Section 42 of 84, Wales Coast Path
Llanrhystud to Henfynyw
8.5 miles (13.7 km). About 3 hours, moderate.
Start: SN 535 693. Finish: SN 443 619. 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 282 m of climbing and 250 m of descent; highest point 59 m.
Getting there
The section starts at Llanrhystud.
- Bus stops
- Llanrhystud, 190 m from the start. Directions SN 536 694The Black Lion, 520 m from the start. Directions SN 538 697
- Car park
- Car park, 80 m from the start. Directions SN 535 693
Getting back
The section finishes at Henfynyw. Stations and bus stops near the finish:
- Bus stop
- St David`s Church, 870 m from the finish. Directions SN 448 612
Planning the Wales Coast Path
- Planning the whole trail: walescoastpath.gov.uk.
- Baggage transfer: the services listed for the trail.
What to expect
Underfoot: grass 33%, paved or flagged 23%; the rest (40%) isn't recorded.
About 16% on roads with traffic.
On the way: 8 kissing gates, 16 gates, 5 flights of steps.
Steepest climb: about 53 m in a kilometre (1 in 19), starting 7.5 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.