Walking

Walkingworld

Harlech to Dyffryn Ardudwy – following in Glyndwr’s footsteps…

With 870 miles’ worth of trails, choosing the most spectacular Wales Coast Path walk is a task that even the most ardent adventurers might find tough.

Boasting vistas alongside one of Wales’ most captivating castles, the 12-mile route from Harlech Castle to Dyffryn Ardudwy would no doubt top the list of many a keen walker.

Curated by Natural Resources Wales’ Deiniol Tegid, this route is a collaboration between Wales Coast Path and Cadw — one that marks the celebration of the Coast Path’s 10-year anniversary.

Beauty and history aside, the route’s versatility – comprising shorter three-, five- and seven-mile routes – also makes it perfect

for both beginners and seasoned walkers.

Don’t just take our word for it though: Rhys Roberts, Wales Coast Path Officer, describes the stretch as:

“A longish walk, but it’s very flat for much of the way. Around five

miles of it are along the massive beaches of Harlech and Morfa Dyffryn. They really are quite stunning – and the dunes behind them are very important for some rare wildlife.”

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

Amenities:

J Public toilets, cafés, pubs, restaurants and shops are available in Harlech and Dyffryn Ardudwy.

There are also some public toilets on the route.

Transport:

J Car parking is available, with regular train and bus services between Harlech, Pensarn and

Dyffryn Ardudwy.

Food and Drink:

J Shell Island has shops, a snack bar, pub and restaurant.

THE ROUTE

Your journey starts at Harlech Castle — arguably the most incredible setting for any of the North Wales castles. Overlooking the dunes, Harlech is steeped in history. In 1404 the Castle fell to the charismatic prince Owain Glyndŵr during the last major rebellion against English

rule. Together with nearby Machynlleth it became the centre of Glyndŵr’s inspiring vision of an independent Wales.

He moved his main residence and court here and summoned his followers from all over the country to attend a great parliament. It may well have been at Harlech Castle that he was formally crowned Prince of Wales in the presence of envoys from Scotland, France and Spain.

Entry nowadays is easier, with visitors and Cadw members welcome daily from 9:30am – 5pm.

After exploring the town and medieval Castle dating back to the 1280s, head downhill to the coast via a long straight road, crossing Royal St David’s Golf Club towards the dunes of Morfa Harlech. Greeted by Harlech’s five-mile beach, turn left, walking along the beach for 1.5 miles

before traversing some steep steps.

After a mile, you’ll reach a small church at Llandanwg, walking another mile to Pensarn Harbour. Staying on the Wales Coast Path, meander along the river Artro, skirting Llanbedr airport and reaching the awe-inspiring Mochras (Shell Island).

We’re now back on the beach by Morfa Dyffryn National Nature Reserve, where you’ll spend the next 3.5 miles. Where the Wales Coast Path veers right through a small gate, continue up the lane and over the railway, crossing onto Ffordd Gors through four stone pillars.

A few hundred yards on, follow the signed public footpath through the gate, heading diagonally up-field to a covered stone wall. Follow the

wall over a small stream, through some woods and a gate, swaying left through the next field to reach Dyffryn Ardudwy Burial Chambers.

Following a downhill stroll along a narrow path to the main road, the Neolithic site of Dyffryn Ardudwy awaits. n If the beauty of Harlech Castle leaves you spellbound and yearning for more Welsh history, then it’s worth becoming a Cadw member. With senior membership costing £42 and adult membership £53 a year, a Cadw membership is not only a great way to explore Wales’ rich past, but also a unique way to ensure its future. Because, as these awe-inspiring historic places continue to play such a pivotal part in enriching the everyday lives of everyday people, the need to care and protect them also continues to grow in importance.

And, without the contribution and support of our Cadw members, that care and protection wouldn’t be possible.

These are the same members who not only enjoy the cultural benefits of our nation’s 130 historical

sites — but help safeguard and protect them, too.

The same members who see the inherent value in preserving the living link to our unique histories — all of which help them understand their place in an ever-changing world.

The same members who help make Wales’ historic places something for us all to be proud of — and, ultimately, something for us all to keep.

Help us safeguard our heritage for the future: become a Cadw member at cadw.gov.wales today.

A WORD OF CAUTION

Walking in the outdoors can be a strenuous activity and it is up to you to ensure that you are fit and healthy enough to undertake the route described and to approach the venture with caution and care. You should wear appropriate footwear and suitable clothing, take along food and drink plus carry the relevant map and a compass and be able to use it. The details given here are believed to be correct at the time of going to press. However, neither North Wales Magazine nor the author can accept responsibility for inaccuracies encountered.