The North Wales Coastal Route stretches from Holyhead to Chester, passing through coastal towns and historic villages along the way.
This fantastic route is a great way to explore the beautiful coastline of North Wales.
For much of its length, it shares a route with the spectacular Wales Coast Path.
This wildlife and heritage-rich trail gives you the opportunity to explore castles, cathedrals and stunning mountainous landscapes.
The route starts in the old port town of Holyhead on Holy Island, Anglesey.
You then head east onto the main island and join picturesque country lanes. Here you’ll be able to enjoy views of the dramatic mountains of Snowdonia before crossing the magnificent Menai Bridge to the mainland.
Bangor makes a handy refreshment stop before continuing east.
A short section up the scenic Lôn Las Ogwen railway path is followed by some quiet lanes to Llanfairfechan, over Pen y Clip headland. Here there are stunning views across the sea.
Next, you head to Conwy, a walled town dominated by its mighty castle.
The route continues on to Penrhyn Bay where there are almost 20 miles of flat, traffic-free path that curves around the bay to Prestatyn.
At Rhyl you can detour inland to St Asaph, the home of Britain’s smallest cathedral, or go up to Dyserth and return to the coast on the Prestatyn to Dyserth Way Railway Path.
Heading east from Prestatyn the route climbs for a mile or so as you ride inland.
The climb will reward you with fantastic views of the Dee Estuary, the Wirral and Liverpool.
Then you descend back towards the coast and onto Flint and Connah’s Quay. The Millennium Greenway leads you across the border to England and finally into the walled city of Chester.
Chester is a wonderful city to visit. It’s known for its unique Rows, continuous half-timbered galleries which form a second row of shops above those at street level.
Chester also has the oldest racecourse, the largest Roman Amphitheatre and the most complete city walls in Britain.
You can enjoy the whole of the North Wales Coastal Route in one go or break it up into shorter sections.
Please note
We have taken all responsible steps to ensure that these routes are safe and achievable by people with a reasonable level of fitness.
However, all outdoor activities involve a degree of risk. To the extent permitted by law, Sustrans accepts no responsibility for any accidents or injury resulting from following these routes.
Walking and cycling routes change over time. Weather conditions may also affect path surfaces.
Please use your own judgement when using the routes based upon the weather and the ability, experience and confidence levels of those in your group.