The newly opened path now stretches along the coast of Wales for 870 miles and allows you to discover the countryside from the outskirts of Chester in the north, almost at the border with England, to the town of Chepstow, in the south. The entire route is accessible to hikers and walkers and has also been adapted at some stretches for cyclists, families with prams, people with reduced mobility as well as those who want to enjoy a ride on horseback.
Not only does the Welsh coast offer indescribably magnificent landscapes, but also a rich culture manifested in its castles and small coastal towns. Right from the mouth of the river Dee in the north through to the Isle of Anglesey, linked to Wales by a bridge, and the Snowdonia National Park all the way to the impressive Cardigan Bay which has the highest number of dolphin sightings in the UK, and where two areas are Marine Special Areas of Conservation because of their importance for wildlife. Here you can spot dolphins and porpoises for yourself, and discover a unique natural setting so far unknown.
The path, designed to attract more visitors to the Welsh coast, leads you to the area of the Pembrokeshire coast National Park, the only coastal National Park in Great Britain, which houses one of the most spectacular landscapes in all of the UK. It boasts craggy cliffs, beautiful white sandy beaches and St. David, the smallest city in the United Kingdom. Its diversity includes a dune system, high cliffs, storm beaches, sandy bays and sea caves. Certain sections are even designated as Heritage Coast.
The whole Wales Coast Path is marked and divided into sections by signposts. Additionally, it offers the possibility of exploration through a myriad of diverse activities catered for your individual preferences such as: family activities with picnic areas; castles; boat trips; and adventure centres. You can discover the most fascinating places and buildings that speak of its splendid past and present, relax on one of its 42 beaches awarded with the blue flag, or alternatively, get an adrenaline buzz by going cycling or paragliding. Or really enjoy this fantastic coastline by climbing cliffs or even daring to practise coasteering, a way of exploring the coast at sea level.
The only route in the world that allows you to walk the length and breadth of the country discovering every nook and cranny of its natural and cultural wonders, Lonely Planet has acknowledged this path as one of the 10 best destinations in 2012. For more information Coastal Route of Wales