The Coastal Way
Here’s an easy seven day itinerary if you’d like to take the trip along The Coastal Way.
Day one
See. Start off in Aberdaron, a pretty fishing village on the western tip of the Llŷn Peninsula that sits on a wide sandy beach. To really get away from it all, make the short hop north to Porth Iago, a small and secluded bay sheltered by grassy headlands.
Stay. Kinging-It's Craig and Aimee stayed in a temporary pop-up hotel from Epic Retreats, but there’s plenty of accommodation available in the area, including a caravan and campsite at Porth Iago itself.
Day two
See. Pay a visit to Portmeirion, the fantastical Italianate village perched on the banks of Dwyryd estuary built from scratch by visionary architect Clough Williams-Ellis.
Stay. Extend your visit and stay on in Portmeirion. Spend the night in one of the town’s cosy little self-catering cottages or at one of two luxury hotels.
Day three
See. Take one last look at Llŷn. Head to south-facing Porth Neigwl (or Hell’s Mouth), an unspoilt beach popular with surfers, and explore the atmospheric ruins of Castell Cricieth, before travelling down the coast to Barmouth. A walk across the old wooden railway bridge spanning the estuary mouth is a must-do.
Stay. Venture south and inland a little to spend the night in the gorgeous eco-friendly Denmark Farm Eco Lodge near Lampeter
Day four
See. Go seal spotting at Cwmtydu. This secluded cove is an important breeding ground for the charismatic marine mammals who thrive in our coastal waters. You won’t be able to access the beach in breeding season, but you’ll still be able to get a good look at all the cute, squishy seal pups.
Stay. Get back to nature at Tai Twt Camping Pods near Llanarth.
Day five
See. Take a wander past candy-coloured buildings on the harbour at Aberaeron, before heading down the coast to New Quay for a dolphin spotting adventure with a local boat trip company.
Stay. All aboard for a night in a converted double-decker bus at the Ceridwen Centre, near Dre-Fach Felindre, Carmarthenshire.
Day six
See. Visit the tranquil seaside town of Newport. Less well known than some of it coastal neighbours, it’s nevertheless home to some great places to eat and drink, plus a mile-long golden sandy beach.
Stay. Caravanning with a difference in a gleaming silver US Airstream trailer at Wildernest near Lampeter.
Day seven
See. Finish up on the Pembrokeshire coast at Stackpole, a National Trust estate that takes in award-winning sandy beaches like hidden Barafundle Bay, lush wooded valleys, lily ponds packed with wildlife and miles of walking trails.
Stay. Bed down at One Cat Farm, a luxury glamping experience in the hills above Aberaeron, with comfy hammocks, toasty fire-pits and steaming wood-fired baths.