Section 9 of 84, Wales Coast Path
Porthaethwy / Menai Bridge to Caernarfon
9.1 miles (14.6 km). About 3 hours, moderate.
Start: SH 561 715. Finish: SH 996 808. 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 122 m of climbing and 144 m of descent; highest point 36 m.
Getting there
The section starts at Porthaethwy / Menai Bridge.
- Bus stops
- Coleg Normal, 310 m from the start. Directions SH 564 717Coleg Normal, 380 m from the start. Directions SH 565 717Ffordd Belmont, 550 m from the start. Directions SH 567 714
- Car parks
- Car park, 130 m from the start. Directions SH 561 716Car park, 210 m from the start. Directions SH 562 717Car park, 280 m from the start. Directions SH 563 717
Getting back
The section finishes at Caernarfon. Stations and bus stops near the finish:
- Station
- Central Station (heritage railway), 310 m from the finish. Directions SH 999 807
- Bus stops
- Bus stop, 400 m from the finish. Directions SH 992 806Bus stop, 410 m from the finish. Directions SJ 000 807Palace Avenue, 620 m from the finish. Directions SJ 002 809
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 62%, gravel and tracks 11%, earth, rock and mud 6%; the rest (22%) isn't recorded.
About 16% on roads with traffic.
On the way: 1 kissing gate, 5 gates.
Steepest climb: about 31 m in a kilometre (1 in 32), starting 4.8 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.