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Walk 2656 - printer friendly version

New Quay to Cwmtydu using the coastal path Walk

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 8.0 miles / 13 km

Ascent - 2000 feet / 606 metres

Grade - moderate

Start - OS grid reference SN389601
Lat 52.215495 + Long -4.3595216
Postcode SA45 9NP (approx. location only)

The Ceredigion Coastal Path is a recently opened (2008) long distance footpath that will eventually form part of a greater Wales Coastal Path running the length of the Principality. This linear route explores the section between New Quay and Cymtydu and includes some dramatic coastal scenery. As one might expect the walk is far from flat and there are numerous ups and downs in the route!

The start is the Tourist Information Centre (grid ref. SN389601) close by the jetty in the centre of New Quay. There are a variety of options for parking and once you have parked make your way down to the seafront and locate the TIC. From the TIC, walk away from the sea up the 'main' street. Take the third road on the right. This leads into Lewis Terrace which in turn gives access to the coastal path. The scenery improves quickly and you are soon away from the hustle and bustle of New Quay and enjoying open panoramas both inland and across Cardigan Bay.

The coastal path is well signed and generally easy to follow. There is one section quite early on where care needs to be taken with a big drop into the sea from the path! Children and some adults will need supervision on this section! After a section of easy cliff top walking the path descends steeply to Craig Coubal (grid ref. SN373593) and a path junction. Go right here and continue along the coastal path soon regaining most of the height you have just lost.

Another section of pleasant walking follows before another inevitable drop down almost to sea level (grid ref. SN362582) where you cross a stream. Note that this area is not accurately covered on current OS maps as new footpaths seem to have been constructed. However all you need do is follows the signs and keep the sea on your right and you should not go too far wrong. Climbing up once more to 'Castell Bach', an ancient settlement marked on the map, there is a rather unique small picturesque bay on your right. Continue past this and start the steep descent to Cwmtydu and the road.

The return route is a reverse of the outward route. However you can complete a one-way walk along this section using local bus services. However beware the bus does not operate every day and is not very frequent. The recommended plan is to park in New Quay and then catch the bus to Cwmtydu and walk back. This is safer that hoping you will get to Cwmtydu in time for the bus back. As with all coastal walks the walk doesn't look too far but with all the ups and downs they can take longer than you think.

Walk 2656 Route Map

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