Short walks on the Wales Coast Path 

The Wales Coast Path traces the full length of our magnificent coastline, linking clifftops, beaches, estuaries and harbours from the border with England, near Chester, in the north to Cas-gwent (Chepstow) in the south. Since it opened in 2012, walkers have been drawn to its stunning scenery, wildlife, historic sites and the friendly towns and villages along the way. Here are 10 easy walks for you to enjoy. 

Thousands of seabirds wheel above the cliffs at South Stack on Ynys Gybi (Holy Island) as the sea churns beneath – who’d have guessed you were only two miles from Caergybi (Holyhead)? South Stack RSPB Reserve on this popular route gets you close to the locals – razorbills, guillemots, perhaps a peregrine falcon – and serves a cuppa before the return.

Map and route details: Holyhead and mountain circular walk

Pilgrims came to this south-eastern corner of Ynys Môn to venerate the holy well of St Dwynwen, the patron saint of lovers, whose 16th century church is a ruin on the island. What makes this the most romantic walk in Wales, however, are views to give butterflies. Stay at Ynys Llanddwyn until sunset and prepare to swoon.

Map and route details: Ynys Llanddwyn and Newborough Forest circular walk

One parliamentary vote prevented postcard-pretty Porth Dinllaen (Porthdinllaen) from becoming a ferry terminal. Now owned by the National Trust, its peninsula offers one of the loveliest ambles on the Penrhyn Llŷn (Llŷn Peninsula): views of sea and mountains, wildlife, a beach and rockpools for the kids and a welcome refreshment at the Ty Coch Inn for you. Park at Morfa Nefyn.

Map and route details: Nefyn to Porthdinllaen walk

The last car you’ll see is the one you leave at pretty Tresaith on this clifftop walk. On one side glitters Cardigan Bay. Ahead rise the mountains of Eryri. You can opt for a shorter route and end or loop back at National Trust-listed Penbryn beach, which conveniently located midway, or continue on to Llangrannog.

Map and route details: Tresaith to Penbry walk and Penbryn to Llangrannog walk

If you only do one short walk in Pembrokeshire, make it this one. Though popular, this circuit feels as wild as anywhere in Cymru, tracking a shoreline which teems with wildlife. The locals have known that this was special a special route for at least 6,000 years, if the Coetan Arthur burial chamber is any guide.

Map and route details: Penmaen Dewi (St David's Head) coastal walk

A peninsula walk with a sense of island escapism. The Martins Haven walk showcases seascapes spread almost 360 degrees, and seabirds soar off the nature islands of Sgomer (Skomer) and Sgogwm (Skokholm). Superb Marloes Sands are worth the extra half-mile walk and if you can stay till dusk you won’t find a better sunset in Cymru.

Map and route details: Martins Haven walk and Deer Park to Marloes walk

Not as well-known as Dylan Thomas’ Laugharne across the bay, but this seaside walk has its own poetry, when the ruins of Castell Llansteffan appear. Beyond it at Trwyn Wharley (Wharley Point) is a seascape to Devon, plus St Anthony’s Well. This circular walk with panoramic views over the Twyi Estuary is famed for healing love sickness - apparently. Alternatively try a pint in the Castle Inn.

Map and route details: Llansteffan circular walk

This legendary walk to Bae’r Tri Chlogwyn (Three Cliffs Bay) passes through a wooded valley and takes you past a WWII bunker and Pennard Castle - ruined by fairies, according to legend - before taking you across the fabulous Three Cliffs Bay beach and on towards a rock spur like a dragon’s back. Magic.

Map and route details: Three Cliffs Bay walk

The coastal path celebrates cities as much as wild coasts and this circuit around Bae Caerdydd (Cardiff Bay) has history, nature and action. There’s art in the Norwegian Church, architecture in the striking Y Senedd (Welsh Parliament building), waterbirds in a reserve, and whoops from the Cardiff White Water Centre.

Map and route details: Cardiff Bay Trail

This walking route loops around the Great Orme’s 200m knobble from Llandudno’s Victorian pier. The sea views are wonderful, of course. The Great Orme is a wonderful place for wildlife - look out for rare silver-studded blue butterflies and probably a little more surprising, the Kashmiri goats descended from a herd given to George IV. 

Map and route details: Great Orme nature trail route

You can easily reach many coastal path walks by train. The Rail to Trail website has several great suggestions using the Cambrian Coast line, the North Wales Coast Railway and the South and West Wales railway networks.