The Wales Coast Path offers an exceptionally long coastal perspective: it runs for 870 miles from an area near Chester to Chepstow. You can walk the entire path or explore it in shorter sections. It is the first path in the world to follow the complete coastline of a country. Much of the path is suitable for wheelchairs, bicycles, tricycles and pushchairs. There are also walks for different ability levels starting at stations along the Cambrian Coast Railway Line. This lets you consider the two options according to different criteria: the Coast Path can be divided into stages, while the walks starting at the railway stations cater to different ability levels.
Routes and landscapes
The Wales Way consists of three national routes that lead into the heart of Wales. Together, they showcase 420 miles of landscapes and attractions. Alongside the 870-mile Wales Coast Path, they offer a different scale of route: here, landscapes and attractions are spread across three routes, while the focus there is on a single path along the coast.
Waterfall Country features a striking landscape of deep, tree-lined gorges and a series of impressive waterfalls. Activities there include hiking, photography, climbing, caving and canoeing. The area’s wildlife is of international importance. Waterfall Country is designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Check conditions and access before visiting.
The night sky is another discovery to enjoy in Wales: the national parks protect some of the country’s best dark-sky areas, making visits at night just as rewarding as exploring by day. Dark Sky Discovery Sites are suitable for stargazing with the naked eye. They are designed to be accessible and welcome beginners, families and people new to stargazing.
Castles and industrial history
The Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd World Heritage Site is considered one of the finest examples of European military architecture from the late 13th and early 14th centuries. James of St George, chief architect to Edward I of England, designed and oversaw the group of castles and town walls. Their medieval defensive features include barbicans, drawbridges, fortified gateways, dungeons, towers and curtain walls. The individual structures show the variety of defensive architecture from this period.
Blaenafon Ironworks offers a different perspective on history. Its remains include furnace ruins and the remains of a foundry, a casting house and a counterbalanced water tower. Visitors can see authentically furnished workers’ cottages and a reconstructed truck shop. The interpretation places the history of workers at the heart of this industrial World Heritage landscape. Wales has 427 castles; Cardiff Castle is open to the public. Check current access arrangements before visiting.
Culture and practical information
In Cardiff, National Museum Cardiff presents art and natural history, as well as an extensive programme of changing exhibitions and events. Admission is free; fees may apply for certain exhibitions, events and activities. As charges can change, check the latest information before your visit.
For the ascent to the summit of Yr Wyddfa, the Sherpa’r Wyddfa bus service stops at the starting points of all six routes. Check service details before travelling. The Snowdon Mountain Railway opened in 1896; its rack-and-pinion system makes the ascent to the summit. The long-distance cycle route Lôn Las Cymru (NCR 4/5/8) passes through Ynys Môn (Anglesey), Eryri, Bannau Brycheiniog, Cardiff and Chepstow. Check route details before setting off.
Traditional Welsh dishes include Cawl, Welsh rarebit, Laverbread and Bara brith. Together with the castles, industrial heritage and landscapes, they offer a range of cultural themes to consider when planning your trip.
More destinations
Discover more destinations: Bridgend, Blaenau Gwent, Wrexham, Conwy, Neath Port Talbot, Monmouthshire, Ceredigion, Gwynedd, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Isle Of Anglesey, Cardiff, Carmarthenshire, Powys, Merthyr Tydfil, Vale Of Glamorgan, Rhondda Cynon Taff, Pembrokeshire, Abertawe, Newport, Swansea, Caerphilly, Torfaen.
For the main travel overview: Great Britain.
