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Walk the Wales Coast Path from Aberdaron to Abersoch

By Dave Roberts   

on December 16, 2020   5/5 (1)

Walk the Wales Coast Path from Aberdaron to Abersoch

Further Details

Route Summary:

This is a long section with a fair bit of climb as the path reaches nearly 300m above Porth Neigwl. It’s a flat stretch to the hamlet of Llangenan, where you’ll hope the Sun Inn is open, but with a good walk via Porth Ceiriad before you can relax at Abersoch.

Start and Finish: Aberdaron to Abersoch

Distance: 31.2 km

Ascent: 668 m

Time: Allow 8 to 10 hours.

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

Facilities:

Few on the route other than the Sun Inn just off path in Llanengan

Public Transport:

The Bws Llyn is only £1, and can be used to get from the start/end of this route as far as Nefyn or Abersoch.

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 Aberdaron to Abersoch Ordnance Survey Map and GPX File Download

Download file for GPS

Walk the Wales Coast Path from Aberdaron to Abersoch

From Aberdaron, the Wales Coast Path heads back east via the higher ground at Rhiw, Porth Neigwl (Hell’s Mouth), Bwlch Tocyn and on to the seaside resort of Abersoch. There’s a mix of good coastal walking and some unwelcome inland diversions that detract somewhat from this section were it all along the coast. That said, until a few years ago most of this section lacked rights of way near the coast and is testament to the relentless work by access officers to find solutions to the access problems.

Aberdaron to Rhiw

Before heading off from Aberdaron, you should decide if you first need to take a day off and set off to visit Ynys Enlli (Bardsey Island in English), which as one of the many small islands on the Welsh Coast that most walkers of the Wales Coast Path will never set foot upon. Bardsey Island Boat Trips organise day trips to the island for £40 per adult, or you can stay on the island for a week on one of the many holiday lets available to rent by the Enlli Island Trust. This follows in the footsteps of the pilgrims to Ynys Enlli, who set off from Aberdaron (from nearby Porth Meudwy these days). A church has been here since the 6th century, and was an important centre of learning and a monastery. Y Gegin Fawr (big kitchen) was built in the 13th century to feed the pilgrims, and today feeds the tourists who flock here as it’s currently a tea room.

The Wales Coast Path sets off on a promising inland route along the Afon Daron, but soon follows a country lane as the area around Trwyn y Penrhyn currently lacks access. Fortunately, after 3km the coastal path returns to the sea at Porth Cadlan. Heading around Poth Ysgo and taking an inland track to climb Mynydd Penarfynydd to a fine viewpoint back over Porth Llawenan. The route ahead is dominated by Porth Neigwl, with the path keeping high as it contours around Mynydd y Graig before descending towards the far end of Porth Neigwl via Plas yn Rhiw.

Across Porth Neigwl to Llanengan

What used to be a long beach walk, is now restricted to a 7km farmland ramble. You are no longer permitted to descend to the beach at the far end of Porth Neigwl as the cliffs are unstable, so an unappealing inland diversion is required. Towards the end – Llangengan is a short diversion of around 1km (and back) and may well be too far unless you’re planning on finishing the day’s walking here.

Porth Neigwl to Abersoch via Porth Ceiriad

The final section is again one that until a few years ago, lacked any sort of coastal right of way but now has a footpath that sticks faithfully to the coast for the 14km to Abersoch. The highlight of the section is undoubtedly Porth Ceiriad, but it’s all good coastal walking with the path keeping high with plentiful views. The coast south should be visible on a good day, with the mountains of Snowdonia beyond. Abersoch, after such a long section will be a welcome sight, with plenty of places to eat and drink.

 

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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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