Walks to explore the area - Llŷn Peninsula

Short walks

Nefyn to Porth Dinllaen
2.75 miles / 4.5 km

From the rocky promontory of Porth Dinllaen you can admire views to the east and west along the Llŷn Peninsula’s northern coast. You have a good chance of seeing seals close to shore.

Plas yn Rhiw to Mynydd Cilan
3.3 miles / 5.3 km

From Plas yn Rhiw you will see the wide expanse of Porth Neigwl or Hell’s Mouth. When the tide is out you can follow the beach for about three miles before reaching the base of Mynydd Cilan.

Barmouth to Fairbourne
3.75 miles / 6 km

With spectacular views up the Mawddach Estuary with Cadair Idris looming in the distance, this is an unchallenging walk over the estuary. It is possible to catch the train back for an even more leisurely outing. (Train)

Porth Ysgaden to Porth Widlin
4.6 miles / 7.4 km

This path winds its way through the coves of Porth Ysgaden to Porth Colmon and on to the small cove at Porth Widlin. The cliffs above are home to rare and interesting wildlife.

Aberdesach to Trefor
5 miles / 8 km

From Aberdesach, follow the path along the foot of the Gyrn Goch and Gyrn Ddu mountains, surrounded by evidence of the importance of granite quarrying to this area in years gone by.

Aberdaron to Plas yn Rhiw
5 miles / 8 km

This route takes you away from the coast as you leave Aberdaron and returns you to the sea at Port Ysgo. Plas yn Rhiw is a 16th Century manor house bequeathed to the National Trust in 1949.

Long walks

Pwllheli to Pen-ychain
5.2 miles / 8.4 km

From the busy market town of Pwllheli follow the beach to Morfa Abererch and onto the hamlet of Pen-ychain.

Groeslon to Aberdesach
6 miles / 9.6 km

The path passes inland close to the village of Penygroes. Here, you are in the heart of what was a major slate quarrying area. The path turns towards the coast where you will see Trwyn Maen Dylan – a large rock on the beach leading to the village of Aberdesach.

Porth Dinllaen to Porth Ysgaden
6.2 miles / 10 km

From the rocky promontory of Porth Dinllaen you can admire views to the east and west along the Llŷn Peninsula’s northern coast. You have a good chance of seeing seals close to shore, as you wind along the coast to the cove at Porth Ysgaden.

Pen-ychain to Criccieth
6.5 miles / 10.5 km

From the headland at Pen-ychain you walk along the shoreline before turning inland towards Llanystumdwy – where in woodland outside the village you will find the grave of David Lloyd George - before returning to the coast.

Criccieth to Porthmadog
6.5 miles / 10.5 km

Begin your walk in Criccieth where you can explore the wonderful Criccieth Castle before heading south along this glorious coastline to Porthmadog. Along the way, you’ll find the famous and picturesque Black Rock Sands. (Train or Bus)

Porth Orion to Aberdaron
6.8 miles / 10.9 km

As you walk toward Aberdaron you will see Bardsey Island, once a destination for pilgrims. According to legend three visits to Bardsey was equivalent to one visit to Rome.

Porth Oer (Whistling Sands) to Aberdaron
9.25 miles / 15km 

As you walk toward Aberdaron you will see Bardsey Island, once a destination for pilgrims. According to legend three visits to Bardsey was equivalent to one visit to Rome. As covered on the BBC programme, Coast, the sands at Porth Oer often ‘whistle’ when you walk on them!

Aberdovey to Machynlleth
11 miles / 17.7 km

Here the coast path takes an inland detour along the River Dovey to the nearest crossing point at Machynlleth. The spectacular mountain scenery makes an interesting contrast to the coast. (Train or Bus)

Morfa Harlech and Morfa Dyffryn (Harlech – Talybont)
12 miles / 19 km

These two stunning beaches offer miles of walking opportunities, with plenty of chances for refreshments along the way! You can shorten this walk in several places by catching the Cambrian Coast Railway, which has stations at frequent intervals. (Train or Bus)