Last week we covered the National Trails of England and mentioned than Wales had its own set of trails. So this week we're going to discuss those, the National Trails of Wales. Despite there being an abundance of amazing countryside in Wales, there are only four trails in Wales. So it's just as well all four are actually very good!
There is no shortage of place to walk when in Wales. Many of our holiday cottage customers stay there to do that very thing. With national parks, forests and some lovely towns and cities, you're never short of things to do. However, if you're working your way across the country using the national trails, here are the four you need for Wales.
Offa's Dyke Path
Offa's Dyke Path is a 285km trail that stretches almost the entire length of Wales along the England/Welsh border. You begin in either Chepstow or Prestatyn and can walk the entire length in 12 days. Fortunately, the trail is broken up into more manageable sections with places to stay close to each.
Offa's Dyke was created by King Offa of Mercia during the 8th century as a rampart between England and Wales. Much of the original rampart remains and has been made safe for walking, which is now Offa's Dyke Path.
Glyndwrs Way
Glyndwrs Way is named after the last Welsh Prince of Wales, Owain Glyndwr. It is a 217km loop that begins and ends at different points along Offa's Dyke Path. It would take nine days to do all this trail, but in return you get to see some of Wales that most visitors would never get to see.
You walk through open moorland, isolated hills, small towns, farms, forests and the best of Welsh wildlife. You also get to see the Cadair Idris and Plynlimon mountains. Like Offa's Dyke Path, the trail is broken up into smaller sections with accommodation within easy reach of each. We have a number of holiday cottages within the area only a short drive from many sections of Glyndwrs Way.
Pembrokeshire Coast Path
The Pembrokeshire Coast Path is 300km of coastal loveliness and is one of the best walks in the country. It takes in over 50 beaches, 14 harbours, lots of caves, coves, towns and villages and is well worth the effort.
Like the other trails here, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path is broken up into manageable sections. Buses link many of them, while towns and villages make excellent stopping off points.
Wales Coast Path
The Wales Coast Path is the newest trail here, opened in 2012. It is 1,400km long and stretches for the majority of the Welsh coastline. It begins in Chepstow at one end and ends at Queensferry at the other. It includes the Pembrokeshire Coast Path the North Wales Path, the Anglesey Coastal Path and the Llŷn Coastal Path so you get to see the very best of what Wales has to offer.
Given the length of this trail, it will take a couple of weeks at the very least to cover most of it. Fortunately, like the other trails, there are a wide variety of accommodation available along the walk in the many towns and villages you'll come across while walking. We also have a number of Welsh holiday cottages near the route so you can recover at the end of the day!