Section 52 of 84, Wales Coast Path
Whitesands to Solva
12.1 miles (19.4 km). About 5 hours, moderate.
Start: SM 733 267. Finish: SM 800 241. 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 525 m of climbing and 514 m of descent; highest point 59 m.
Getting there
The section starts at Whitesands.
- Bus stops
- Whitesands Beach/Traeth Porth Mawr, 460 m from the start. Directions SM 734 271Bus stop, 780 m from the start. Directions SM 740 270
- Car parks
- Car park (pay), 420 m from the start. Directions SM 733 271Car park, 770 m from the start. Directions SM 740 270
Getting back
The section finishes at Solva. We found no bus stop within 3 km of the finish and no station within 10 km (from OpenStreetMap), so plan a lift or a taxi back.
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 52%, gravel and tracks 10%; the rest (37%) isn't recorded.
Almost all off road.
On the way: 3 kissing gates, 5 gates, 1 stream crossing.
Steepest climb: about 41 m in a kilometre (1 in 24), starting 10.7 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.