Section 41 of 84, Wales Coast Path
Clarach to Llanrhystud
12 miles (19 km). About 5 hours, moderate.
Start: SN 586 840. Finish: SN 535 693. 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 660 m of climbing and 650 m of descent; highest point 141 m.
Getting there
The section starts at Clarach.
- Bus stop
- Clarach Bay, 260 m from the start. Directions SN 587 838
- Car park
- Clarach Bay South (free), 260 m from the start. Directions SN 587 838
Getting back
The section finishes at Llanrhystud. Stations and bus stops near the finish:
- Bus stops
- Llanrhystud, 190 m from the finish. Directions SN 536 694The Black Lion, 520 m from the finish. Directions SN 538 697
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 22%, gravel and tracks 11%; the rest (67%) isn't recorded.
About 19% on roads with traffic.
On the way: 16 kissing gates, 11 gates, 4 flights of steps.
Steepest climb: about 130 m in a kilometre (1 in 8), starting 3.7 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.