Section 78 of 84, Wales Coast Path
Dimlands to The Knap
11.6 miles (18.6 km). About 4½ hours, moderate.
Start: SS 952 676. Finish: ST 102 664. 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 549 m of climbing and 546 m of descent; highest point 58 m.
Getting there
The section starts at Dimlands.
- Car parks
- Llantwit Beach Car Park (free), 560 m from the start. Directions SS 957 674Llantwit Beach Overflow Carpark (free), 750 m from the start. Directions SS 959 675
No bus stop or station within a kilometre of the start. Nearest: the bus stop at Atlantic College, 1.5 km away (Directions); Llantwit Major station, 2.2 km away (Directions).
Getting back
The section finishes at The Knap. Stations and bus stops near the finish:
- Station
- Barry, 830 m from the finish. Directions ST 107 672
- Bus stops
- Bus stop, 480 m from the finish. Directions ST 105 668Park Avenue, 520 m from the finish. Directions ST 105 669Bus stop, 530 m from the finish. Directions ST 104 670
Planning the Wales Coast Path
- Planning the whole trail: walescoastpath.gov.uk.
- Baggage transfer: the services listed for the trail.
What to expect
Underfoot: gravel and tracks 31%, paved or flagged 18%, grass 6%; the rest (42%) isn't recorded.
About 5% on roads with traffic.
On the way: 1 stile, 2 kissing gates, 2 gates, 7 flights of steps.
Steepest climb: about 52 m in a kilometre (1 in 19), starting 10 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.