Situated in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park this 70 mile/113 km shorter section of the Wales Coast Path takes you from the harbour town of Porthmadog, with its maritime history, down to Cardigan Bay ending at Machynlleth in mid Wales. It is possible to link to Glyndŵr’s Way at Machynlleth.
A truly coastal section, especially from Harlech and its fine medieval castle, this walk takes in vast and expansive beaches, but also offers interesting coastal plains, some hilly sections and challenging woodland, where some of Snowdonia’s finest peaks come into view. The walk ends at the historic market town of Machynlleth.
Code: WCPM7
Porthmadog to Machynlleth
7 Nights, 6 Days Walking
Price: from £775 per person (based on 2 persons sharing)
Day 1: Own arrival to your first accommodation
If you have an early arrival take the opportunity to travel on the Ffestiniog Steam Railway or the Highland Railway to Beddgelert in the heart of Snowdonia.
Day 2: Porthmadog to Harlech 12 miles (19.5 km)
Cross William Maddock’s Cob from Porthmadog with fine views to the Snowdonia mountain range. Take a detour to Clough Williams-Ellis’ Italianate Village of Portmeirion, the location of the cult TV show “The Prisoner” and home nowadays to “Festival No. 6”. Continue across the Dwyryd estuary ending at the castle town of Harlech.
Day 3: Harlech to Talybont 12 miles (19.5 km)
From Harlech sandy beaches lead to Shell Island. The island is known for its wild flowers and wide variety of seashells that wash up on the beach. This area is also said to have been connected to the mythical Cantre’r Gwaelod, a legendary ancient sunken kingdom which occupied a tract of fertile land lying between Ramsey Island (Pembrokeshire) and Bardsey Island, in what is now Cardigan Bay.
Day 4: Talybont to Barmouth 5 miles (8.2 km) – or Hill alternative, including part of the Ardudwy Way 8.75 miles (14 km)
It is recommended that you take the longer route over the Ardudwy Way from Talybont, crossing the Southern Rhinogs Ridge with superb views towards Cader Idris. The shorter route is tidal with a lot of roads.
Day 5: Barmouth to Llwyngwril 8.75 miles (14 km)
Cross the famous Mawddach Estuary via the Barmouth Bridge to reach the small seaside resort of Fairbourne. An uphill climb to open hill country passing numerous standing stones before descending to the pretty village of Llwyngwril.
Day 6: Llwyngwril to Aberdyfi 12 miles (19.5 km)
From Llwyngwril the route takes you past the remains of an iron Age fort at Castell y Gaer as you continue towards the Dysynni River to Tywyn. A magnificent beach with firm sands leads you to Aberdyfi, a long established and one of most attractive seaside towns on Cardigan Bay.
Day 8: Aberdyfi to Machynlleth 12.75 miles (20.5 km)
Today’s walk goes inland joining the Panorama Walk with excellent views in all directions, especially at Carn March Arthur (the Stone of Arthur’s Horse), before descending to Pennal and the medieval market town of Machynlleth via the Dyfi Bridge.
Day 9: Own Departure from your last accommodation
Code: WCPM6
Porthmadog to Machynlleth
6 Nights, 5 Days Walking
Price: from £665 per person (based on 2 persons sharing)
Day 1: Own Arrival to your first accommodation
Day 2: Porthmadog to Harlech 12 miles (19.5 km)
Day 3: Harlech to Talybont 12 miles (19.5 km)
Day 4: Talybont to Llwyngwril 13 miles (22 km)
Day 5: Llwyngwril to Aberdyfi 13 miles (22 km)
Day 6: Aberdyfi to Machynlleth 12.5 miles (20 km)
Day 7: Own Departure from your last accommodation
Code: WCPM4
Porthmadog to Barmouth
4 Nights, 3 Days Walking
Price: from £450 per person (based on 2 persons sharing)
Day 1: Own Arrival to your first accommodation
Day 2: Porthmadog to Harlech 12 miles (19.5 km)
Day 3: Harlech to Talybont 12 miles (19.5 km)
Day 4: Talybont to Barmouth 5 miles (8.2 km) – or Hill alternative, including part of the Ardudwy Way 8.75 m (14 km)
Day 5: Own Departure from your last accommodation
Our prices are based on 2 persons sharing a room.
Solo Walkers: (i.e. those walking on their own), please add £48 per night.
Single Walkers: (i.e. those walking with others but prefer a single room), please add £38 per night.
Extra Night: (i.e. Rest day within this itinerary), can be organised upon request.