Accessible walks on the Wales Coast Path

North Wales is known for being a breathtakingly beautiful part of the UK, and yet it’s somewhere I’ve never visited before. I found out that sections of the Wales Coast Path around the Llandudno area are being made more accessible for people with reduced mobility, and as a wheelchair user with a heart that craves adventures, my interest was immediately piqued.

I spend a lot of my time researching wheelchair friendly walks near me, and accessible routes around the places I’m visiting. It’s sometimes felt as though you have to compromise the experience of immersing yourself in nature to prioritise routes that are safe and accessible. However, I spent three days exploring Llandudno and the surrounding area with my Mum and my little dog Ruby, and I can now tell you without hesitation that it offered the best of both – it was remarkably easy to explore on wheels, and more than that, it’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited.

If you too are planning a visit as a wheelchair user, here are some experiences not to be missed...

We started our day at Deganwy Quay, following the Wales Coast Path towards Conwy. Enjoying scenic walks in nature can sometimes be tricky as a wheelchair user, but here the compacted gravel pathways made my journey using my powerchair an absolute breeze.

We covered around 2km, enjoying beautiful views of the estuary, with the iconic Castell Conwy (Conwy Castle) in the distance. You can also extend the route by following the new tarmac path to the RSPB Conwy reserve — just follow the signs and you’ll easily find your way.

Top tips

• Don’t miss the Smallest House in Great Britain in Conwy town centre!
• For a bite to eat, I’ve heard great things about The Mulberry near Deganwy Marina, and L’s Coffee and Bookshop in Conwy.
• We parked at Deganwy Quay and began our walk from there, and Deganwy Station is just a short distance from the quay. The path is well-signposted and mostly made of concrete and compacted gravel.

I reckon every scenic walk should be followed by a treat, and no place could be better than The Quay Hotel & Spa. Their bar and restaurant serves a variety of treats year-round, and I could have cried with happiness when I found out that they could adapt their delicious Afternoon Tea to suit my multiple allergies.

Top tips 

• This venue is gorgeously wheelchair accessible, and there are accessible rooms available if you’re looking for accommodation.
• If you’re travelling with dogs, their Outdoor Terrace and cosy Dory Lounge are both lovely spots to enjoy your food. 
• I highly recommend trying the local Conwy Mountains Breakfast Blend as your choice of tea!

Llandudno’s seafront was a joy to wander around. The promenade here is part of the continuous Wales Coast Path stretching from Prestatyn to Llanfairfechan, and the smooth pathways made getting around as a wheelchair user an absolute breeze. Nearby we found plenty of independent shops to explore, great food and drink spots, and even the free Alice in Wonderland Town Trail celebrating Llandudno’s historic connections with CS Lewis and Alice In Wonderland.

Top tips 

• Llandudno Pier is not to be missed, and also has level access right through to the very end.
• If you’re looking for accessible accommodation, the nearby Dunoon Hotel has accessible rooms with lift access to all floors.
• Dylan’s Restaurant was a wonderful venue for an evening meal (I highly recommend the Sea Bream Tacos!) and in Pip & Oat I found a vegan, nut-free, wheelchair-accessible and dog-friendly café – or, to put it simply, my official happy place.

The Great Orme is a signature part of North Wales’ coastline and the limestone headland is very popular with walkers. However, the Great Orme Tramway offers a much more leisurely way to journey to the top and enjoy the views.

Top tips 

• The traditional Victorian Tram isn’t suitable for electric mobility aids, so you’ll need a manual wheelchair for this one. If you can manage the three steps into the carriage, the friendly staff will store your wheelchair onboard and assist you at each stop.
• The Summit is a rural environment with uneven terrain so you may not be able to venture too far at the top, but you’ll still get to experience amazing views even during the journey up and down.
• If you’re peckish after your excursion, Fish Tram Chips is just opposite the station and the perfect place to stop for salt and vinegar-drenched chips. Absolutely delish.   

Our final stop of the trip was Rhos-on-Sea promenade, one of many accessible walks that form part of the longer Wales Coast Path route from Rhyl to Colwyn Bay. I could have people-watched here all day - there was a real community atmosphere and collective good vibes among everybody who was enjoying the seafront as much as we were.

Top tips 

• I was very impressed by the smooth terrain here, and you’ll also find numerous permanent ramps that allow you to explore each level of the Promenade. There are also plenty of comfortable seating options scattered along the seafront where anybody could take a moment to pause, rest, and enjoy the views.
• The Chapel of St Trillo is not to be missed – it’s one of the smallest chapels in Great Britain (seating just six people inside!) and beautifully maintained by volunteers.
• Bryn Williams at Porth Eirias has a lovely accessible roof terrace where you can take in the coastal landscape, and they serve fish finger sandwiches so elite that I’m considering making the three-hour journey back to North Wales right now just so I can have another one.

Having now experienced it for myself, I can confirm that walking the Welsh coast makes for a phenomenal accessible adventure. For me, our time here struck the perfect balance between incredible outdoor experiences where I could walk the Wales Coast Path in my own unique way, and gorgeous culture and inclusive activities where I could enjoy great food, plenty to see and do, and a wonderful community atmosphere. I’m so glad I got to see this incredible environment with my own eyes, and I truly hope that you’re able to as well.

Whether you’re looking for walks suitable for mobility scooters or powerchairs, or simply an idyllic break to lose yourself in nature and top up your happy-o-meter, Llandudno and the surrounding areas should be high up on your travel wishlist. I absolutely loved my time here and I’m already yearning to return!