Walk the Wales Coast Path from Chester to Flint

By Dave Roberts   

on December 16, 2020   5/5 (1)

Walk the Wales Coast Path from Chester to Flint

Further Details

Route Summary:

Rather pedestrian start to the Wales Coast Path through Flintshire that’s dominated by the long, straight plod along the straightened Dee.

Start and Finish: Chester to Flint

Distance: 21.1 km

Ascent: 66 m

Time: Around 5 hours

Timings are approximate and depend on the individual. Calculate the time using Naismith’s Rule and factor in your own pace.

Facilities:

Pubs, cafes and shops are available at the start of the section in Chester, Cei Connah / Connah’s Quay around half way and at Fflint at the end of the section.

Public Transport:

There are regular trains between Flint and Chester making it the ideal way to complete this section. You can also walk it over two days as there’s a train station at Shotton.

Traveline for UK Public Transport

Hazards:

Remember that we cannot outline every single hazard on a walk – it’s up to you to be safe and competent. Read up on Keeping Safe on the Wales Coast Path,  Navigation and the Gear and Equipment you’ll need.

Wales Coast Path Guidebooks:

Recommended Wales Coast Path Maps

Walk the Wales Coast Path from Chester to Flint Ordnance Survey Map and GPX File Download

Download file for GPS

Walk the Wales Coast Path from Chester to Flint

The first section of the Wales Coast Path technically starts on the border with England near Saltney in Flintshire. However, the River Dee / Afon Dyfrdwy separates them and the best way to get here is to start the route from the city of Chester and follow the Chester Canal Link from the Station to the route’s start. Despite being 20km in length, the lack of ascent or challenge makes it an easy starting section. To make a day of it, you can explore Chester which is a beautiful walled city, just don’t get tempted by the shops as you’ll need to carry anything you buy to Chepstow if walking the lot!

There will presumably be some alignment with the England Coast Path when that opens in 2020, and we’ll modify the description once there’s clarity on the route.

The section of the North Wales Coast Path from Chester to Flint, starts off from Chester Station and the first section being unofficial isn’t way-marked. However, it offers pleasant urban walking and a stretch along the towpath of the Shropshire Union Canal, along Catherine Street to an area known as The Cop. Here you’ll spot your very first Wales Coast Path way-mark, despite being in England! An easy and tarmacked cycle track, the NCN 89 if you’re interested, brings you to the border with Wales and the true start of the Wales Coast Path.

It’s a relentless plod along the cycle track, but the going is easy enough, but you’ll be glad to see the Queensferry Blue Bridge and the opportunity soon after to cross the river and walk along the opposite bank and get some real mud under your boots as the Wales Coast Path takes to a footpath over the embankment. The coastal path continues in a similar vein as it continues past Connah’s Quay, the Flintshire Bridge and finally on to Flint. Only as you reach Flint does the Wales Coast Path return to the coast.

Flint is on the Dee Estuary and the location of Flint Castle, one of Edward I’s oldest Welsh Castles and one of many you’ll pass on the Wales Coast. Construction begun in 1277, this was the first of his Iron Ring of fortresses designed to subdue the Welsh. Those looking to subdue their thirst or hunger will find plenty of choices in the town. Flint Castle was also featured in William Shakespeare’s play, Richard II as the location our eponymous protagonist is captured by his cousin and rival to the crown – Henry Bolingbroke.

 

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Dave Roberts

Dave Roberts founded Walk Eryri in 2004, with the aim of providing routes that are off the beaten track. Walk Eryri is now part of Mud and Routes which continues to provide more off beat routes and walks in Snowdonia and beyond. Dave has been exploring the hills of Eryri for over thirty years, and is a qualified Mountain Leader. Dave also established Walk up Snowdon, Walk up Scafell Pike and Walk up Ben Nevis just to mention a few.

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Wales Coast Path Sections

Guidebooks and Maps

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