Section 8 of 84, Wales Coast Path
Llanfairfechan to Porthaethwy / Menai Bridge
10.5 miles (16.9 km). About 3½ hours, moderate.
Start: SH 681 748. Finish: SH 561 715. 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
About 184 m of climbing and 182 m of descent; highest point 44 m.
Getting there
The section starts at Llanfairfechan.
- Station
- Llanfairfechan, 450 m from the start. Directions SH 678 751
- Bus stops
- Village Road Health Centre, 60 m from the start. Directions SH 681 747Plas y Berth, 80 m from the start. Directions SH 681 749Bont Newydd, 100 m from the start. Directions SH 680 747
- Car parks
- Car park, 30 m from the start. Directions SH 681 748Car park, 120 m from the start. Directions SH 681 749Car park, 150 m from the start. Directions SH 682 747
Getting back
The section finishes at Porthaethwy / Menai Bridge. Stations and bus stops near the finish:
- Bus stops
- Coleg Normal, 310 m from the finish. Directions SH 564 717Coleg Normal, 380 m from the finish. Directions SH 565 717Ffordd Belmont, 550 m from the finish. Directions SH 567 714
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 51%, gravel and tracks 32%, earth, rock and mud 8%.
About 27% on roads with traffic.
On the way: 4 kissing gates, 7 gates, 1 flight of steps.
Steepest climb: about 33 m in a kilometre (1 in 30), starting 9.2 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.