Section 45 of 84, Wales Coast Path
Parcllyn to Cardigan
11.6 miles (18.6 km). About 4½ hours, moderate.
Start: SN 248 514. Finish: SN 177 458. 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 508 m of climbing and 610 m of descent; highest point 119 m.
Getting there
The section starts at Parcllyn.
- Bus stop
- Bus stop, 870 m from the start. Directions SN 255 511
- Car parks
- Car park, 170 m from the start. Directions SN 246 514Car park, 200 m from the start. Directions SN 246 513Car park (free), 860 m from the start. Directions SN 255 510
Getting back
The section finishes at Cardigan. Stations and bus stops near the finish:
- Bus stops
- Strand, 70 m from the finish. Directions SN 178 458Safle Bws Grosvenor Hill (bus stop), 100 m from the finish. Directions SN 177 459Stand C, 310 m from the finish. Directions SN 179 460
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 23%; the rest (75%) isn't recorded.
About 14% on roads with traffic.
On the way: 3 stiles, 26 gates, 4 stream crossings.
Steepest climb: about 46 m in a kilometre (1 in 22), starting 6.4 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.