 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
Lleyn Peninsula Coastal PathLocation: Gwynedd, North Wales OS Maps: Explorer™ 253, 254, 263
Rights of Way issues necessitate that the coastal path diverts inland at several points, although only by a mile or so, with the sea still mostly visible. These diversions usually involve some uphill walking, up to over 1300 feet at one point, but only serve to enhance the variety of the walk. The Lleyn Peninsula has a strong Christian heritage as a pilgrim route, and during your outward walk along the north coast you will be following in the steps of thousands of pilgrims who for centuries made their way to Aberdaron, and then by boat to the Holy island of Bardsey, just off the tip of the peninsula. This explains the many small churches, such as at Pistyll and Llangwnnadl that you will pass during the journey. Your itinerary will depend upon how much time you wish to spend exploring along the way. The 95 mile route could be walked in seven days (giving a daily average distance of 13.5 miles), but the problem with this is finding accommodation at stage points based upon these distance intervals, as the area is sparsely populated. If you are camping or backpacking this is not such a problem as there are numerous camping locations. We would suggest a slightly more leisurely journey taking ten days, using an itinerary which provides a bed at the end of each day. However, even this requires some days with shorter walks and others with longer walks to fit the route between locations with accommodation. The daily stages we would suggest are as follows: 1. Caernarfon to Penygroes - 5.5 miles As accommodation is limited at many places it is essential to pre-book
before setting out. You can obtain accommodation information from TIC's
or you can obtain an accommodation listing from us which includes all
the above locations by emailing walks@walkingpages.co.uk As with all coastal walks, you are often very exposed to high winds and rain. Sea mists can not only drench you but can also provide a navigation hazard when walking near cliff edges. The extent to which these factors affect you will depend upon the time of year that you walk, but good shell clothing and walking boots are essential at all times of year - be prepared.
When you buy from Walking Pages your complete satisfaction, peace of mind and security are our main priority. Our on-line bookshop is one of the longest established on the internet. We have been serving walkers on line for over six years and have built our reputation on reliable service. Go to our bookshop by clicking on the 'Books' navigation button or one of the walking guide links throughout the site and you will be transferred to our secure server, confirmed by the golden padlock on your browser. Should you decide to purchase you will be tranferred to HSBC plc. secure e-payments for credit card transactions, giving you absolute confidence in your card security. Full information about our terms of trading is provided at the bookshop.
© Copyright 2000 - 2011 Walking Pages Ltd. and its associates. All rights reserved
|
Distance: 153 km Walking Time - 10 days
Caernarfon Useful websites:
|
Pushing
out into the sea from the coastline of north Wales, like a finger pointing
towards Ireland, is the picturesque Lleyn Peninsula. Following this
stunning coastline the 95 mile coastal path leads around the peninsula
from Caernarfon to Portmadoc, crossing a variety of landscapes from
mudflats to rocky cliffs reaching over 1100 feet at one point; to open
heath land and secluded coves and sandy beaches, with the coast always
nearby. The Lleyn coastline provides some magnificent walking as most
of the coast has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
and a Heritage Coast. The National Trust protects twelve miles of coastline
along the route and there are several sites of Special Scientific Interest.
The geology is also fascinating, with some of the oldest rock in the
British Isles plus some of the youngest, partly a result of the geological
contortions that created the mountains of Snowdonia. There are also
some charming untouched working villages to visit, which provide a contrast
to the seaside resorts.
Bardsey
Island (Ynys Enlli) where legend say twenty thousand saints are buried
is also an important national nature reserve. It is a stopping point
on the migration route of western seabirds travelling between Iceland
and Africa and birds are ringed and counted here. In springtime around
eight thousand Manx shearwater nest in the rabbit burrows on the island,
providing a magnet for bird watchers. Many other rare birds can be seen
along the cliffs including, if you are lucky, the chough which favours
the peninsula's rocky coastline. The sea which pounds the cliffs is
also a Special Area of Conservation where dolphin, porpoise and grey
seal can be sighted. Near Aberdaron and at several other points of your
journey you will see razorbill, guillemot, cormorant and, of course,
many different kinds of seagull. Spring and early summer is also the
time when the cliffs are at their most spectacular, being covered with
a blanket of wildflowers, whilst gorse and heather on the hills create
a blaze of colour.
