The Wales Way
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One incredible adventure, along three breathtaking routes – that’s The Wales Way. Together, the Coastal Way, Cambrian Way and North Wales Way reveal the wild wonders and ancient treasures of this small but mighty nation, their stop-offs as epic as the journeys themselves.
Each one is delightfully igam ogam (that’s Welsh for ‘zig-zag’), with endless opportunities for hill hiking, wildlife spotting, beach hopping and mountain biking along the route. To get hands-on with Medieval history, follow the North Wales Way: it is home to the world’s highest concentration of castles, which together form a UNESCO World Heritage site.
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Getting around
- The Wales Way covers around 420 miles (675km).
- While having your own vehicle gives the greatest flexibility, all of the routes can also be completed by public transport.
Route highlights
- Harlech Castle
- Portmeirion
- Castle Coch
- Bounce Below
- Penderyn Distillery
- Snowdonia Slate Trail
The Coastal Way: the ultimate itinerary
Discover clifftop hikes, island wildlife and glorious beaches on this Cardigan Bay adventure.
At a glance: 290km (180 miles) between St Davids and Aberdaron, following the coast.
Day 1, St Davids to Cardigan
Marvel at St Davids’ ancient cathedral and Bishop’s Palace, Welsh artworks at Oriel y Parc gallery, and Pentre Ifan – a 5,000-year old burial chamber.
Day 2, Cardigan to Aberaeron
Enjoy breakfast at Cardigan Castle’s 1176 Kitchen, then try a craft masterclass at Stiwdio 3, go dolphin spotting from New Quay or relax on Mwnt beach.
Day 3, Aberaeron to Aberystwyth
Today’s coastal road is one to relish: stop for lots of photos on your journey to Aberystwyth’s museums, watersports and spectacular cliff railway.
Day 4, Aberystwyth to Aberdyfi
Welcome to the Dyfi Biosphere, a protected area of sand dunes, woodlands and riverside – look out for otters, wild orchids, red kites and more.
Day 5, Aberdyfi to Portmeirion
Stroll on Barmouth Beach, explore Harlech’s imposing castle or play a round on the traditional links course at Royal St David's Golf Club.
Day 6, Portmeirion to Abersoch
Step into the quirky Italian-style village of Portmeirion, grab an ice cream on Criccieth’s beaches, and discover Medieval life at Penarth Fawr.
Day 7, Abersoch to Aberdaron
The Llŷn Peninsula’s coastline is sublime; whether you’re snorkelling, sailing, hiking or kayaking, spend at least a day basking in its natural beauty.
The Cambrian Way: the ultimate itinerary
Venture between the north and south coasts, following Wales’s mighty mountainous ‘spine’.
At a glance: 300km (185 miles) between Cardiff in the south and Llandudno in the north.
Day 1, Cardiff to Merthyr
After exploring the capital, tour the fairytale-style turrets of Castell Coch and learn all about ‘black gold’ at the Welsh Coal Mining Experience.
Day 2, Merthyr to Brecon
Discover this mountainous region on its many hiking and cycling trails – or try horse riding, rock climbing, canoeing and more!
Day 3, Brecon to Builth Wells
Shop for Welsh delicacies in Brecon, before hiking or kayaking in the Wye Valley, or revelling in the fragrant Welsh Lavender fields (summer).
Day 4, Builth Wells to Llanidloes
Catch red kites in flight at Gilpin Farm’s daily feeding experience, then follow the Elan Valley’s many spectacular hiking and cycling trails.
Day 5, Llanidloes to Ffestiniog
Delve into Welsh culture at the Llanidloes Museum, brave wild mountain biking at Coed y Brenin, or drive the B4581’s scenic twists and turns.
Day 6, Ffestiniog to Betws y Coed
Let loose on zip lines, biking trails and Bounce Below’s cave trampolines – or explore Snowdonia (Eryri) on the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland railway.
Day 7, Betws-y-Coed to Llandudno
Hike to thundering waterfalls and stroll the beautiful Bodnant Garden, before ending your journey in the Victorian seaside town of Llandudno.
The North Wales Way: the ultimate itinerary
Follow this ancient trading route along the north coast, exploring epic castles and wild peaks.
At a glance: 120km (75 miles) between Mold near the England-Wales border and Holyhead.
Day 1, Mold to Rhuddlan
Stock up with Welsh delicacies in the market town of Mold, before touring Flint Castle’s riverside ruins – the first of this route’s mighty strongholds.
Day 2, Rhuddlan to Llandudno
Venture to Rhuddlan Castle and St Asaph Cathedral, then spot seals in the Kinmel Dunes. Love I’m a Celebrity? It was filmed at nearby Gwrych Castle!
Day 3, Llandudno
Stroll on the Victorian pier, tuck into fish and chips at the beach, catch the tram up the Great Orme headland and go gin tasting at Penderyn Distillery.
Day 4, Llandudno to Conwy
Discover one of Britain’s best-preserved Medieval castles, built by Edward I in the 1200s – then hike up Conwy Mountain for panoramic sea views.
Day 5, Conwy to Beaumaris
Lace up your boots to walk Bangor’s pier, or the first 10km (six miles) of the Snowdonia Slate Trail – before driving across the Menai Strait to Anglesey.
Day 6, Beaumaris to Holyhead
Take a thrilling speedboat tour from the Menai Bridge, enjoy the elegant gardens of Plas Newydd, or savour Halen Môn’s locally harvested sea salt.
