Path now closer to the coast in north Wales

The Wales Coast Path is now open around the Penrhyn Estate in north Wales

After 5 years of work to complete, the newly opened path allows access to a beautiful section of the Welsh coastline not previously been open to the public.

The path used to go inland around the Penrhyn Estate and into Tal y Bont village and around Llandygai. The new path links Aberogwen Nature Reserve with the existing path at Porth Penrhyn. Due to its close proximity to the City of Bangor it will be a valuable resource to the community. This new alignment is closer to the coast on the edge of Penrhyn Estate and is the most significant re-alignment project since the opening of the Wales Coast Path in 2012.

On this new section, you’ll see views of the Menai Strait, the body of water separating mainland Wales, unseen views of Anglesey, and Penrhyn Docks for a more coastal experience.

The path has been developed sensitively to ensure that the unique intertidal habitat of the Menai Strait is protected. Work have been taken to reduce any negative impact including screening the path from the beach roosting birds and erecting bat and bird boxes to mitigate the effects of creating the new path through a semi ancient woodland.

This new route doesn’t affect the overall mileage that you’ll be walking. You’ll be walking on the edge of the Penrhyn Estate where you see Penrhyn Castle in the distance. Please note, you won’t be able to access the castle from the path. As a National Trust attraction that has an entrance fee, you will need to walk to the official entrance to pay and enter from there.

The path was opened to the public on the 31 July 2023. Whilst we update our online interactive map, there are Wales Coast Path signs on the new route to guide you along the way or you can see it on Google Street View.