Section 31 of 84, Wales Coast Path
Abererch to Porthmadog
27 miles (43.4 km). About 10 hours, challenging.
Start: SH 400 359. Finish: SH 216 258. OS grid.
Take it with you: download this section's GPX file (it opens in OS Maps, Komoot, Outdooractive or a GPS unit) or open the start in OS Maps.
Warning: Diversion in place. Part of this route is closed or diverted for now. The Wales Coast Path site (updated 22 September 2026) lists temporary diversions in several places, many until further notice, including landslides at Porthdinllaen in Gwynedd and Porth Swtan, Llanfaethlu and Lligwy on Anglesey. Neath Port Talbot Council says the path around Baglan, Briton Ferry and Sandfields West has been closed since 2023 because of sinkholes and the agreed diversion stays in place. Check the official diversions page before setting out. Source: walescoastpath.gov.uk.
Up and down
About 897 m of climbing and 770 m of descent; highest point 177 m.
Getting there
The section starts at Abererch.
- Station
- Abererch, 290 m from the start. Directions SH 403 360
- Bus stops
- Pont Abererch, 750 m from the start. Directions SH 399 366Abererch Turn, 760 m from the start. Directions SH 394 363Abererch, nr Glan-afon, 950 m from the start. Directions SH 391 361
- Car parks
- Car park (free), 250 m from the start. Directions SH 403 360Car park, 850 m from the start. Directions SH 396 366
Getting back
The section finishes at Porthmadog. We found no bus stop within 3 km of the finish and no station within 10 km (from OpenStreetMap), so plan a lift or a taxi back.
Planning the Wales Coast Path
- Planning the whole trail: walescoastpath.gov.uk.
- Baggage transfer: the services listed for the trail.
What to expect
Underfoot: paved or flagged 27%, grass 15%, earth, rock and mud 11%, gravel and tracks 6%; the rest (41%) isn't recorded.
About 21% on roads with traffic.
On the way: 28 kissing gates, 14 gates, 6 flights of steps.
Steepest climb: about 90 m in a kilometre (1 in 11), starting 25 miles in.
From OpenStreetMap, where mappers have recorded it: check before you go.
Walked it? Log it
Something wrong or missing?
Tell us what to change about this section: a wrong distance, a moved start, a path that's closed.