What is the Wales Coast Path?
In January 2020, I began walking the Wales Coast Path, a challenge which is set to take me several years.
Launched in 2012, the Wales Coast Path is exactly what it says on the tin – a path spanning the entirety of Wales’ coast. It’s actually pretty special – not only does Wales have some absolutely stunning coastline, Cymru is the only country in the world with a waymarked path around its whole coast.
The path is, of course, filled with plenty of seaside views, but alongside this, walkers can discover stunning Welsh towns and villages, the country’s capital city, industrial areas, and even the odd motorway.
How Long is the Wales Coast Path?
The Wales Coast Path is 870 miles (1,400 kilometers) in length. This makes it 240 miles longer than England’s longest National Trail, the South West Coast Path.
How Long Does it Take to Walk the Wales Coast Path?
How long is a piece of string? Rhys Jenkins, a Welsh ultramarathon runner, holds the record for the fastest completion of the Wales Coast Path, running the entire route in just 20 days. Arry Beresford-Webb was the first person to run both the Wales Coast Path and the Offa’s Dyke National Trail, running the entire perimeter of Wales in just 41 days, finishing her run in Cardiff on the date of the Wales Coast Path’s official opening, 5th May 2012.
For us mere mortals, navigating the path takes considerably longer. Those averaging an impressive 20 miles per day can expect to finish their walk in six-to-seven weeks. For those who’d like to take a bit more time to enjoy the views and take rest days, the walk will take around three months. If, like me, you’re walking the path on the odd weekend and during your annual leave, the walk will probably take several years.
Whichever way you choose, it’s an incredible achievement and an experience you’ll never forget.
Is it Easy to Find Your Way Along the Wales Coast Path?
I have been really impressed with how well-signposted most of the Wales Coast Path is. Watch out for the distinctive Wales Coast Path ‘dragon shell’ logo, or, if you’re walking along a previously established route, such as the Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail, keep an eye out for the icon associated with that specific trail (in Pembrokeshire, it's an acorn). What’s more, the sea often serves as a good indicator of whether you’re heading in the right direction!
This isn’t to say that it’s foolproof – I’ve lost my way on a few occasions! But with a GPS map downloaded onto my phone, along with regular waymarks, I’ve managed to navigate my way along the route so far.
What are the Start and End Points of the Wales Coast Path?
The Wales Coast Path officially starts on the border of Wales and England, in Chester. It finishes at the Old Wye Bridge in Chepstow. Whilst most guidebooks describe the walk from north to south, I am walking the Wales Coast Path from south to north, so started my hike in Chepstow.
Where Can I Find a Map of the Wales Coast Path?
You can view a map of the Wales Coast Path on the official Wales Coast Path website. You can also browse a list of temporary diversions, to ensure you don’t get caught out on a walk.
What are the Best Resources to Help Me Plan My Trip?
You can follow my Wales Coast Path journey on this website, where I’ll be sharing photos from the walk, my insights into walking the path, where I’ve stayed and eaten, and the challenges I’ve faced.
The below resources have all come in handy to help me plan my adventure:
I hope you find these resources as useful as I have. Please note, I collect a share of the sales from the links on this page.
Can I Walk Around the Whole of Wales?
You can indeed! Pair a walk around the Wales Coast Path with a hike along the Offa’s Dyke National Trail, and you’ve got yourself a trip around the whole of Wales. A trip around the entire perimeter of Wales will require 1,047 miles (1,685 kilometers) of walking.
Still not convinced? Read my ten reasons to walk the Wales Coast Path.
