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Walk the Wales Coast Path from Aberdyfi to Machynlleth

By Dave Roberts   

on December 16, 2020   4/5 (1)

Posted in Wales Coast Path - Snowdonia Coast Path

Walk the Wales Coast Path from Aberdyfi to Machynlleth

Further Details

Route Summary:

A lofty inland diversion on the section between Aberdyfi and Pennal with extensive views, followed by a yomp through forestry plantations into Machynlleth.

Start and Finish: Aberdyfi to Machynlleth

Distance: 20.1 km

Ascent: 724 m

Time: 5 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 route other than a couple of pubs in Pennal, Y Garth and Riverside Hotel  – all facilities in Machynlleth

Public Transport:

The railway is recommended along the entire section from Pwllheli to Machynlleth.

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 Aberdyfi to Machynlleth Ordnance Survey Map and GPX File Download

Download file for GPS

Walk the Wales Coast Path from Aberdyfi to Machynlleth

The Wales Coastal Path from Aberdyfi (Aberdovey) to Machynlleth takes us far inland, parallel to the Dyfi Estuary as opposed to the coast. At the last two major estuaries of the Dwyryd and Mawddach, the walker had the luxury of using bridges as a shortcut, while here you’ll need to wear shoe leather in order to cover the 2km or so that divides Aberdyfi and Borth on the far side! There used to be a ferry from Aberdyfi to Ynyslas, which was stopped many years ago and the railway bridge here was built further inland at Dyfi Juncion. This is also the final section of the Wales Coast Path in Gwynedd and Snowdonia as you briefly enter Powys which boasts the shortest section of the coastal path.

Aberdyfi to Pennal

From Aberdyfi, the coastal path again heads for the hills. Following the Panorama Walk along a high ridge, it provides wide views across the Dyfi estuary and the hills of Snowdonia. The ancient route takes you high over Cwm Maethlon (Happy Valley), a popular location with tourists and walkers alike.  On the way, you’ll spot Carn March Arthur is a deep mark in the rock made by King Arthur’s horse, Llamrai while pulling the afanc from nearby Llyn Barfog. There’s a slate marker nearby. The afanc was a legendary creature said to have brought havoc onto nearby Aberdyfi. Afanc is also the welsh word for beaver – which would have been a common animal in the area around that time, but more likely to be an embellishment than a mutated killer beaver on the loose in the welsh hills. Llyn Barfog is a short diversion from the Wales Coast Path from here, and barring any beaver phobias, perfectly safe these days.

Llechwedd Ffens ar dop yr allt / Fence at the top of the hillside.
Bwlch y Llan Yn edrych i lawr i’r Foryd Dyfi / Looking down to the Dyfi Estuary.
Bryn Tyddynbridell / Tyddynbridell Hill Llethrau Bryn Tyddynbridell / Slopes of Tyddynbridell Hill
Carn March Arthur Stone of Arthur’s Horse
Llyn Barfog is a short diversion from the route

Pennal to Machynlleth

From Pennal, the path again strays into the hills. Unfortunately, this time the view is mostly obscured by the plantations and the forestry tracks hardly inspiring. They do at least make progress reasonably easy going. On the descent, you’ll pass close to Bron-yr-aur where Led Zeppelin spent time in 1970 to write some of their best known tracks, including Immigrant Song and Stairway to Heaven to name a few. Please note that this is a private residence.

Uwchben Pennal / Above Pennal Llwybr Arfordir Cymru a Lon Beicio 8 / Wales Coast Path and Cycle Route 8
The Wales Coast Path climbing Foel Gôch Here the path follows forestry roads.
Stile on the Wales Coastal Path At the boundary between forestry on Foel Gôch and open heath.
Looking up towards Foel Gôch on the Wales Coast Path A steep descent all the way down to the main road.
Who can resist a bit of Led Zep air guitar? Most people except me apparently..

 

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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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