Home > Places to go > Llŷn Peninsula

Meet the Path Officer - Llŷn Peninsula

Rhys Gwyn Roberts describes why the Llŷn Peninsula is one of the most stunning and varied part to walk on the Wales Coast Path

Hello, I’m Rhys Gwyn Roberts and I’m the Wales Coast Path Officer for the county Gwynedd, including the Llŷn Peninsula area and a small bit of the Snowdonia and Ceredigion coast section (looked after by my colleague Nigel Nicholas). I’ve lived my whole life in the heart of the Llŷn Peninsula, surrounded by mountains and coast.

In the role, a lot of time and effort goes into developing the line of the path. My long-term aim is to re-align more sections of the path closer to the coast. The variety that the Wales Coast Path offers, in terms of the terrain and views is incredible, not to mention the fantastic coastal wildlife!

What attracted you to the job?

For me, it is the ideal job as there’s plenty of variation. One day you’re dealing with a broad range of people, from solicitors, land managers, the general public and contractors, while the next you get to go out and walk the path. In my section, we have a major task to re-align large sections of path; therefore, I saw this as an exciting challenge to take on. I love walking and the outdoors generally, therefore this is the perfect role for me.

Your favourite part of the Wales Coast Path?

Most of the coast along the northern section of the Llŷn is similar and uniform and beautiful, but I must say that my favourite section is the Meirionnydd area in the south of the section as this offers more variation to the path. The path leads you through natural woodlands, conifer plantations along lakes, through sand dunes, farmland, golf courses and much more. Unfortunately, the route diverts away from the coast to higher ground after the famous Barmouth viaduct; however, you are rewarded with fantastic views towards Snowdonia, the Llŷn Peninsula, and Cardigan Bay.

What’s your proudest achievement so far?

Establishing a good working relationship with landowners to create over 30km of new public footpaths to form part of the Wales Coast Path. This is a credit to the landowners whom are responsible for the success of the Wales Coast Path.

I was also part of a team that delivered a large engineering project in getting a 54 metre single span bridge over River Dysynni, which is the biggest bridge of its kind in the UK. This impressive bridge means that a 6½ mile/10 kilometre in-land detour between Tonfannau and Bryncrug is no longer needed and walkers can enjoy yet more stunning coastal views.