Kinmel Bay combines a wide sandy beach with the protected local nature reserve of Kinmel Dunes and a range of walking options. Paddling is a particular highlight at the beach. When it comes to the paths, it is worth looking closely at each route: the Rhuddlan and Kinmel Bay circular walk goes to Kinmel Bay and back to Rhuddlan; the Dunes Trail includes a short section of the North Wales Coastal Path. This means you can consider the beach, circular walk and trail as different options for your stay.

Distinguishing between the circular walk and the coastal path

The Rhuddlan and Kinmel Bay circular walk follows both banks of the tidal River Clwyd. Along the Wales Coast Path, it leads to Kinmel Bay and then returns to Rhuddlan. The entire route is flat and easy. When planning, the return to Rhuddlan is just as much a part of the route as the section to Kinmel Bay: the town is a point along the way, not the end of the described circuit.

The Dunes Trail includes a short section of the North Wales Coastal Path. This distinction is useful when comparing the walking options: the circular walk description includes the riverbanks, Kinmel Bay and the return to Rhuddlan; the Dunes Trail is explicitly limited to a short section of the coastal path. The routes therefore have different features, even though both descriptions mention a coastal path.

Kinmel Dunes and travelling by bus

Kinmel Dunes is a protected local nature reserve, a Local Nature Reserve. Its protected status gives it a distinct focus alongside the beach and walking routes. If you are weighing up different interests for your stay, you can distinguish between them: paddling is an activity for the wide sandy beach, while Kinmel Dunes offers a nature-focused option as a nature reserve.

Kinmel Dunes is a five-minute walk from Kinmel Bay bus station, where local buses run regularly. You can take the walk between the bus station and nature reserve into account when planning. If you are travelling by bus, check the current timetable for local services before setting off.

Plan the beach as a focus in its own right

Kinmel Bay’s wide sandy beach is suitable for paddling. This activity offers a different focus from the walking routes described here: paddling at the beach is the main attraction, whereas the routes focus on their course and connection to a coastal path. When choosing, you might therefore first consider whether you would like to plan your visit around the beach activity, a walk or the nature reserve.

The information does not describe a single set route connecting all three themes. Instead, it offers different options for a stay in Kinmel Bay: the circular walk includes Rhuddlan, the Dunes Trail includes a short section of the North Wales Coastal Path, and the wide beach is suitable for paddling. Choose your focus based on which of these options matters most to your travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Conwy, Betws-Y-Coed, Cerrigydrudion, Dolwyddelan, Towyn, Llanfairfechan, Llandudno Junction, Dolgarrog

Go to the main travel overview: Conwy.