. You can also browse a list of temporary diversions along the path, to ensure you don’t get caught out. You can also find maps and suggested walking routes in the South Wales Coast Official Guide.
How Long Does It Take to Walk the South Wales Coast Path?
We split our South Wales coast hike into 11 days of walking, although you could easily do it in less:
Our first walk was a bit of an experiment to see how far we could actually walk in a day – we managed 18.5 miles, finishing our walk in Goldcliff. This walk is flat, but a bit of a slog at times (and with one too many motorway crossings for my liking!). I did enjoy the view of the Prince of Wales Bridge – the gateway to Cymru – and no doubt it’s a more enjoyable walk when it’s not a soggy January day.
This walk took us into Newport to cross the River Usk, and then back out of Newport to St Bride’s Wentloog. We passed Newport Wetlands Nature Reserve, before reaching the River Usk and walking past Newport Transporter Bridge. After crossing the river, we left Newport, and walked to St Bride’s, where we decided to finish for the day.
The ten-mile trudge into Cardiff was definitely made more tedious by the shocking weather. The first five miles took us along a grassy (and muddy) path, we got lost on our way into Cardiff, and the final part of the walk took us through a business park. Not a highlight, but we did successfully reach wonderful Cardiff!
A very short walk to ‘plug in a gap’, beginning with a pleasant wander along the canal path, with Bute East Dock taking us from Cardiff city centre to Cardiff Bay, followed by a walk across Cardiff Bay Barrage, and finishing with a final ascent into Penarth.
This walk, which we walked the opposite way around to our usual (from Barry to Penarth) took us past Barry Docks and an industrial estate, rejoining the coast at Sully. After a wander along Sully Bay, we turned a corner at Lavernock Point and finished our walk with increasingly closer views of Penarth Pier.
Another one which we walked the wrong way around (from Rhoose to Barry). After catching a train to Rhoose, we wandered along to Rhoose Point, with some lovely coastal views. Next, we had to navigate a very slippery wooded descent, where we narrowly avoided getting ourselves very muddy, before ascending onto the cliff which took us to Barry Island. We finished our walk with a wander around Gavin and Stacey country.
This was one of the first walks on our adventure where we really felt we were walking along the coast proper, with beach views aplenty. The walk took in the marshy landscape of Aberthaw Nature Reserve and to the beginning (or end, depending on how you walk it!) of the Glamorgan Heritage Coast – 14 miles of plunging cliffs, secluded coves and interesting geology.
If you’re going to do just one walk along the South Wales section of the Wales Coast Path, make it this one! With stunning views of the Glamorgan Heritage Coast, a walk past Nash Point Lighthouse, and some gentle ups and downs to remind you that you are, indeed, on a coastal path, this is the South Wales coast at its best.
This was a lovely and varied walk, with the first five miles devoted to getting around Ewenny River, passing the beautiful village of Merthyr Mawr and through Merthyr Mawr Warren National Nature Reserve, which is home to the largest sand dune in Wales. The walk then passes Trecco Bay, before heading into Porthcawl.
We walked this one the wrong way around – from Port Talbot to Porthcawl. The walk started with lots of road walking and industrial views, before taking us through the beautiful Kenfig Nature Reserve and past Rest Bay, before descending into Porthcawl.
This wasn’t the most exciting of walks, although there is a hilltop alternative for those looking for a more scenic route. We walked through Port Talbot and along a cycle path to Aberavon Sands, which is actually a lovely beach, although we had a very foggy view of it! We walked along the beach at Baglan Bay, before heading up to the A48 and finishing our walk with some road and canal walking.
A walk along the Wales Coast Path is an amazing adventure, so what are you waiting for?!
Still not convinced? Read my ten reasons to walk the Wales Coast Path.
If you’re ready to start planning your walk, you can find lots of resources to help you on your way here.
