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Meet the Path Officer - North Wales Coast

Gruff Owen describes how Wales’ rich industrial past interacts with the diverse nature along this section of the Welsh coastline

Hi, my name’s Gruff Owen and I’m the Wales Coast Path Officer for the North Wales coast and the Isle of Anglesey. I grew up near Holywell in Flintshire, and with family spread along the coast it’s a very familiar place to me. I’ve only been in the role for a few months, but I work closely with coast path officers and rights of way officers from local authorities along the coast to keep the path in one long piece to be enjoyed by everyone.

What attracted you to the job?

I can’t get enough of being outside! I also feel strongly about encouraging people to get outside to enjoy themselves. The physical and mental health benefits associated with being outdoors are enormous and it’s so important that we all get out to understand our place in nature.

What’s your favourite part of the Wales Coast Path?

I’ve loved reacquainting myself with old stomping grounds around Flintshire – it reminds me how people and our interaction with nature are an essential part of the landscape. You won’t necessarily see these old industrialised areas on a postcard, but they’re such a valuable part of the Wales Coast Path. There are places where you can watch some of the UK’s rarest species of bird right next to the most unlikely old mine workings, steelworks and power stations.

My recent trip to Bettisfield near Greenfield blew me away. It’s just down the road from where I grew up and has incredible views of the Dee Estuary – I had no idea it was there!

What’s your proudest achievement so far?

I would say that all of the coast path teams do such a great job, from negotiating with land owners and the community for footpath creation agreements, to getting the path established on the ground. I can’t take any credit for that at all, but I’m proud to be working with such a great team.