Ceredigion Coast, Mid Wales

The Ceredigion coast runs from Cardigan in the south to the Dyfi estuary in the north, a stretch of Cardigan Bay shoreline that includes fishing villages, sand and shingle beaches, cliff paths and quiet coves. It is a coast that has not been built up. Between the university town of Aberystwyth and the harbour at New Quay, much of it feels unchanged.

The Coast Path

The Ceredigion section of the Wales Coast Path runs for roughly 60 miles. It links Cardigan, Aberporth, New Quay, Aberaeron, Aberystwyth and beyond. Some sections are flat and easy. Others climb steeply along cliff edges with views across Cardigan Bay to the Llyn Peninsula. You can walk short sections as day trips or cover the whole coast over several days, staying in villages along the way.

Beaches

Ceredigion has beaches for every mood. Borth has a wide expanse of sand backed by dunes. Clarach and Aberystwyth's North Beach are easily reached on foot from town. Further south, Penbryn and Cwmtydu are quieter and take a bit more effort to reach, which keeps the crowds away. Mwnt, near Cardigan, is a small sandy cove below a clifftop chapel. Most beaches are dog friendly outside of peak summer months.

Wildlife

Cardigan Bay is home to the largest resident population of bottlenose dolphins in the UK. You can spot them from the harbour wall at New Quay or from the coast path between Aberporth and Cwmtydu. Grey seals haul out on rocks along the coast, particularly around Mwnt and the Cardigan Island area. Red kites are a common sight overhead along this stretch.

Where to Stay and Eat

Aberaeron has colourful Georgian houses, a small harbour and places to eat fresh fish. New Quay is a working fishing village with pubs overlooking the bay. Aberystwyth has the widest choice of accommodation, restaurants and cafes. Between these towns, the coast is dotted with campsites, holiday cottages and small B&Bs.