Ceredigion Coast Path
The Ceredigion Coast Path (Welsh: Llwybr Arfordir Ceredigion) is a waymarked long distance footpath in the United Kingdom, on the coast of Ceredigion, Wales. Some 60 miles (97 km) in length, it runs along the coast of Cardigan Bay from Cardigan (52°04′52″N 4°39′39″W / 52.0810°N 4.6608°W) to Ynyslas (52°31′38″N 4°02′58″W / 52.5271°N 4.0495°W).
The path forms one section of the All Wales Coast Path, an 870-mile (1,400 km) long-distance walking route around the whole coast of Wales from Chepstow to Queensferry, due to open in 2012.[1]
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[edit] Background
The Ceredigion Coast Path project was funded under the EU's Objective 1 programme for West Wales and the Valleys. There were previously existing lengthy public rights of way along the coastline, but the scheme allowed for these to be linked together – by creating new public access routes – to make a continuous route.[2]
The path was opened throughout in July 2008, with the opening immediately leading to increased numbers of visitors to the region.[3]
[edit] Description
The coastal path runs along the Welsh Heritage Coast from Cardigan northwards along Cardigan Bay to Ynyslas (Borth), a little to the north of Aberystwyth. The official start, in Cardigan, is the bronze otter next to the bridge on the northern bank of the River Teifi (SN177458). Its end, at Ynyslas, is at the war memorial (SN609940).[4]
The path crosses a variety of landscapes, such as the dune system at Ynyslas, high cliffs, storm beaches, sandy bays and sea caves. The path passes through small villages and some well-known tourist resorts and offers a close insight into this stretch of coast, recently officially opened up to walkers via this route, some parts of which are still under some development.
There are four sections which are designated as Heritage Coast, and two areas within Cardigan Bay are marine Special Areas of Conservation because of their importance for wildlife.[5] This section of coastline is renowned for bottlenose dolphins, grey seals and porpoises.
The Ceredigion Coast Path can be accessed by road at a number of points, so that it can readily be split into the following sections:
- Cardigan to Mwnt: 11.7 miles (18.8 km) – Note: There is a temporary route connecting Gwbert with Mwnt; the actual Ceredigion Coast Path section within that vicinity is currently unavailable because of legal proceedings.
- Mwnt to Aberporth: 5.3 miles (8.5 km)
- Aberporth to Tresaith: 1.5 miles (2.4 km)
- Tresaith to Penbryn: 1.6 miles (2.6 km)
- Penbryn to Llangranog: 1.7 miles (2.7 km)
- Llangranog to Cwmtydu: 5.5 miles (8.9 km)
- Cwmtydu to New Quay: 3.8 miles (6.1 km)
- New Quay to Aberaeron: 6.5 miles (10.5 km)
- Aberaeron to Llanrhystud: 7.4 miles (11.9 km)
- Llanrhystud to Aberystwyth: 10.6 miles (17.1 km)
- Aberystwyth to Borth (Ynyslas): 9.9 miles (15.9 km)
Whilst a long-distance path in its own right, it has now been linked at both ends as part of the All Wales Coast Path. At its southern end, it meets the well-established Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail at St Dogmaels.
[edit] Access
Although the Ceredigion Coast Path is a long-distance path, it can easily be split into smaller sections. Some of the sections are challenging, given the undulating nature of the path, but some of the flatter sections are quite suitable for walkers of lesser or limited ability. Recently, for instance, work completed between Aberporth and Tresaith has re-routed the path to avoid steps. Also, the Aberporth Inclusive Access Cliff Top Trail is a 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) high-quality surfaced path built to wheelchair gradient standards.[6]
Many of the coastal villages and towns are visited by the Cardi Bach, a bus service run between Cardigan and New Quay, particularly aimed at walkers. Introduced in 2004, it initially carried 1,000 passengers a year. This figure had risen to 4,600 by 2010.[7] As a result of this success, recent funding through the Rural Development Plan has meant that from 2012 the service will operate all year round (six days a week over the summer and three days a week at other times), rather than just in the summer.[8]
The northern part of the Ceredigion Coast Path, at Borth and Aberystwyth, can be accessed by train on the Cambrian Line.
[edit] References
- ^ "All-Wales Coast Path Nears Completion". BBC News Wales. BBC. 17 October 2011. Retrieved 2 January 2012.
- ^ "Walk Cardigan Bay – The Ceredigion Coast Path". Walk Cardigan Bay: Ceredigion Coast Path. Ceredigion County Council. Retrieved 5 January 2012.
- ^ Morgan, Andrew (June 2011). "The All Wales Coast Path: A Money Spinner for Wales?". Ramblers Cymru E-Newsletter. Ramblers Charity. Retrieved 3 January 2012.
- ^ Allan, Liz (2009). Walking the Ceredigion Coast Path: From Cardigan to Borth. Machynlleth: Kittiwake Press.
- ^ "Ceredigion's Coast Path Awaits You!." Ceredigion Coast Path. Ceredigion County Council. Retrieved 5 January 2012.
- ^ "Inclusive Access". Ceredigion Coast Path. Ceredigion County Council. Retrieved 4 January 2012.
- ^ "Ceredigion's Cardi Bach Bus Service Extended". BBC News Mid Wales. BBC. 14 June 2011. Retrieved 4 January 2012.
- ^ "The 'Cardi Bach'". Cyngor Sir Ceredigion / Ceredigion County Council. Ceredigion County Council. Retrieved 4 January 2012.
[edit] External links
- The Official Guide to the Ceredigion Coast Path
- Walking the Ceredigion Coast Path
- Ceredigion Coast Walks
- Walk Cardigan Bay
- Walk Cardigan Bay Footpath
- The Rambler's Association info
- Photos of the Ceredigion Coast Path on geograph.org.uk
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