​Ceredigion Coast Path celebrates 15th birthday

​Tree tunnel on Llanon to Llanrhystud Circular route.

The Ceredigion Coast Path is celebrating 15 years since it’s official opening.
 
It became only the second long distance coast path in Wales when it opened in 2008 and now forms an integral part of the All Wales Coast Path that skirts 871 miles around the stunning Welsh coastline.
 
At 60 miles long and snaking its way from Cardigan and the Teifi Estuary in the south, to Ynyslas and the Dyfi estuary in the north, the path truly does have something to appeal to everyone.
 
Soaring cliffs are home to seabird colonies and offer spectacular views out over Cardigan Bay with glimpses of dolphins all year round and the backdrop of the Snowdonia and Cambrian Mountains on clear days.
 
Sandy beaches with their colourful villages provide everything needed for a seaside holiday and facilities for walkers as they pass through. Short, improved sections allow access for those using wheelchairs, mobility aids and pushchairs to experience the path.

To celebrate this anniversary, Ceredigion County Council has created a series of 26 circular walks, each taking in a section of Coast Path but returning to the start point using inland routes.
 
Launching in April until October, a new walk will be published each week on the council’s social media platforms; Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
 
E-leaflets will be available to download or print from the website, together with other useful information such as a Coast Path mileage chart to help you plan your walks.
 
The e-leaflets contain a simple map, route distance, availability of services, such as toilets, parking and public transport and information about the walk itself, such as the number of gates and the presence of stiles and steps.
 
A recent Welsh Government review of the Coast Path indicated that the creation of circular routes incorporating inland settlements were seen as a strategic priority.
 
The circular routes make it easy to walk sections of the Coast Path without having to make an out and back journey, have two vehicles or be under pressure to meet a bus at the end of your walk.
 
They link settlements set back from the coast, which often have services available for walkers or points of interest that might otherwise be overlooked on a purely north or south journey.
 
Councillor Clive Davies, cabinet member with responsibility for economy and regeneration, said: “The Ceredigion Coast Path is a very special part of the Wales Coast Path. I’ve walked a few areas of the path, a spectacular section being between Cwmtydu and New Quay and, of course, closer to home a section I used a lot as a child between Aberporth and Mwnt.
 
“Iolo Williams noted at the National Eisteddfod in Tregaron that Cwmtydu to Llangrannog is his favourite stretch of the Wales Coast Path. Increasingly, people have found walking the Ceredigion Coast Path beneficial for their mental and physical wellbeing and our rangers and volunteers do an excellent job in maintaining and monitoring the paths condition.”
 
Further information will be provided on the council’s social media platforms, including the details of six guided walks to be held over the summer holidays as part of marking this special year.
 
When venturing out into the countryside, the council says sturdy footwear is essential as is weather appropriate clothing and drinking water. A recent OS map of the area is always a good idea and walkers should follow the Countryside Code.

Arched bridge on Llanon to Llanrhystud Circular route.