The Wales Coast Path (Welsh: Llwybr Arfordir Cymru) - sometimes called the All Wales Coast Path[1] as Wales has a number of shorter, regional, coastal footpaths - will be a long-distance footpath which follows the whole of the coastline of Wales. It is expected to be walkable on foot by May 2012. Once open, it will offer an 870 miles (1,400km) walking route from Chepstow in the south to Queensferry in the north.[2]
Once complete, Wales will become the first country in the world to offer a dedicated footpath along its entire coastline.[3] The Path will run through 11 National Nature Reserves and many more local Wildlife Trust and RSPB reserves.[4]
Lonely Planet named the coast of Wales number 1 in its Best in Travel: top 10 regions for 2012.[5]
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The Wales Coast Path will be the longest continuous coastal path around a country.[3] It is due to officially open on 5 May 2012, but many parts already have established paths, such as the North Wales Path, the Anglesey Coastal Path and the Llŷn Coastal Path. One existing section, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, is a designated National Trail [6], which in 2011 was voted by National Geographic magazine as the second best coastal destination in the world.[7][8]
This landmark path in Wales will wind through 870 miles of stunning coastal landscape - from the outskirts of Chester in the north to Chepstow in the south east. The journey will take you from the mouth of the River Dee, along the north Wales coast with its seaside towns, over the Menai Strait onto the Isle of Anglesey, from the Llŷn Peninsula down the majestic sweep of Cardigan Bay, through Britain’s only coastal National Park] in Pembrokeshire, along miles of golden sand, via Gower with its stunning scenery, along the waterfront of Cardiff Bay and Cardiff, the capital city of Wales, to the market town of Chepstow. [2]
The whole path will be accessible to walkers and, where practical, some sections will also be suitable for cyclists, families with pushchairs, people with restricted mobility and horse riders.[4]
The Path can be split into eight geographical areas:
The Wales Coast Path has been developed by the Welsh Government in partnership with the Countryside Council for Wales (website), sixteen local authorities and two National Parks. In addition to funding from the Welsh Government and the coastal local authorities of approximately £2 million per year, the European Regional Development Fund has allocated nearly £4 million over four years in support of the project.[9] Improvements to the quality and alignment of the route will continue during 2012 and 2013 to ensure that the path follows the Welsh coastline as close as it is safe and practical. Over time, the Wales Coast Path is expected to lead to the creation of circular coastal routes as links to the inland towns and villages are improved.
The idea was developed from a desire to build on the economic success of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail [1] and the Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path [2] Plans for the new all-Wales coastal path were first unveiled by First Minister Rhodri Morgan in June 2006, when he officially opened the 125-mile route around Anglesey, and since 2007 the Welsh Government has invested in improving public access to the Welsh coast through its Coastal Access Improvement Programme (CAIP). It was anticipated that the Wales Coast Path project, which would improve access and link up existing paths, would take up to five years; it will have been nearer six.[10] Both the Pembrokeshire and Anglesey coastal paths were considered as major contributors to the visitor economy of Wales, and in addition to fanancial benefits, it was also seen as an important initiative in encouraging both locals and visitors to discover and enjoy Wales’ outdoor spaces, and in the health and welfare benefits that such paths provide.
The official opening of the 870 mile path is scheduled to take place in a number of locations on 5 May 2012. These celebrations, led by Ramblers Cymru, will highlight the Path’s beauty and ease of access for walkers of all ages, fitness and ability, and promises to be one of the largest mass participation events ever seen in Wales.[11]
It is anticipated that events will continue throughout the summer, led by local walking groups. Listings will be available on a Wales Coast Path website, due for launch in early 2012.
Once complete, the 870 miles of the Wales Coast Path will then link with Offa's Dyke Path National Trail (Offa's Dyke Path National Trail) (which loosely follows the border with England) to create a 1030 mile continuous walking route around the whole of Wales.
One controversial issue during the development of the footpath concerns a section of the route near a gypsy caravan site at Rover Way in Cardiff. Walkers will have a view overlooking the caravan site where the occupants expressed concerns over privacy.[12]
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