Wales Coast Path officially opens to the public

Celebrations are taking place across Wales today, 5th May 2012, to mark the official opening of the Wales Coast Path.

Talacre, Flintshire © Crown copyright (2011) Visit Wales

Llandudno © Crown copyright (2011) Visit Wales

Moelfre, Isle of Anglesey © Crown copyright (2011) Visit Wales

Aberdaron, Llŷn Peninsula, Gwynedd © Crown copyright (2011) Visit Wales

Mwnt, Ceredigion © Crown copyright (2011) Visit Wales

Strumble Head, Pembrokeshire © Crown copyright (2011) Visit Wales

Llansteffan, Carmarthenshire © Crown copyright (2011) Visit Wales

Three Cliffs Bay, Gower © Crown copyright (2011) Visit Wales

Glamorgan Heritage Coast © Crown copyright (2011) Visit Wales

Newport Wetlands © Crown copyright (2011) Visit Wales

Visitors to the Path can now enjoy over 870 miles of stunning Welsh coastal scenery, passing through long golden beaches, nature reserves, large cities and places of industrial heritage along the way.

The Wales Coast Path is the first of its kind in the World, and is a continuous route which runs from the Welsh border, in the North, to Chepstow, in the South. Linking up the Path with Offa’s Dyke Path National Trail creates a full circular route of the country, making it possible to walk all 1027 miles around Wales!

Plans to progress this project were announced by the Welsh Government back in 2006. Since then, work has been underway across many areas of Wales to improve accessibility and join up areas of coastline between existing coastal paths including Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail and the Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path.

Morgan Parry, Countryside Council for Wales Chairman said: “There is real excitement that the Wales Coast Path is going to provide a valuable boost to the economy of coastal areas, attracting visitors as well as local people to enjoy this unique resource that we will have created. It's important that everyone gets behind the initiative so that Wales can realise its huge potential.

“In terms of public health, it is more important than ever that we create the best possible opportunities for people to enjoy walking and all the benefits of being active outdoors. Creating access for everyone is an important aspect of this project – some sections of path will be suitable for people with disabilities, families with prams/buggies, those on horse back and cyclists,” added Morgan Parry.

The Wales Coast Path has the benefit of being completely free to access, and boasts many diverse stretches of landscape that can be enjoyed with the whole family. There are also a number of different activities that are on offer along the way – from surfing on Gower, to exploring the Wetland of International Importance on the Dee Estuary or dolphin watching in Cardigan Bay.

The Wales Coast Path has been developed by the Welsh Government in partnership with the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW), sixteen local authorities and two National Parks.

In addition to funding from the Welsh Government and the coastal local authorities of approximately £2 million per year, the European Regional Development Fund has allocated nearly £4 million over four years to support the project.

Ends.

For more information contact Rhiannon Jenkins or Luke Broadley, Quadrant, on 02920 694888 or email: rhiannon.jenkins@quadrant.co / luke.broadley@quadrant.co

NOTES TO EDITORS

• The 870 mile (1400km) Wales Coast Path, opening on 5 May 2012, will run from the outskirts of Chester in the north to Chepstow in the south.
• Creation of the Path is a key Welsh Government commitment - which aims to bring economic benefit to coastal areas and encourage active lifestyles. The Path has something to offer everyone - from those looking for a short stroll to those undertaking the whole route in one trip, and it provides access to numerous leisure activities.
• The route will be subject to further improvements, in terms of alignment, infrastructure and information, beyond the opening date.
• Delivery of the project is co-ordinated by the Countryside Council for Wales and delivered on the ground by the local authorities through which it passes. Funding is coming from the European Union (approx £4 million in total), Welsh Government (approx £2 million per year) and the local authorities.