9 to 11 nights
115 mls (km)
South Wales
Easy to Moderate
Mar to Oct
£1175

Where the City Meets the Sea; The Diverse Landscape of the South Wales/Severn Estuary

  • Cardiff Bay is the capital's thriving marina and a popular tourist destination – take an extra day to enjoy at your leisure
  • Seaside resorts of Barry and Penarth
  • Rest Bay at Porthcawl, world-renowned for its surf
  • RSPB Newport Wetlands - a sanctuary for wildlife, a quiet moment for birdwatching and cafe stop
  • From Port Talbot to Porthcawl you encounter the infamous 800 year old Sker House, made famous by R. D.  Blackmore in his book ‘The Maid of Sker’
  • Sweeping views out from the iconic Newport Transporter Bridge (only one other of its kind in UK)
  • Nearing 1,000 years old, the stunning Norman architecture of Chepstow Castle showcases the oldest surviving post-Roman stone fortification in Britain

South Wales Coast Path: Rugged Cliffs and Coastline

The estuary's landscape, disseminated with steelworks, power stations and lighthouses could go some way to explaining why the dramatic cliff-scape remains overlooked. The unusual rock formations that cover the heritage coast have been used in TV productions - including Doctor Who - where the striking characteristics of the coastline have doubled up as the surface of alien planets.

Old railway lines follow alongside the estuary, where the surging Atlantic and rivers that meet form a protected environment for over 85,000 migratory birds. As you make your way towards the English border, the riverbanks and marshland meet huge, impressive structures - such as the arches of the Severn Bridge stretching over the banks that emerge along the river. Reaching the castle at Chepstow towering over the River Wye, heralds the end of the Wales Coast Path (but the start of the Offa’s Dyke Path– for a complete circuit of Wales).

Map of our South Wales Coast Path Walking Holiday route
This section of the Wales Coast Path takes you from Swansea to Chepstow

Path Walkthrough

A canal towpath leads out of Swansea, where you follow the old way out alongside Crymlyn Bog. This National Nature Reserve is one of the most important wetland sites in Europe and its extensive reed and sedge beds are home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Its survival is remarkable considering its location next to industrialised Swansea.

The start of the journey is occupied by power stations and steelworks, but the path thereon is predominantly sand dunes toward Ogmore, passing the coastal town of Porthcawl. Rugged cliffs and wooded slopes along the dramatic Glamorgan Heritage coast provide panoramic views, before meeting the seaside resort of Barry.

From the esplanade at Penarth to Cardiff Bay Barrage and waterfront you have an easy-going walk overlooking the Mouth of the River Severn. Through the industrial fringes of Newport you pass the RSPB Wetlands Centre, here the path re-joins the coast past Goldcliff, around the medieval town of Redwick. The Severn bridge emerges into view as the route meets the Severn estuary, occasionally heading inland through fields towards Chepstow.

Our South Wales Coast & Severn Estuary Itineraries

  • Swansea to Chepstow
    Distance: 115 miles (185km)
    SWSE1
    11 Nights, 10 Days
    from £1470 pp
    SWSE1 ~ Swansea to Chepstow ~ 11 / 10 classic
    Easy to Moderate,
    DayWalkDistance
    Day 1Arrive Swansea 1n
    Day 2Swansea to Port Talbot13 mls /20.9 km1n
    Day 3Port Talbot to Porthcawl10 mls /16.1 km1n
    Day 4Porthcawl to Southerndown11 mls /17.7 km1n
    Day 5Southerndown to Gileston (t)12 mls /19.3 km1n
    Day 6(t) Gileston to Barry11 mls /17.7 km1n
    Day 7Barry to Cardiff Bay13 mls /20.9 km1n
    Day 8Cardiff Bay to Newport Lighthouse Park (t)11 mls /17.7 km2n
    Day 9(t) Newport Lighthouse Park to Newport Wetlands (t)10 mls /16.1 km
    Day 10(t) Newport Wetlands to Caldicot14 mls /22.5 km1n
    Day 11Caldicot to Chepstow10 mls /16.1 km1n
    Day 12Depart Chepstow 
    (t) = transfer required to / from the path as standard.
    (n) = no. of night's stay as standard.
    Transfers and stays may change based on availability during busy periods.

    or ask us a question
    What's Included:
    10 walking days
    11 nights
    11 breakfasts
    + all our usuals
    2024 Prices
    Extras
    <~ Go back to all itineraries
    SWSE2
    9 Nights, 8 Days
    from £1175 pp
    SWSE2 ~ Swansea to Chepstow ~ 9 / 8 classic
    Easy to Moderate,
    DayWalkDistance
    Day 1Arrive Swansea 1n
    Day 2Swansea to Margam (t)14.5 mls /23.3 km1n
    Day 3(t) Margam to Ogmore (t)16 mls /25.7 km1n
    Day 4(t) Ogmore to Gileston (t)15.5 mls /24.9 km1n
    Day 5(t) Gileston to Barry11 mls /17.7 km1n
    Day 6Barry to Cardiff Bay13 mls /20.9 km1n
    Day 7Cardiff Bay to Newport Transporter Bridge16.5 mls /26.6 km1n
    Day 8Newport to Redwick14.5 mls /23.3 km1n
    Day 9Redwick to Chepstow14 mls /22.5 km1n
    Day 10Depart Chepstow 
    (t) = transfer required to / from the path as standard.
    (n) = no. of night's stay as standard.
    Transfers and stays may change based on availability during busy periods.

    or ask us a question
    What's Included:
    8 walking days
    9 nights
    9 breakfasts
    + all our usuals
    2024 Prices
    Extras
    <~ Go back to all itineraries
    • Good standard accommodation at a mixture of guesthouses, farmhouses, local inns and B&Bs 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 South Wales Coast & Severn Estuary holidays are available to walk March to October.

    We arrange holidays along this section of the Welsh Coast between Mar - October. Generally, the South Wales coast has a mild, temperate climate and plenty of opportunities throughout the year to make the most of the fair weather at places like Penarth, Cardiff Bay, Barry and Porthcawl.

    Getting to the most well connected route out of the Wales Coast Path shouldn't be a problem. Eastbound trains run directly to Swansea, while other directions typically change at Bristol Parkway and Cardiff. There are good overseas connections from Cardiff International airport and regular bus services running nearby all sections of the path.

    If you wish to upgrade your overnight accommodation on occasion, we will be happy to arrange this wherever availability allows – prices to be advised. 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. Call one of our helpful team on +44 (0)1291 689774 or e-mail us here.

    South Wales Coast & Severn Estuary Client Reviews

    4.8/5 based on 6 reviews
    The walk was extremely varied and interesting. Celtic Trails offers alternative itinerary for each walk which allows you to choose a distance you are comfortable to walk each day. Having someone to organise accommodations and transfers for you is lovely. We've already booked to walk Carmarthen to Swansea with Celtic Trails in September.
    - June 2023
    A first class service + + + My aim was to walk around Wales before my birthday and I did!
    - August 2019
    Celtic Trails pay a thorough attention to detail - I would recommend them. I particularly like having a dedicated tour organiser,
    - July 2019
    We would describe our experience with Celtic Trails as completely stress free and relaxing. It was a great opportunity to meet fellow walkers, enjoy superb scenery; the wild flowers were simply stunning.
    - May 2019
    This holiday made me feel better, I lost a little weight and it stimulated me to do more walking in the future. Great!
    - April 2019
    Accommodations all very good.
    - June 2018
    Leave your own review of your South Wales Coast & Severn Estuary Walking Holiday with us - add review.
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    What Happens Next?

    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 South Wales Coast & Severn Estuary
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    Sample Accommodations

    Please note: exact accommodation booked will depend on availability.