870-mile walk, anyone? Britain's longest coastal path opens

Visit Wales

Question: What's 870 miles long and took six years to construct?

Answer: The new Wales Coast Path, which opens this weekend (5-7 May).

The route, which would take weeks on end to complete on foot, takes in 12 nature reserves, 41 beaches and 18 castles - and the Welsh government hopes it will bring in an extra 100,000 extra visitors a year.

New paths link up with more established routes, which are marked out with signs along the way to keep you on the right track. Highlights of the route include the Isle of Anglesey, the beaches and sheltered coves of Menai and LLyn, Ceredigion Bay with its abundant wildlife and a a whole stretch of coves and award-winning beaches in Pembrokeshire.

Beginning at Chepstow and ending beside the river Dee in Chester, keen hikers and cyclists are already planning to cover the entire route in one trip. But mere mortals can explore any section they fancy, one bit at a time. For maps, ideas and routes, visit walescoastalpath.org.

To celebrate the opening, guided walks and events are planned this weekend. Visit the site for more details.

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