Countdown to the Wales Coast Path
Wonderful coastal views, Stackpole Head -
picture Mike Alexander
May 5th 2012 will mark the official opening of the 870 miles long Wales Coast Path, which will provide a continuous route around the whole of the country from the outskirts of Chester in the north to Chepstow in the south.
Born of a desire to build on the economic success of the Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path and the Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail, it is hoped that the completion of the Wales Coast Path will increase visitor levels and give tourists and local people alike easy access to many beautiful but previously less well-known parts of Wales's spectacular coastline.
Apart from the obvious economic benefits this massive project will deliver to the rural businesses of Wales, it is also a wonderful excuse for getting out into the countryside and enjoying fresh air, exercise and beautiful scenery. It's also a great opportunity for engaging with coastal species of Wales's wonderful wildlife.
The Path will run through 11 of our National Nature Reserves and many more local, Wildlife Trust and RSPB reserves. These wildlife jewels are ideal places to see and enjoy some of the plants, birds, animals and insects that live there, en route to joining up with the Path.
The entire path will be accessible to walkers, but where practical there will be sections to accommodate cyclists, horse-riders, prams and pushchairs, wheelchair users and people on mobility scooters.
A high summer view from part of the Wales Coast Path in Anglesey
The National Nature Reserves that connect directly to the Wales Coast Path are:
Newborough Warren and Ynys Llanddwyn
Morfa Harlech
Morfa Dyffryn
Dyfi
Stackpole
Whiteford Burrows
Gower Coast
Oxwich
Kenfig Pool and Dunes
Merthyr Mawr
Newport Wetlands
The Wales Coast Path has been developed by the Welsh Government in partnership with the Countryside Council for Wales, sixteen local authorities and two National Parks.
Funding for this project has come from the Welsh Government and the European Regional Development Fund.
Books about the Wales Coast Path
A guide to the wildflowers of
the Wales Coastal Path
Wonderful Wildflowers of Wales Volume 2 - Seashores and Coastal Cliffs
A beautifully illustrated guide to wildflowers of the seashores and coastal cliffs of Wales, with more than 100 large colour photographs including close-ups and size guides; flowering season date strips, and a 'Dulux' colour chart index page to make species identification as straightforward as possible.