Walk the Wales Coast Path from Aberystwyth to Aberaeron
By Dave Roberts
Posted in Wales Coast Path - Ceredigion Coast Path
Walk the Wales Coast Path from Aberystwyth to Aberaeron
Further Details
Route Summary:
From Aberystwyth, the route takes on a strenuous lofty section with plenty of ascent and views before finishing off at the picturesque Aberaeron.
Start and Finish: Aberystwyth to Aberaeron
Distance: 26.8 km
Ascent: 664 m
Time: 8 hours
Timings are approximate and depend on the individual. Calculate the time using Naismith’s Rule and factor in your own pace.
Facilities:
All facilities in Aberystwyth and Aberaeron with facilities ar Llanrhystud and Llanon.
Public Transport:
The T5 Trawscambria runs an hourly service between Aberystwyth, Llanrhystud, Llanon and Aberaeron, This continues on to Fishguard / Abergwaun , making walking the Ceredigion section using public transport a feasible option. The timetable and map can be seen here.
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.
Walk the Wales Coast Path from Aberystwyth to Aberaeron Ordnance Survey Map and GPX File Download
Download file for GPS
Walk the Wales Coast Path from Aberystwyth to Aberaeron
The Wales Coast Path from Aberystwyth to Aberaeron continues on the former Ceredigion Coast Path. The route is lengthy, but there are options to cut this section short in numerous places along the way at Llanrhystud and Llannon.
Aberystwyth to Llanrhystud
Aberystwyth is both University town and a seaside resort, and also boasts the usual castle. Aberystwyth Castle was another of Edward I’s castles, built from 1277-1289. However, it had a turbulent history, being destroyed by the locals in 1282, captured by Owain Glyndwr and eventually slighted by Oliver Cromwell. Aberystwyth University was founded in 1872 and one of the founding members of the University of Wales. While the town has a resident population of around 13,000, the university swells this by another 10,000 or so during term time. However, unlike some other university towns, it still retains some life during the summer months when it springs to life as a seaside resort.
From Aberystwyth the Wales Coast Path heads south along the Ceredigion coast, and after a flat section along Traeth Tanybwlch it heads sharply up Alltwen. There’s no respite, as this section of the coastal path has over 600m of ascent until you reach Llanrhystud. The route keeps high above the sea, with no beaches to explore on this section. Highlights include the natural arch at Twll Twrw / Monk’s Cave and the Penderi Cliffs. Llanrhystud boasts a pub (The Black Lion), so you can rest your legs after a rather tough section of coastal walking.



Llanrhystud to Aberaeron
From Llanrhystud, the coastal path heads towards Llanantffraid and Llanon, with the going much flatter than the first section. While the route doesn’t pass through Llanon, there’s a pub here (White Swann Inn) for those looking for a break. It’s then over the exposed Graig Ddu cliffs, and along the erosion prone Clochtyddiau Pridd before arriving at the village of Aberarth with it’s painted houses giving a hint of things to come. It’s only a couple of kilometres along easy coast before the section finishes in the picturesque seaside town of Aberaeron.
Dave Roberts
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