Llanryhstud to Aberystwyth on the Wales Coast Path
On Friday 22nd August my friend Kate and I walked 10 miles (16km) from Llanrhystud to Aberystwyth on the wales coastal path. I wasn’t sure what to expect from this stretch, and had low expectations, but I was blown away by how beautiful it was, and although it was hard going in places, it was a stunning walk and I really enjoyed it.
We parked in Maesyrafon car park in Aberystwyth, which was located very close to both a public toilet block (with a 40p charge) and the bus stop. We then caught the 9.10am T5 bus to Llanrhystud and rejoined the coastal path where we’d left it on our previous walk.
We started by going through the caravan park, and then gently climbed up and onto the cliff tops with Aberystwyth teasing us in the very far off distance.
We had the sea on our left for the whole day, and the blues were just incredible. We passed by the two farmhouses that the guide book had referred to as run down ruins, but was pleasantly surprised to see they were being renovated and were looking amazing. I couldn’t help but think what a great location that would be to stay in.
The fields of cows we had to cross by the caravan park.
When we reached Morfa Bychan holiday park we did have to pass through two adjoining fields that both had cows in (pictured above). But they were happily sat close to the sea enjoying the sun, and the path was at the top of the field a good distance from them, and they didn’t even flinch as we walked through. Just how I like it!
As we got closer to Aberystwyth we were aware there would be a steep descent down to Tan Y Bwlch beach, but at first it was gradual enough that I felt optimistic that tales of it’s steepness had been exaggerated. Sadly this was not the case, and I was very thankful for my walking pole, as I’m not sure my knees would have survived otherwise. I tried to reassure myself that it was better than if we’d done the walk the other way round and had to go up this hill, but I guess I’ll never know, as I will never willingly walk up that hill to find out.
With 506m (1,660 feet) of elevation gain, I’d be lying if I said this walk was easy, but the views more than made up for it. We only saw one other person on the whole route, so you definitely get to enjoy the remoteness of it too.
I now have an unbroken line from Llantwit Major to Aberystwyth, and just 2 walks left until Ceredigion is complete!
Here is how my Ceredigion map is now looking….
The black line shows how much of Ceredigion I have walked to date.
