Brand new circular walking routes

One of the key ingredients for a ‘perfect’ walk, according to a recent public poll commissioned by Ordnance Survey, is to follow a circular route, yet they’re not always readily available.

Cue a brand new selection of circular routes across the Wales Coast Path and National Trails in Wales developed by experienced travel writer, Paddy Dillon, in partnership with local trail officers.

A circular walk, or a route that starts and ends in the same location, as opposed to walking a linear route from A to B, is a great way to experience the Welsh coastline and countryside without having to double back on yourself, or use public transport to return. 33 new circular routes for the Wales Coast Path, and 13 across Offa’s Dyke and Glyndwr’s Way, have been curated using existing public rights of way, paths and roads in selected areas of Wales.

Highlighted routes along the path include:

Oystermouth and Mumbles Head circular, Swansea

5 mile circular

This walking route around Mumbles Head takes in everything that that this headland has to offer, from spectacular sea views, Mumbles Head Lighthouse and Oystermouth Castle. The route follows the cliff tops of the Wales Coast Path, finishing off with relaxed promenade walk to return to Mumbles. If the tide is out, the walk can be extended from Mumbles Pier along a rugged beach to visit Mumbles Head, where a little island is crowned with a lighthouse. View Oystermouth and Mumbles Head walk

Llansteffan circular, Carmarthenshire

5 mile circular

This circular walk combines woodland with estuary views, and a visit to Llansteffan castle, spectacularly sited on a craggy hill at the mouth of the river Tywi, offering panoramic views over the estuary mouth to the Gwendraeth Estuary, Pembrey Forest, Cefn Sidan beach and across the Gower and Worm’s Head. The Wales Coast Path can then be followed from Llansteffan to Scott’s Bay and Wharley Point. To break up the walk, a trip into quaint Llansteffan village is also worthwhile. View Llansteffan, Carmarthenshire walk

Conwy and Dwygyfylchi, Conwy

9 mile circular

Enjoy the World Heritage site of Conwy Castle, a magnificent medieval fortress still towering over the town after 700 years. In the distance rise the craggy mountains of Eryri and spread out below you are the harbour and narrow streets of Conwy – still protected by an unbroken 1,400-yard ring of town walls.

The circular route will allow you to explore the castle and the wider area of Conwy, offering scenic mountain and sea views. The route heads inland behind Conwy Mountain to the Sychnant Pass and Dwygyfylchi, before linking up with the Wales Coast Path around the Penmaenbach headland to return to Conwy. View Conwy and Dwygyfylchi, Conwy walk

Porthcawl and Merthyr Mawr, Bridgend

6.5 mile circular

Set on the South Wales coast, Merthyr Mawr Warren National Nature Reserve is home to the highest dune in Wales, known as the Big Dipper. The dune system is like no other in Wales, partly due to the huge area it covers as it extends to 840 acres - the size of 340 international rugby pitches. Merthyr Mawr is a haven for wildlife, with sand that has settled on top of the ancient limestone cliffs creating a special habitat for insects, fungi and plants. There are also grasslands, saltmarsh, beach and woods within the reserve.

The walk goes inland from Newton to Candleston Castle, allowing you to explore the vast dunes of Merthyr Mawr, before the Wales Coast Path is joined and followed to the mouth of the Ogmore River and back towards Porthcawl. View Porthcawl and Merthyr Mawr, Bridgend walk

Prestatyn and Gronant, Denbighshire

7.5 mile circular

A great circular walking route taking in both the Wales Coast Path and Offa's Dyke Path to reach the little-known village of Gwaenysgor, which has existed for over 6,000 years and is teaming with ancient burial sites and evidence of Stone Age, Bronze Age and Iron Age settlements from centuries ago.

From Gwaenysgor the route follows an old byway across the hills and explores Coed Bell and the village of Gronant. Eventually the walk will take you to the low-lying coast to follow the Wales Coast Path through vegetated sand dunes to return to Prestatyn. View Prestatyn and Gronant, Denbighshire walk

View all of circular walks