9 to 11 nights
115 mls (km)
South Wales
Easy to Moderate
Mar to Oct
£1000

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

  • Cardiff Bay is the capitals thriving marina and a popular tourist destination – ideal for leaving an extra day to take in the area at your leisure
  • Seaside resorts of Barry and Penarth
  • Rest Bay at Porthcawl, world-renowned for its surf
  • National nature reserve at Newport affords a quiet moment for birdwatching and a sanctuary for wildlife
  • From Port Talbot to Portcawl you encounter an old building named Sker House, made famous by RD 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)
  • Norman Castle at Chepstow, the oldest surviving post-Roman stone fortification in Britain

South Wales Coast Path: Rugged Cliffs and Coastline

The estuaries landscape, disseminated with steelworks, power stations and lighthouses could go some way to explaining why the dramatic cliffscape remains overlooked. The unusual rock formations that cover the heritage coast have been used in TV production - 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 around 85,000 migratory birds and upwards over the winter. As you make your way toward 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, on 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

An old canal towpath leads out of Swansea, where you follow the old way out alongside Crymlyn bog, a large nature reserve, shortly following a stretch of road toward the sands at Port Talbot. 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 Glamorgan Heritage coast, 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 Seven. Through the industrial fringes of Newport you pass the 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 £1250 pp
    SWSE1 ~ Swansea to Chepstow ~ 11 / 10 classic
    DaysLocationDistance
    Day 1Arrival Swansea
    Day 2Swansea to Port Talbot13 miles/21km
    Day 3Port Talbot to Porthcawl       10 miles/16km
    Day 4Porthcawl to Southerndown             11 miles/17.5km
    Day 5Southerndown to Gileston12 miles/19.2km
    Day 6Gileston to Barry                    11 miles/17.5km
    Day 7Barry to Cardiff Bay13 miles/21km
    Day 8Cardiff Bay to Lighthouse Park11 miles/17.5km
    Day 9Lighthouse Park to Newport Wetlands10 miles/16km
    Day 10Newport Wetlands to Caldicot14 miles/22.5km
    Day 11Caldicot to Chepstow10 miles/16km
    Day 12Depart Chepstow


    or ask us a question
    What's Included:
    10 walking days
    11 nights accommodation
    11 breakfasts
    + all our usuals
    Prices
    Extras
    <~ Go back to all itineraries
    SWSE2
    9 Nights, 8 Days
    from £1000 pp
    SWSE2 ~ Swansea to Chepstow ~ 9 / 8 classic
    DaysLocationDistance
    Day 1Arrival Swansea
    Day 2Swansea to Margam14.5 miles/23km
    Day 3Margam to Ogmore16 miles/25.5km
    Day 4Ogmore to Gileston           15.5 miles/25km
    Day 5Gileston to Barry11 miles/17.5km
    Day 6Barry to Cardiff Bay13 miles/21km
    Day 7Cardiff Bay to Newport (Transporter Bridge)16.5 miles/26.5km
    Day 8Newport to Redwick14.5 miles/23km
    Day 9Redwick to Chepstow14 miles/22.5km
    Day 10Depart Chepstow


    or ask us a question
    What's Included:
    8 walking days
    9 nights accommodation
    9 breakfasts
    + all our usuals
    Prices
    Extras
    <~ Go back to all itineraries
    • 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 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 - Oct. 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 & Cardiff. Those coming in overseas can fly directly to Cardiff and there are also 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 5 reviews
    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.
    Booking Request - South Wales Coast & Severn Estuary
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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 £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.