Walk 
6 to 7 nights
60 mls (km)
North-West Wales
Moderate
Mar to Oct
£695
Time Stands Still in this Corner of the Welsh Heartland
- 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
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
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.
Our Meirionnydd Coastal Path Itineraries
Porthmadog to Machynlleth
Distance: 60 miles (96.5km)
MCP1
6 Nights
from £695
MCP1 ~ Porthmadog to Machynlleth ~ 6 / 5
classic
| Days | Locations | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival Porthmadog | |
| Day 2 | Porthmadog to Harlech | 11 miles/17.5km |
| Day 3 | Harlech to Tal-y-Bont | 10.5 miles/17km |
| Day 4 | Tal-y-Bont to Llwyngwril | 14 miles/22.5km |
| Day 5 | Llwyngwril to Aberdyfi | 12.5 miles/20km |
| Day 6 | Aberdyfi to Machynlleth | 12 miles/19.5km |
| Day 7 | Depart Machynlleth |
What's Included:
Prices
Extras
MCP2
7 Nights
from £770
MCP2 ~ Porthmadog to Machynlleth ~ 7 / 6
classic
| Days | Location | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival Porthmadog | |
| Day 2 | Porthmadog to Harlech | 11.5 miles/18.5km |
| Day 3 | Harlech to Tal-y-Bont | 10.5 miles/17km |
| Day 4 | Tal-y-Bont to Barmouth | 5.5 miles/8.5km |
| Day 5 | Barmouth to Llwyngwril | 9 miles/14km |
| Day 6 | Llwyngwril to Aberdyfi | 12.5 miles/20km |
| Day 7 | Aberdyfi to Machynlleth | 12 miles/19.5km |
| Day 8 | Depart Machynlleth |
What's Included:
Prices
Extras
These itineraries can be combined with the Ceredigion Coast Path - please contact us for further details.
- Good standard accommodation at a mixture of Guesthouses, Farmhouses, local Inns and B&B’s with en-suite or private facilities wherever possible
- Breakfast
- Luggage transfers
- Personal transfer between accommodation and path that form a part of our standard package
- Route planning
- Walk pack including Trail Guide and mapping, itinerary, accommodation directions and route notes, lunch and dinner information, restaurant recommendations and holiday planning details
You choose which day you would like your holiday to start on. We will book your holiday in accordance with your requirements.
Our Meirionnydd Coastal Path holidays are available to walk March to October.
We offer trips around the Meirionnydd coast from Mar-Oct, as the rest of the year will tend to experience a lot of rainfall. Although the climate is generally quite mild, walkers should be prepared for the possibility of rain. The driest month, July, has on average 98 mm of rainfall per month.
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.
Meirionnydd Coastal Path Client Reviews
4.9/5 based on 9 reviews
I would describe my experience with Celtic Trails as well organised.
Anon - September 2021
Anon - September 2020
Celtic Trails are better than other companies we've walked with - better accommodation, professional, friendly and helpful in all aspects. Great holiday, fantastic weather, very happy.
Anon. - September 2019
Good information given re: the walk, easy to contact via the 'phone and e-mail. Refreshing to be away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Gradually walking the Wales Coast Path from Chester.
C. Jones - September 2019
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.
West & Eilers - 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.
Busch - July 2019
A big thank you to Nathan and team for a perfect holiday.
Enderli - June 2018
Excellent service. Special thanks to Nathan and Anne :-)
Iles - 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!'
Dowey - July 2017
Booking Request - Meirionnydd Coastal Path
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 £150 per person (£100 per person for a single centre break) and book all your arrangements - find out about our full booking process 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.
Enquire About Meirionnydd Coastal Path
Our lines are open: 9am to 5pm (GMT), Monday to Friday
Sample Accommodations
Please note: exact accommodation booked will depend on availability.