Section 38 of 84, Wales Coast Path
Abertafol to Pont-ar-Ddyfi
8.4 miles (13.6 km). About 3½ hours, moderate.
Start: SN 645 979. Finish: SH 744 019. 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 395 m of climbing and 612 m of descent; highest point 255 m.
Getting there
The section starts at Abertafol.
- Car park
- Car park, 890 m from the start. Directions SN 639 986
No bus stop or station within a kilometre of the start. Nearest: Penhelyg station, 3 km away (Directions).
Getting back
The section finishes at Pont-ar-Ddyfi. Stations and bus stops near the finish:
- Station
- Machynlleth, 630 m from the finish. Directions SH 744 013
- Bus stop
- Machynlleth Station, 760 m from the finish. Directions SH 744 011
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 34%, gravel and tracks 9%, earth, rock and mud 6%; the rest (51%) isn't recorded.
About 33% on roads with traffic.
On the way: 1 stile, 6 kissing gates, 16 gates.
Steepest climb: about 87 m in a kilometre (1 in 11), starting 5.6 miles in.
From OpenStreetMap, where mappers have recorded it: check before you go.
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Something wrong or missing?
Tell us what to change about this section: a wrong distance, a moved start, a path that's closed.