Time Stands Still in this Corner of the Welsh Heartland

This is a landscape steeped in Welsh folklore, where the mountains and ancient structures of the region often form the subject of song and legend. The Meirionnydd Coast Path traces a course around Snowdonia National Park, along the coast where the mountain, Cadair Idris, towers over the horizon.

Highlights
  • This area is influential in the site of many of Owain Glyndŵr’s exploits – Harlech Castle and Machynlleth in particular
  • Take in the sights of the beautiful Mawddach Estuary with, views towards Cadair Idris
  • Walk along the sands at Barmouth beach
  • Dinas Oleu, the first National Trust property – a small diversion from the path
  • Ffestiniog – a steam powered railway running between Porthmadog and Blaenau Ffestiniog
  • The Italianate portside town of Portmeirion
  • 6 to 7 nights
  • 60 mls (view km)
  • Porthmadog, North-West Wales
  • Moderate
  • Mar to Oct
  • £545

Gazing Out Across Land and Sea from the Meirionnydd Coast Path

The Meirionnydd Coast Path forms the wilder, more remote section of the Wales Coast Path with numerous sites of historical interest built into the coasts rocky outcrop. Tiny churches and beaches lie cradled among the rocks and dunes as the path opens up and slopes beside the sea. Our trail links famous sites such as Harlech Castle, with prehistoric monuments dotted along the coastline – here we have a region unchanged, with an unbroken link across Welsh history.

Along your route, you have the option of visiting the famous Welsh town of Portmeirion. Perched in the slopes overlooking the river, the town was designed in 1925 and styled on an Italian portside village. Your route crosses paths with estuary, small fishing villages and miles of sandy beaches and typically steers a close course to the shore, with the exception of where our trail diverts inland to finish at Machynlleth – site of Owain Glyndŵr’s coronation.

Please be aware that this stretch of The Wales Coast Path is comparatively less populated than other routes along the Welsh coast. With that in mind - plan ahead, take a packed lunch from your hosts and anything else that you would usually buy en-route. There's no guarantee that there will be shops or services available in the small villages you come across along the way.

Path Walkthrough

Map of Meirionnydd Coast Path Walking Holiday
Our Meirionnydd walking route takes you along the coast from Porthmadog to Machynlleth

Your holiday begins in Porthmadog, along the causeway that cuts through marshlands towards Minffordd and Portmerion. From your woodland walk, there are glimpses of the coast past Harlech - where the path becomes predominantly coastal towards Barmouth.

A long viaduct (Barmouth bridge) takes you over the estuary toward Morfa Mawddach, where the section gradually becomes hillier beyond Fairbourne. The route descends toward Llwyngwril and climbs back towards Tywyn, where your route consists mainly of minor roads, drove paths and bridleways. From Tywyn, there is a long sandy walk to Aberdyfi and from there the route turns away from the sea where you take the remainder of the route through wild, rolling hillside towards Machynlleth.

Walk Gallery

Coast view from Harlech Castle Credit:Matt Buck
Walking Holidays West Wales
Meirionnydd Wales Coast Path
Wales Coast Path Meirionnydd
Ariel vew of Harlech castle, town and beach backdrop of the mountains in Snowdonia
Port at Portmeirion Hotel at dusk
smal crowd of beachgoers at Portmeirion Beach on the Meirionnydd Coast
image of Welsh countryside walking sheep and fields
Meirionnydd Walking through fields
Image of Harlech Castle
Image of The Clock Tower at Machynlleth
Meirionnydd Gallery Harlech Town and its Castle
Ffestiniog Railway Wales Coast Path Walking Image Gallery
Walking West Wales
View over the Meirionnydd Coastal Path
Meirionnydd Coastal Path

Meirionnydd Walking Holiday Itineraries

Prices are per person, based on 2 people sharing, single person supplements apply.

Porthmadog to Machynlleth

Length: 60 miles/ 96.5 km | Difficulty: Moderate

Code
Duration
From
MCP1
6 Nights / 5 Days
£545 pp
View Itinerary

Porthmadog to Machynlleth

6 Nights / 5 Days
Holiday Code: MCP1
From: £545 (pp)
Solo walker supplement: £35 (pn)
Single occupancy (groups): £25 (pn)
DaysLocationsDistance
Day 1Arrival Porthmadog
Day 2Porthmadog to Harlech11 miles/17.5km
Day 3Harlech to Tal-y-Bont      10.5 miles/17km
Day 4Tal-y-Bont to Llwyngwril            14 miles/22.5km
Day 5Llwyngwril to Aberdyfi12.5 miles/20km
Day 6Aberdyfi to Machynlleth                    12 miles/19.5km
Day 7Depart Machynlleth

Itinerary Information: 6 nights accommodation with 5 walking days. Arrive in Porthmadog on day 1, walk from day 2 and depart from Machynlleth on morning of day 7.

Departure Dates: This itinerary can be walked any time between Mar to Oct. You simply choose which day you would like your holiday to start on.

Rest Days: Should you wish, rest days can be taken at stops along the route, view details.

What's Included: view full details.

Back to all itineraries

MCP2
7 Nights / 6 Days
£640 pp
View Itinerary

Porthmadog to Machynlleth

7 Nights / 6 Days
Holiday Code: MCP2
From: £640 (pp)
Solo walker supplement: £35 (pn)
Single occupancy (groups): £25 (pn)
DaysLocationDistance
Day 1Arrival Porthmadog
Day 2Porthmadog to Harlech11.5 miles/18.5km
Day 3Harlech to Tal-y-Bont             10.5 miles/17km
Day 4Tal-y-Bont to Barmouth5.5 miles/8.5km
Day 5Barmouth to Llwyngwril                    9 miles/14km
Day 6Llwyngwril to Aberdyfi                    12.5 miles/20km
Day 7Aberdyfi to Machynlleth12 miles/19.5km
Day 8Depart Machynlleth

Itinerary Information: 7 nights accommodation with 6 walking days. Arrive in Porthmadog on day 1, walk from day 2 and depart from Machynlleth on morning of day 8.

Departure Dates: This itinerary can be walked any time between Mar to Oct. You simply choose which day you would like your holiday to start on.

Rest Days: Should you wish, rest days can be taken at stops along the route, view details.

What's Included: view full details.

Back to all itineraries

Prices based on two people sharing, single-supplements estimated at £35.00

  • What's Included?

    We include:

    • Accommodation provided in high standard B&Bs, farmhouses and small local inns, with en-suite or private facilities where available
    • Breakfast included in price
    • Flexible itinerary with choice of daily distances to suit requirements
    • Walk pack including Trail Guide, itinerary, accommodation directions, local interest leaflets and holiday planning
    • Daily luggage transfers

    Optional:

    • Extra rest day to explore the local and surrounding areas at your leisure
  • Price Info.

    Solo walker supplement: £35 per night

    Single occupancy supplement within a group: £25 per night. Where singles are walking as part of a larger group and are willing to share a Walk Pack, single room occupancy supplements apply.

    Rest days: From £50 per person per night.

    Postage overseas: £5.00 (Europe), £10.00 (Rest of the World) per walk pack

    Bank holidays & short notice bookings may incur extra charges.

    Upgrade accommodation

    If you wish to upgrade your overnight accommodation on occasion, we will be happy to arrange this wherever availability allows – prices to be advised.

  • Getting There

    Trains call at Porthmadog roughly once every two hours Monday - Saturday, with a solitary train stopping in each direction on Sundays. During the day, trains run through to/from Shrewsbury and Birmingham International (joining or splitting from a portion to/from Aberystwyth), but in the evening they start/terminate at Machynlleth.

    Trains from Machynlleth meet Pwllheli and Aberystwyth, towards Shrewsbury and Birmingham International. The service in each direction is approximately two trains hourly.

    Bus services cover the area from Bangor to Aberystwyth.

  • Best Time to Travel

    We offer trips around the Meirionnydd coast from Mar-Oct, as the rest of the year will tend to experience heavy rainfall. Although the climate is generally quite mild, walkers should be prepared for the possibility of heavy rain. The driest month, July, has on average 98 mm of rainfall per month.

    Average Sunshine Day Meirionnydd Porthmadog Wales                                        Average Rainfall Meirionnydd Porthmadog Wales                                       Average Temperature Meirionnydd Porthmadog Wales

Client Reviews of Our Meirionnydd Coast Path Walking Holiday

Our past clients rated this walk 5 out of 5; read a selection of 5 reviews below.

Celtic Trails - well organised, thorough checking of dietary requirements, great communication, accommodation to a high standard. This holiday had a deeply positive impact on body and mind. My mum was ecstatic to see this part of the country, feeling revitalised for the year ahead. As a wildlife and plant lover, my mum thoroughly enjoyed the dunes, the hills, the history and the people we met along the way. Personally, I savoured the luxury of a comfortable bed and delicious breakfast to see me right for a day of exploring. All round a great experience.

5 out of 5

August 2019

We were very happy with all aspects. We have done plenty of hiking and camping, but this was our first organised walk of this type - very organsied and good accommodations; the description in the materials accurately reflected what the trip would be like. We enjoyed the local people and interactions that we had along the way.

5 out of 5

July 2019

A big thank you to Nathan and team for a perfect holiday.

5 out of 5

June 2018

Excellent service. Special thanks to Nathan and Anne :-)

5 out of 5

June 2018

'We want to use this space say thank you to Nathan Murphy for his help, patience, support, and advice. We also enjoyed seeing a part of the world that is a secret too well kept. More people should walk the WCP!'

4.9 out of 5

July 2017

Leave your own review of your Meirionnydd Coastal Path Walking Holiday with us here

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We will check your details and come back to you within two working days with a personalised estimate based on your requirements. We will then formally request a deposit of £100 per person (£150 for solo walkers) and book all your arrangements - find out about our full booking porcess here.

Please note this does not constitute a booking confirmation, we kindly ask you to refrain from booking any travel until we have confirmed all your arrangements.

Still Have Questions?

If you are still unsure on any of your requirements, please do enquire with us first and one of our friendly team will be happy to help you with any queries you have.