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 Eryri National Park (Snowdonia), along the coast where the mountain Cadair Idris, towers over the horizon.
Highlights
The Meirionnydd Coast Path forms the wilder, more remote section of the Wales Coast Path with numerous sites of historical interest built into the coast's 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 on 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.
Your holiday begins in Porthmadog, along the causeway that cuts through marshlands towards Minffordd and Portmeirion. 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.
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Meirionnydd forms part of the 870 miles of Wales open for discovery along the coast, one of nine distinct and varied sections of the Wales Coast Path. Browse our page on walking the Wales Coast Path for more information on where to take your journey next.
From here, the path joins the Ceredigion Coast Path - Britain’s first Marine Heritage Coast - designated as a special area of conservation for its abundance of wildlife. Preceding the route: The Llŷn Peninsula.
The castle was built in the 13th century by Edward l, and was designed as a strategic point for the king's invasion and conquest of Wales. The castle was laid siege to at the start of the 15th century by Owain Glyndŵr, becoming his residence until the fortress was recaptured by English forces in 1409.
Where the sea has receded, the castle is stranded upon a rock and can be visited today across a specially constructed footbridge. The medieval structure is well preserved, with a chance to gaze out onto the landscape before you from the ramparts.
The Italianate village was the brainchild of the architect Clough Williams-Ellis, who stated that he ‘wanted to pay tribute to the Mediterranean’. Apart from its unconventional deign, the village is also well known as the setting for the cult 1960s TV series The Prisoner.
The village is in the community of Penrhyndeudraeth, on the estuary of the River Dwyryd - 2 miles (3.2 km) south east of Porthmadog. The resort is a point of curiosity among the landscape of the Welsh Coast, and remains a top tourist destination to this day.
Looking for different mileages or a different number of nights? Please contact us to discuss how our itineraries can be adjusted to meet your specific needs.
Looking for different mileages or a different number of nights? Please contact us to discuss how our itineraries can be adjusted to meet your specific needs.
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