Overview
The Coastal Way runs the whole curve of Cardigan Bay, 180 miles between two places medieval pilgrims walked to: Aberdaron, where they waited for the crossing to Bardsey, and St Davids, where two pilgrimages were worth one to Rome.
Between them are Harlech on its rock, Aberystwyth under its cliff railway, the painted houses of Aberaeron and the old brick harbour at Porthgain.
It ends where the pilgrims did, at the cathedral in its hollow in Britain's smallest city.
The Coastal Way is one of the Wales Way routes devised and promoted by Visit Wales.
- Duration
- 3 days
- Group size
- Up to 7 guests
- Vehicle
- Mercedes V-Class
Includes
- Expert bilingual local guide
- Travel in a Mercedes V-Class
- Daily pick-ups & drop offs
- Fully customisable
Excludes
- Flights, transfers and accommodation
- Food and drink
- Entry fees to attractions
- Heritage & culture
- Coast & beaches
- Mountains & lakes
Itinerary
Day 1 The Llŷn to Barmouth
Down the steep road to Nant Gwrtheyrn, then out to the tip of the Llŷn at Aberdaron, where St Hywyn's church stands on the beach and pilgrims waited for the Bardsey boat. Back along the south shore through sailing Abersoch and slate-port Porthmadog to Harlech, and Barmouth at the mouth of the Mawddach.
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Restored quarry village, now a Welsh language and heritage centre
A beautifully restored Victorian quarry village set on a 200-acre site in a secluded wooded valley overlooking Porthdinllaen Bay on the Llyn Peninsula. Transformed into a Welsh language and cultural centre, Nant Gwrtheyrn is a wonderful spot to enjoy stunning coastal scenery and learn about Welsh culture and heritage. -
The last village before Ynys Enlli, and the end of the pilgrims' road
Aberdaron sits in a bay at the tip of the Llŷn, the final stop for medieval pilgrims crossing to Ynys Enlli (Bardsey). St Hywyn's church stands on the beach itself, and Y Gegin Fawr fed pilgrims waiting for a crossing from the thirteenth century onwards. -
A sailing village with two beaches and the St Tudwal's islands offshore
Abersoch is the Llŷn's sailing centre, busy with boats through the summer and looking out to the two St Tudwal's islands. The main beach runs south towards Llanbedrog; the Warren beach behind it is private. -
A harbour town built on slate, and the terminus of two heritage railways
Porthmadog was built to ship slate from Blaenau Ffestiniog, brought down to the quay by the Ffestiniog Railway. The harbour is now a marina, and the town is the terminus for both the Ffestiniog Railway and the Welsh Highland Railway, along with a third short line at the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway. -
Edward I's clifftop fortress above Cardigan Bay, a World Heritage Site
Edward I's castle on its rock above Cardigan Bay, built to the concentric plan in only twelve years, 1283 to 1295, by nearly a thousand craftsmen and labourers. The sea once came to the foot of the rock. A siege in the Wars of the Roses, when a small garrison held out for seven years, is said to be the origin of 'Men of Harlech'. A World Heritage Site. -
Seaside town at the mouth of the Mawddach, with an estuary trail
Situated at the mouth of the River Mawddach on Cardigan Bay. The Mawddach Estuary, with its scenic beauty, is another highlight. It is a haven for wildlife and offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and birdwatching. The Mawddach Trail, a picturesque walking and cycling path, follows the estuary and offers stunning views of the area.
Day 2 Ceredigion
The Mawddach estuary under Cadair Idris and the old town of Dolgellau, then south to Aberystwyth, where a Victorian cliff railway climbs to a view of 26 mountain peaks on a clear day. Aberaeron's painted Georgian harbour, and New Quay, where the boats go out after Cardigan Bay's dolphins.
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The estuary walk from Barmouth under Cadair Idris
The Mawddach Estuary is a beautiful coastal area in Gwynedd, North Wales, where the River Mawddach flows into Cardigan Bay. Surrounded by mountains, woodlands, and sandy shores, it offers stunning views of Cadair Idris and the surrounding landscape. The estuary is popular with walkers, cyclists, birdwatchers, and nature lovers, with the Mawddach Trail providing a scenic route along its southern shore. -
A stone-built market town, the gateway to southern Snowdonia
A historic market town with a rich history dating back to medieval times. Dolgellau features 17th-century houses, narrow streets, and the iconic stone bridge Pont y Wernddu. The architecture reflects the town's heritage and contributes to its considerable charm as a gateway to southern Snowdonia. -
Mid Wales seaside town and university city below a clifftop railway
The largest town in Mid Wales, home to the oldest of the Welsh universities and the National Library, with a castle ruin on the front. It faces due west across Cardigan Bay, so on summer evenings the sun goes down straight in front of the promenade. The funicular cliff railway of 1896, the longest in Britain, climbs Constitution Hill to a view of 26 peaks on a clear day, and the Vale of Rheidol steam railway leaves from the station for Devil's Bridge. -
Georgian harbour town of painted houses, beaches and honey ice cream
A beautiful harbour town on the Ceredigion coast, with two lovely beaches, a picturesque harbour, and an array of multi-coloured Georgian terraced houses. 'The Hive' is famous for its honey ice cream, and the town offers charming gift shops and cafes. -
Harbour town on Cardigan Bay, and a launch point for dolphin trips
It is known for its picturesque harbor and sandy beaches. New Quay is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its beautiful scenery, wildlife, and charming atmosphere. The town offers various activities such as boat trips, dolphin watching, fishing, and coastal walks.
Day 3 Pembrokeshire to St Davids
Cardigan, home of the first recorded Eisteddfod, and the cove at Mwnt. Into Pembrokeshire by Newport and Dinas, then Porthgain's brick and slate harbour and the surf at Whitesands. The last stop is St Davids Cathedral, sunk in its valley so, they say, raiders from the sea wouldn't see it.
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Aberteifi — a castle town at the mouth of the Teifi
Cardigan is a historic market town in Ceredigion, West Wales, situated on the River Teifi near the coast. The town is famous for Cardigan Castle, which has played an important role in Welsh history and is believed to be the birthplace of the first recorded Eisteddfod. Cardigan is surrounded by beautiful countryside and coastal scenery, making it a popular destination for visitors exploring West Wales. -
A hidden Cardigan Bay cove of sand, cliffs and coastal wildlife
A hidden gem on the Cardigan Bay coast, offering a mix of stunning scenery, wildlife, and historical charm. Whether you're looking to relax on the beach, explore coastal paths, or enjoy outdoor activities, Mwnt provides a tranquil escape in nature. -
Coastal town of sandy beaches and cliffs beside the national park
A picturesque coastal town in Pembrokeshire celebrated for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. It features sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, and close proximity to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, making it ideal for hiking and outdoor activities. The town boasts ancient monuments and traditional Welsh architecture reflecting its maritime past. -
A village between two bays under Dinas Island
Dinas Cross is a small village in Pembrokeshire, West Wales, located close to the beautiful Pembrokeshire Coast. It is surrounded by rolling countryside and is near the famous Pembrokeshire Coast Path, making it a popular area for walkers and nature lovers. The village is also close to beaches such as Pwllgwaelod and Cwm yr Eglwys, which offer stunning coastal scenery and peaceful surroundings. -
A tiny brick-hoppered quarry harbour on the Pembrokeshire coast
Porthgain is a small historic harbour village on the Pembrokeshire coast in West Wales. Once a busy industrial port, it was known for exporting slate and bricks, and the remains of the old brickworks can still be seen today. Surrounded by dramatic cliffs and beautiful coastal scenery, Porthgain is now a popular stop along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path and a great place to enjoy the rugged beauty of the Welsh coastline. -
Golden sands and Atlantic surf below the cliffs near St Davids
A beautiful beach near St Davids, celebrated for its soft golden sands and rugged cliffs along the Atlantic coast. Popular for surfing and kayaking, the beach attracts outdoor enthusiasts. The adjacent coastal path offers spectacular hiking with trails leading to breathtaking viewpoints and diverse marine life. -
Ancient cathedral at the heart of Britain's smallest city, entry free
Britain's smallest city grew around the monastery St David founded in the 6th century. The cathedral was built low in a hollow of the Alun valley, on sloping, marshy ground, out of sight of raiders from the sea, and the floor still slopes. Beside it stand the ruins of the medieval Bishop's Palace. Entry is free; donations are welcome.
What guests say
John devised an amazing immersive agenda for our 8 days in Wales, including dramatic scenery (Cwm Idwal National Park, Menai Bridge, Llanrwst, South Stack, Betws-y-coed..), neolithic burial sites (Bryn Celli Ddu), castles (!), St. David’s, Laugharne, the university at Aberystwyth, Brecon Beacons, Hay-on-Wye, Caerleon, and the Big Pit National Coal Museum. Highlight however was watching Wales Rugby in a pub in Tenby: Victory!
I had an amazing three days touring with John. He’s friendly, knowledgeable, and flexible. I definitely recommend reaching out to him.
Frequently asked questions
- Can we change the itinerary?
Yes. Every tour we run is customised, so treat this itinerary as a starting point. Tell us what interests you and we will build the days around it.
- Can this tour be combined with other tours, or made longer or shorter?
Yes. A day tour can be built into a multi-day tour, and a multi-day tour can be shortened, extended or joined to another. Tell us how many days you have and we will plan around them.
- Are admission fees included?
No. Entry to castles, gardens and other attractions is paid on the day, where a fee applies. Many of the castles are cared for by Cadw, and we can advise on the best-value tickets when you book.
- Is food included?
No. As we tour we will suggest eating places that our guests have enjoyed.
- What should we wear and bring?
Sensible footwear for some light walking, and a rain jacket, just in case.
- How much walking is involved?
Some, and none of it strenuous: the walk from the car to a castle gate or a viewpoint. If walking is a concern, tell us and we will plan the stops accordingly.
- Where should we stay?
Somewhere central, so that touring time is not spent driving to the start. Our accommodation advice lists places our guests have used, and we are happy to suggest a base for your tour.
