Section 1 of 84, Wales Coast Path
Chester to Oakenholt
9.3 miles (14.9 km). About 3 hours, moderate.
Start: SJ 385 654. Finish: SJ 264 715. 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
Almost flat: about 47 m of climbing and 44 m of descent; highest point 17 m.
Getting there
The section starts at Chester.
- Bus stops
- Saltney, High Street / Anchor Hotel, 410 m from the start. Directions SJ 385 650Lache, Chester Street / Brewery Arms PH, 430 m from the start. Directions SJ 388 651
- Car parks
- Car park, 360 m from the start. Directions SJ 387 651Car park, 370 m from the start. Directions SJ 386 651Car park, 810 m from the start. Directions SJ 378 650
Getting back
The section finishes at Oakenholt. Stations and bus stops near the finish:
- Bus stops
- Oakenholt, Papermill Lane, 50 m from the finish. Directions SJ 264 715Oakenholt, Chester Road / Papermill Lane, 90 m from the finish. Directions SJ 263 715Oakenholt, Chester Road / Leadbrook Drive, 510 m from the finish. Directions SJ 260 717
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 85%, earth, rock and mud 9%.
About 18% on roads with traffic.
On the way: 4 kissing gates, 1 gate.
No steep climbs: no kilometre gains more than about 10 m.
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.