Section 51 of 84, Wales Coast Path
Pwll Deri to Whitesands
9.7 miles (15.7 km). About 4 hours, moderate.
Start: SM 814 325. Finish: SM 733 267. 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 650 m of climbing and 631 m of descent; highest point 112 m.
Getting there
The section starts at Pwll Deri.
- Bus stop
- Porthgain, 60 m from the start. Directions SM 815 325
- Car parks
- Car park (free), 50 m from the start. Directions SM 814 325Car park (free), 60 m from the start. Directions SM 814 325Car park (free), 70 m from the start. Directions SM 814 324
Getting back
The section finishes at Whitesands. Stations and bus stops near the finish:
- Bus stops
- Whitesands Beach/Traeth Porth Mawr, 460 m from the finish. Directions SM 734 271Bus stop, 780 m from the finish. Directions SM 740 270
Planning the Wales Coast Path
- Planning the whole trail: walescoastpath.gov.uk.
- Baggage transfer: the services listed for the trail.
What to expect
Underfoot: earth, rock and mud 21%, gravel and tracks 11%, grass 8%; the rest (54%) isn't recorded.
About 3% on roads with traffic.
On the way: 1 kissing gate, 1 gate, 2 flights of steps.
Steepest climb: about 72 m in a kilometre (1 in 14), starting 4.7 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.