From the outskirts of Chester in the north to the town of Chepstow in the south, the coastline of Wales spans an epic 870 miles. This magnificent coastline travels along estuaries and golden sand beaches, clifftops, medieval towns and passes by some of the most iconic scenery that Wales has to offer. Thankfully, the Wales Coast Path (Llwybr Arfordir Cymru) is the first path in the world to cover the entire coastline of a country. Whether your preference is for wild and rugged landscapes, or for a glimpse into the capital city of Cardiff, the Wales Coast Path is a clearly signposted and well tended route that can be followed easily.
Wherever your travels lead along the coastline of Wales, it’s worth spending some time walking along the coastal path. Along the North Wales coast, the scenery is ever changing. The further west you travel, the dramatic headlands of the Carneddau foothills meet the sea. Some of the best views of the North Wales coast can be found where the coastal path leaves the Victorian seaside town of Llandudno and heads towards the medieval town of Conwy. The benefits of walking along this stretch of coast, is that although you pass through a number of towns and villages, the views are spectacular. The landscape feels relatively remote but there are plenty of stopping points along the way.
The Wales Coast Path route from Llandudno to Conwy
The six mile walk along the WALES COAST PATH from the stunning West Shore Beach in Llandudno to the equally beautiful and wild Conwy Morfa Beach is a great walk for people of all fitness levels. Aside from a few short hills and some sections which cross the sand dunes, the route is flat with plenty of opportunities to stop along the way to rest, eat or drink. It’s a walk that can be completed in two hours without any stops, but take your time and there are great opportunities to stop at some fabulous drinking and dining spots en-route.
From Llandudno West Shore to Deganwy
DISTANCE TO COVER: 2 MILES
Starting on the promenade of Llandudno’s West Shore beach, the views are already dramatic. Across the bay, Conwy Mountain and the jagged North Wales coastline can be seen rising from the sea. Conwy Morfa Beach can be seen directly ahead, but the Wales Coast Path heads south along the promenade and towards the beach and sand dunes. Passing by the public car park and the West Shore Beach Cafe on the left, head inland passing the Minature Railway to the corner of Trinity Crescent, and there is a sign for the coastal path that leads up onto the sand dunes.
The path rises up and takes a meandering journey through the sand dunes, surrounded by natural coastal grasses, sea holly and teeming with wildlife. After a short while, the sand makes way for a gravel path which offers glimpses of the Maesdu Golf Club to the left and the sandy beach below to the right. At low tide, a large expanse of golden sand is visible and there are a some cut throughs where the beach is accessible from the path.
After a mile or so, the Wales Coast Path leads back down to the shoreline and follows the beach along a sandy section providing more of those amazing views of the coastline. The path follows along the beach for another half mile or so before heading towards the village of Deganwy.
Arriving into Deganwy, the path leads onto a small and pretty promenade with views across the Conwy Estuary towards Conwy Marina. Deganwy Promenade is a great point to stop and take in those epic views, as well as searching out the story boards scattered around. These detail some interesting history and heritage of the area. An important landmark at this point is the restored Edwardian beach shelter which was damaged during some strong winter storms in the mid 2010’s. The shelter was originally constructed in 1904, and has now been restored to its former glory. The intricate ironwork and colour scheme of the shelter provide the perfect spot to take a rest and look out across the bay.
From Deganwy to Conwy Harbour on the Wales Coast Path
DISTANCE TO COVER: 1.9 MILES
Revitalised from a refreshing drink, head back across the railway line and join the coast path heading south. From this point, the Wales Coast Path follows the Conwy Estuary heading alongside Deganwy Marina. There’s the option to take a detour at the Marina to the QUAY HOTEL AND SPA – another spot to grab a drink or some food with awesome views. Continuing past the Marina, the first unobscured views appear of the medieval town of Conwy across the river. The view is dominated by the 13th century Conwy Caste standing tall behind the pretty harbour of the town.
READ MORE: EXPLORING THE SPECTACULAR CASTLES OF NORTH WALES
The coastal path continues for a mile or so along the riverside towards the town of Llandudno Junction, before making a sharp right turn providing even more spectacular views of Conwy. The three bridges of Conwy and the castle sit below the backdrop of Tal-y-Fan, the northernmost mountain of the Carneddau Range. Conwy Quay is also clear to see with its moored fishing boats and The Smallest House in Great Britain. Following the pathway around to the left leads up towards the main road which heads over the bridge to Conwy, known locally as the flyover.
The path across the flyover towards Conwy is a great spot to enjoy the views out to sea. Deganwy can be seen in the foreground with the backdrop of the Great Orme headland rising up from the sea in Llandudno. It’s a stunning scene. Crossing the Conwy Bridge, the Wales Coast Path takes a right turn and heads down towards the beautiful harbour of the town. Seafood lovers can take the opportunity to sample of famous CONWY MUSSELS direct from the source, at the shop located on the quayside.
A drink with a harbour view
Without veering off course from the coastal path, summer is a great time to grab a drink at the LIVERPOOL ARMS on Conwy Quay. The oldest pub in Conwy, directly on the harbour, is built into the famous town walls and has ample outdoor seating along the Quay. A perfect spot to soak up the atmosphere of the town. There are plenty of other options for drinking and dining in the town, within a few minutes walk.
FURTHER READING: THINGS TO DO IN CONWY: A LOCAL’S GUIDE
From Conwy Quay to Conwy Morfa Beach
DISTANCE COVERED: 2.5 MILES
The last leg of this beach to beach walk leads out of Conwy, heading along the Quay from the Liverpool Arms and through an archway in the town walls. Following Lower Gate Street up a slight slope, a right turn leads down to the foreshore and Marine Walk. The Marine Walk section of the Wales Coast Path follows the line of the water, along a pathway covered by the woodland canopy of Bodlondeb Woods. From here, there are great views directly across the Conwy Estuary to Deganwy Marina.
Following the route along the woodland, the landscape opens up ahead and the path leads towards Conwy Marina. After passing a school on the left hand side, there’s a right turn onto Morfa Drive which leads across the A55 North Wales Expressway and onto the Marina complex. Conwy Marina is a lovely spot for a break, watching the world go by and admiring the impressive and expensive yachts moored on the water.
A pathway follows the length of the Conwy Marina heading north, before joining Beacons Way which leads back to the water. There’s a small sandy beach and pontoon at this section of the Coast Path, providing excellent views both north and south. With the final stretch of walk coming up, there’s a choice depending on whether the tide is in or out. The signposted Wales Coast Path follows a route along the scrubland next to the beach towards the sand dunes, with the Conwy Golf Club on the left. If the tide is out, there’s also the option to walk along the beach for the final mile or so.
Whether it’s a walk on the dunes path, or a walk along the beach, the final stretch of this walk heads towards the wonderful Conwy Morfa Beach, offering fabulous views in all directions. During low tide, Conwy Morfa is one of the most impressive beaches in Conwy County, with its large expanse of golden sand and views across to Anglesey and the Great Orme. Flanked by sand dunes which stretch the entire length, the beach feels private, wild and wonderful. A perfect end point to this stunning walk along the Wales Coast Path.
Food and drink at Conwy Marina and Conwy Morfa
After completing the walk, there should be time allowed for a rewarding drink or meal in this stunning setting. Whilst Conwy Morfa Beach has no facilities, the Aberconwy Resort sits nearby behind the dunes. This luxurious lodge park is home to one of the most popular dining spots in the area – SIGNATURES RESTAURANT. A stylish and contemporary restaurant only a few minutes from the beach and sitting under the dramatic headlands of Conwy, Signatures provides a great dining experience with a delicious and varied menu. The summer months are also a great time to sit out on The Patio with a drink and some sharing plates.
Heading back to Conwy Marina, THE MULBERRY pub and restaurant sits right on the waterside, with a large outdoor seating area overlooking the water. It’s family and dog friendly, and the perfect spot for a sundowner or a hearty meal.
REVERSE YOUR JOURNEY ON THE WALES COAST PATH
Depending on your plans, this six mile walk along the Wales Coast Path is equally rewarding by starting in Conwy and walking to Llandudno. My top recommendation for doing the reverse journey would be to time the arrival towards West Shore Beach for sunset. The sunsets at West Shore Beach are breathtaking when the conditions are right, and it’s arguably one of the best spots in the region to watch the sun go down.
LOOKING TO STAY NEARBY? TREAT YOURSELF TO A LUXURIOUS STAY AT BODYSGALLEN HALL & SPA
GETTING TO AND FROM LLANDUDNO OR CONWY
Both Llandudno and Conwy can be easily accessed by car from the A55 North Wales Expressway, and are both serviced by rail and bus.
BUS: There are regular bus services that run from Conwy to Llandudno (or Deganwy) and vice versa, which is perfect if you wish to do a one way walk and use public transport to return. Take a look at the latest BUS TIMETABLES.
TRAIN: Llandudno, Conwy and Deganwy all have railway stations and while there are fairly regular services between stations, the timetables are constantly changing due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Check the Transport for Wales website for the latest TRAIN TIMETABLES.
RELATED CONTENT
If spending more time in the area, take a look at some content below that may be of interest.
Additional simple walks with epic views in the area: SIMPLE NORTH WALES WALKS WITH EPIC VIEWS
Why not stay in Conwy: NUMBER 18 – THE MOST INSTAGRAMMABLE ACCOMMODATION IN CONWY
Considering Llandudno as your base: A GUIDE TO THE BEST ATTRACTIONS IN LLANDUDNO
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What a fabulous hike! I have walked part of the Coast Path in Wales, but not this particular section. Certainly whetted my appetite for the next time I visit.