Are you looking for the best coastal walks in North Wales? With over 370 miles of coastline, sandy beaches and rocky cliffs, you’ll be spoilt for choice! Shall we make things a little easier for you? These are some of our favourite walks that allow you to take in this country’s stunning maritime views whilst enjoying a challenging hike or a quieter stroll.
5 of the Best Coastal Walks in North Wales
Being a popular tourist destination surrounded by the sea, Anglesey island is probably the best place to start looking for the perfect coastal walk: you could even circle around the whole island, thanks to the 124-mile-long Anglesey Coastal Path! However, that can only be achieved across several days or a long holiday, so we recommend starting with the Trearddur Bay to Holyhead section.This scenic 12-mile walk will allow you to admire some peaceful sandy beaches, the breathtaking view of the waves crashing against the rocks, and various species of seabirds such as puffins, guillemots and kittiwakes, which usually nest on the South Stack Cliffs reserve. The highlight of your walk will probably be its iconic white lighthouse, which is also one of our
favourite things to do in North Wales: after going down the 400 steps to reach it, why not take one of their guided tours and access the lantern room to learn all about its history whilst gazing at the horizon from a unique perspective?
2. The Great Orme
This limestone and dolomite headland that enters the sea right next to the popular Victorian resort of Llandudno is guaranteed to wow you with its unforgettable views. This 2.5-mile walk will take you from this picturesque town all the way up the Great Orme’s 679 ft summit: perfect for some postcard-style photos! You can also learn more about the origins of this natural wonder in their visitor centre, as well as the interesting part that it played during World War II thanks to its Royal Artillery and the Aerial Defence Research and Development Establishment. After a long walk uphill, why not reward yourself with a cable car or tram ride back to Llandudno?If you want to explore the area even more or prefer a shorter walk instead, we recommend that you consider the
Little Orme, too.
Walking can make you hungry and thirsty: what better way to motivate yourself or your laziest friends and family members than by knowing that you’ll encounter one of the top ten beach bars in the whole world? We’re not exaggerating! The Tŷ Coch Inn is a delightfully cosy and well-renowned pub that you can’t miss on this Porthdinllaen walk, as it’s located right by its sandy beach. You can then start walking uphill to enjoy the breathtaking sea views and steep cliffs before walking back down through a popular golf course.
4. Moel y Don to Beaumaris walk
There was no way we could only pick one Anglesey path! Following its east coast, this 10.5-mile walk will make for a culture-filled hike. Not only will it take you through the delightful Pwllfanogl, where the Welsh painter Sir Kyffin Williams lived, but it will also allow you to admire the monumental Britannia Bridge and one of Thomas Telford’s masterpieces, the Menai Suspension Bridge. At the end of this walk you will find yourself in the historic town of Beaumaris that offers lots of activities and landmarks, including its Victorian Gaol and Edwardian Castle (a World Heritage Site), as well as lots of shops, restaurants and art galleries.
5. Aberdaron to Abersoch walk
This 20-mile walk can be your entire day out sorted, but you can also pick a shorter stretch depending on how long you wish to walk for. Starting from the former fishing village of Aberdaron, this coastal walk is a mixture of beaches and short inland diversions that will still allow you to take in amazing views, including the Snowdonian mountains behind you. You will go through the popular Porth Ceiriad and Porth Neigwl, a paradise for all lovers of sandy beaches, and end the walk in the bustling seaside resort of Abersoch. With such a wide choice of restaurants and after having walked for hours, you certainly won’t have to feel guilty for rewarding yourself with a well-deserved meal!In our opinion, these are the best coastal walks in North Wales, as each of them offers something different for everyone, from sandy beaches, to dramatic cliffs, to walks uphill and little towns with lots to do. If you’d like to plan other types of walks too—whether up the mountains, with your family, or with your faithful dog—don’t forget to check out our upcoming article on the best walks in North Wales. You definitely won’t get bored in this wonder-filled part of the country!
