Section 14 of 84, Wales Coast Path
Holyhead to Llanfaethlu
13 miles (21 km). About 4½ hours, moderate.
Start: SH 246 825. Finish: SH 297 875. 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 164 m of climbing and 162 m of descent; highest point 29 m.
Getting there
The section starts at Holyhead.
- Station
- Holyhead, 410 m from the start. Directions SH 247 821
- Bus stops
- Summer Hill, 130 m from the start. Directions SH 246 826Hill Street Car Park, 140 m from the start. Directions SH 245 825Holyhead Clock, 210 m from the start. Directions SH 246 823
- Car parks
- Car park (pay), 50 m from the start. Directions SH 246 825Car park (pay), 100 m from the start. Directions SH 247 826Car park, 110 m from the start. Directions SH 246 826
Getting back
The section finishes at Llanfaethlu.
No bus stop or station within a kilometre of the finish. Nearest: the bus stop at Maes Maethlu, 1.6 km away (Directions); Holyhead station, 7.3 km away (Directions).
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 16%; the rest (55%) isn't recorded.
About 17% on roads with traffic.
On the way: 16 kissing gates, 1 gate, 1 flight of steps.
No steep climbs: no kilometre gains more than about 22 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.