Walking the complete Welsh Coast Path: A Chat with Graham Ford

Over the course of five years, Graham Ford embarked on an unforgettable journey with Celtic Trails: walking the entire Welsh Coast Path. We had a chance to speak with Graham about his incredible experience, the challenges he faced, and the moments that made it all worthwhile.

A Solo Adventure

Graham set out on this adventure as a solo walker, but he never felt alone. Meeting like-minded individuals from all over the world added an extra layer of camaraderie to his journey. Among the people he met, was a woman walking the entire path for charity and a Dutch traveller exploring the trail.

“The South Wales Coast Path is a safe, well-waymarked trail to walk solo,” Graham emphasised. “The sight of cyclists and walkers from both directions provided a comforting sense of community.It’s amazing to see that so many people are walking now, especially from overseas. It was wonderful to meet fellow like-minded adventurers. I actually saw more cyclists than walkers right at the beginning of the walk, following the River Dee, and this was in both directions on the trail.”

Five Years of Discovery

Graham began his journey with Celtic Trails, setting off from Chester to Chepstow; “which, on average, most people walk in this direction rather than the other—about three to one, I would say.” Graham tackled the path in sections, completing the entire walk in September 2024. Reflecting on the journey, Graham mentioned his earlier experience on the Coast Path, before the Welsh Coast Path was fully established.

“It was 15 years ago when I actually started out, by doing the Pembrokeshire part, from west to east, but I didn’t complete it all. This time around, however, I was going in the other direction, retracing old ground, which felt odd as I couldn’t remember all of it! I’ve also done the Anglesey trail, before the opening of the whole Welsh coastal path, so that was a sort of inspiration to try to do it all. Each section had its own attributes,” Graham explained. “The highlights I have to say, were the Gower Peninsula, Pembrokeshire, and the Llŷn Peninsula.Those sections all stood out for me.“

Memorable Challenges

Of course, a journey of this magnitude wasn’t without its hiccups. One standout moment occurred east of Aberdaron on the Llŷn Peninsula, where Graham lost the path entirely. “I gave feedback about that sectionafterwards,” Graham said, noting it seemed there had been diversions at the time.

“I lost the path altogether in a field and spent over 30 minutes going back and forth. Eventually, I opted to head for the coast, scrambled down to the beach, where I headed east, and eventually picked it up again on a minor road. Otherwise, I have to say, the path was very well waymarked the whole way.”

A more comical challenge came in Llanbedrog, where Graham accidentally set off a fire alarm while showering. Locked out of his room, he had to walk to the owner’s outhouse to resolve the situation.

“I went out onto the landing looking for the switch when the door closed, locking me out with just a towel around me. The owners lived in an outhouse about 100 yards down the road, so I had to step outside, walk down the path, and ring their doorbell! The host was quite understanding and saw the funny side…suggesting I go for a pint!” Graham laughed.

Practical Tips

Graham offered some practical advice for anyone considering walking the Welsh Coast Path:

“Celtic Trails were excellent at planning everything and are highly recommended. For me, it was helpful to stick with the same company for the entire path.”

• Plan Thoroughly: “Read up on the guidebooks—they offer a lot of historical insights. Study the maps and sections carefully.”
• Pack Smart:“Always be prepared for unpredictable weather in Wales…even in summer.”
• Pace Yourself: Graham enjoyed doing the path in sections, allowing him time to explore and take in the surroundings. “I’m retired, so I could have walked it all in one go, but I preferred to take my time, explore certain places, and not just walk.”
• Stay Hydrated: “There are plenty of places to fill up your water bottles, like youth hostels along the route.”

Highlights of the Walk

Graham described some of the most demanding yet rewarding parts of the journey:

• Pembrokeshire Coast: The stretch from Cardigan to Newquay stood out for its hills and breathtaking views.
• Llŷn Peninsula: Known for its unique character, this section features dramatic scenery, including the highest point on the entire path. “It felt like I was abroad,” Graham remarked.

Throughout the journey, Graham found every place to be walker-friendly, with locals accustomed to welcoming travellers like him.

What’s Next for Graham?

Having completed the Welsh Coast Path, Graham has already booked his next walking holiday: Scotland’s Great Glen Way, which he’ll be completing with Celtic Trails in 2025. This isn’t his first foray into long-distance walking, however; his repertoire includes trails like the Pennine Way, South West Coast Path, Coast to Coast, and The Ridgeway.

As for celebrating his achievement? Graham ended his Welsh Coast Path journey with a well-deserved visit to two brewery bars in Caldicot, enjoying his favourite real ales. Sounds delightful!

For those inspired by Graham’s journey, his advice is simple: