Your Adventure Starts Here

Create Your Anglesey Coastal Path Route Itinerary

Choose your options, then we'll create a personalised route itinerary with an interactive map and free GPX downloads for your Anglesey Coastal Path adventure.

Stops are based on access to accommodation (does not include camping). Includes a stage-by-stage map, free GPX route downloads, and PDF export.

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Choose your Starting Point

This circular trail lets you start anywhere. You'll complete the full loop, finishing back where you began. Popular places, with good train services, are Holyhead and Menai Bridge which is 4km/2.5 miles from Bangor Train Station on the mainland. Walking this would add another hour at the beginning and end of the trail.

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Choose your Direction

Follow the traditional route around the island.

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Choose your Pace

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Choose your Start Date

Select when you plan to start your Anglesey Coastal Path adventure.

5

Choose your Daily Hours

Total Moving Time
61h 3m
Hours Per Day
8h
Easy (4h)Standard (8h)Long (12h)
Your Journey
8days

Based on an average of 8 hours on the trail per day

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Generate Your Instant Free Itinerary

  • ✅ No log-in required
  • ✅ Interactive map showing every stage of the route
  • ✅ You'll see your full day-by-day plan instantly
  • ✅ Ability to adjust stops, add rest days
  • ✅ Free Anglesey Coastal Path GPX route files for every stage
  • ✅ Save your plan as PDF

How Our Planner Helps

Choose Your Pace

Four speed profiles from trail runner to explorer.

Set Your Dates

Pick a start date and daily walking hours.

Add Rest Days

After generating your itinerary you can add rest days along the way.

Interactive Map

View each day's route on a zoomable map with trail and stage details.

GPX Downloads

Export a free GPX file for each day of your trek.

Free Anglesey Coastal Path GPX Route Files

Download free GPX files for the Anglesey Coastal Path, split by day to match your personal itinerary. Our planner generates individual GPX tracks for each of your stages — complete with an interactive map showing every stage of the route — from Holyhead around the entire coastline of the Isle of Anglesey and back.

Each GPX file includes full elevation data and follows your chosen direction of travel. Load them onto Komoot, AllTrails, Garmin, OS Maps, or any GPS-compatible device and see the route on your map before you set off. No sign-up required — just generate your itinerary and download.

KomootAllTrailsGarminOS MapsMaps.meApple Watch
How longSample itinerariesWhat to expectBest time to walkKitFAQsTransport

Frequently Asked Questions

Plan Your Adventure, Day by Day, Without the Guesswork

One of the trickiest parts of planning a long-distance walk isn't choosing the route, it's working out where to stop each day. How far can you realistically cover? How long will that section actually take? Get it wrong and you're either limping to your stop exhausted or finishing the day with miles still to go.

Our free itinerary planner takes all of that off your plate.

Tell it a few simple things: your start date, how fast you move, and how many hours you want to be on your feet each day. Choose from four pace types — Explorer, Hiker, Fastpacker or Trail Runner — hit Generate Itinerary, and within seconds you'll have a personalised day-by-day plan.

Behind the scenes, the planner accounts for distance, terrain, and elevation to calculate realistic daily stages. Not just flat-map kilometres, but genuine moving time. Whether you're a weekend wanderer who likes to stop and soak up the view, or an experienced trail runner pushing through long days, the planner adapts to your style.

Once you're happy with your itinerary, you can download it complete with your actual dates, handy to have when you're sorting out your accommodation along the way.

The result is a personalised itinerary that tells you exactly where to aim each day, how long you'll be on the move, and how the route breaks down from start to finish. So you can stop worrying about the logistics and start looking forward to the adventure.

Ready to plan? Enter your details, choose your pace, and generate your itinerary in seconds.

Our timings are not based on simple distance calculations or generic 'average walking speeds.' Instead, we model each route using a structured performance framework that separates progress on flat terrain, climbing speed on ascent, descent efficiency, and the specific terrain profile of each individual trail. This matters because two routes of the same distance can feel entirely different depending on elevation gain, gradient distribution and surface type. By analysing these elements independently, we produce timing guidance that reflects how experienced walkers and runners actually move in the real world. Each trail is carefully reviewed and profiled rather than auto-generated. Terrain characteristics are factored in, not just headline ascent totals. Our pace categories are aligned with real-world outdoor performance, not arbitrary labels. The result is timing guidance that is fair, realistic and significantly more precise than standard rule-of-thumb estimates. This enables you to choose daily distances that match your ability and enjoy your adventure with confidence.

Yes — and it's completely free with no sign-up required. After generating your personalised itinerary, each day includes a GPX download button. The GPX files are split by day to match your exact stages, so you get individual tracks rather than one long file for the entire 200 km route.

Each GPX file includes full elevation data and follows your chosen direction of travel, whether you're walking clockwise or anticlockwise around the island. This means your navigation device will show accurate ascent, descent and route profile for every stage.

The files are compatible with all major navigation apps and GPS devices including Komoot, AllTrails, Garmin Connect, OS Maps, Maps.me, and Apple Watch. Simply download the GPX file for each day and import it into your preferred app — most accept GPX files via drag-and-drop or a simple import button.

Whether you're navigating with a phone, a dedicated GPS unit, or a smartwatch, our free Anglesey Coastal Path GPX files give you reliable turn-by-turn guidance for every stage of your walk.

Big Trail Adventures specialise in multi-day walking adventures with custom itineraries to suit your pace and requirements.

Whether you need help fine-tuning your Anglesey Coastal Path itinerary, booking accommodation along the route, or arranging bag transfer between stops, their experienced team can take the hassle out of planning so you can focus on the walking.

Visit bigtrailadventures.com to find out more and get a personalised quote.

It's generally considered a moderate long-distance trail. While there are no high mountains, the constant ups and downs along the coastline add up — total ascent is roughly 4,000 m. There are no technical sections, but some cliff paths can feel exposed in places.

Both directions are common. Many walkers go anti-clockwise from Holyhead to keep the sea on their left, but it makes little practical difference — choose based on logistics, accommodation, or prevailing winds.

The most physically demanding sections are along the north coast, particularly around South Stack and Cemaes Bay, where the path is more rugged with frequent ascents and descents. The cliffs near South Stack can be steep and exposed, especially in strong winds.

Yes, especially in summer and school holiday periods. While there are plenty of towns and villages, accommodation can fill up quickly, so booking ahead is recommended.

Yes — the path is clearly waymarked with the Anglesey Coastal Path acorn symbol (as part of the National Trail network). Even so, carrying a map or having a GPX file on a device is advisable for confidence and route planning.

Comfortable walking boots or trail shoes with good grip are ideal. The terrain varies from sandy beaches and grassy paths to rocky coastal sections and short road links, so grip and comfort are key.

As for other kit, this is the Welsh coast. Weather can change quickly, and strong winds and rain are common at any time of year. A good waterproof jacket and trousers are essential items for your backpack, whatever the weather forecast.

You can create a comprehensive kit list specific to the Anglesey Coastal Path using our kit list planner: Hiking Kit List Planner — What to Pack for Multi-day Trails | Trailpack.

There are frequent opportunities to resupply in towns and villages including Trearddur Bay, Rhosneigr, Aberffraw, Moelfre, and Amlwch. Larger towns like Holyhead have full amenities. Some stretches are quieter, so plan ahead and carry enough food for the day.

Yes, dogs are allowed, but you'll need to keep them on a lead near livestock, which is common. Some beaches have seasonal dog restrictions, and not all accommodation is dog-friendly, so check in advance.

Wild camping is not permitted in Wales without landowner permission. Campsites are available around the island and are the recommended option. Always follow Leave No Trace principles.
Anglesey Coastal Path clifftop trail at golden hour

How Long Does the Anglesey Coastal Path Take?

The Anglesey Coastal Path stretches approximately 200 km (125 miles) around the entire coastline of the island. How long your self-guided walk takes depends entirely on how you choose to travel it. Based on averaging 8 hours a day on the trail, here's what to expect.

Most walkers complete the route in 8 to 9 days, averaging around 14 to 16 miles per day with comfortable overnight stops in towns and villages along the coast. This is the classic pace — unhurried enough to enjoy the stunning coastal scenery, explore hidden coves, enjoy a pub meal at the end of each day, and still feel the satisfying pull of progress around the island.

For those who move light and fast, fastpacking the Anglesey Coastal Path in around 6 days is a rewarding challenge. Covering 20 to 22 miles a day with a stripped-back pack, fastpackers experience the route with a different kind of intensity — longer days on the trail and bigger transitions between landscapes.

At the sharp end, experienced trail runners tackle the entire route in as few as 4 days, running significant distances daily across some of Wales's most dramatic coastal terrain. It's a serious undertaking that combines endurance, coastal navigation skills, and mental resilience.

Our planner lets you adjust daily hours and speed profile to find the perfect schedule for however you choose to travel.

Sandy beach and coastal cliffs along the Anglesey coastline

What to Expect on the Anglesey Coastal Path

Anglesey, the largest island in Wales, is encircled by one of Britain's most rewarding long-distance walking routes. The path traces the entire shoreline in a continuous loop, taking in rocky headlands, sweeping sandy beaches, secluded coves, estuaries busy with wading birds, and dramatic sea cliffs.

The path begins and ends at St. Cybi's Church in Holyhead, a 13th-century building set within the walls of a Roman fort. From there, walkers head northeast along the island's wilder western shores, where Atlantic grey seals haul out on rocks below. At Trwyn y Gader, you reach the most northerly point of Wales. Nearby, at Hen Borth, an ancient petrified forest is revealed at low tide — tree stumps preserved in peat for around 6,000 years.

The northern coastline brings Cemlyn Bay's internationally important tern colony, the abandoned Victorian brickworks at Porth Wen with their distinctive beehive kilns, and the fishing village of Moelfre with its RNLI heritage.

As the route swings south, Red Wharf Bay opens up in a vast sweep of sand at low tide with views to Snowdonia. Penmon Point's lighthouse marks the southeastern tip, and the handsome town of Beaumaris offers a UNESCO World Heritage castle.

The southern sections lead through Newborough Forest — a red squirrel sanctuary — onto spectacular dunes, past the remarkable Church in the Sea at Port Cwyfan, before finishing on Holy Island through the RSPB South Stack reserve where rare choughs and breeding seabirds keep company on the final miles.

Wildflowers and puffins on Anglesey coastal cliffs in spring

The Best Time to Walk the Anglesey Coastal Path

The Anglesey Coastal Path can be walked self-guided at any time of year, but the experience varies considerably depending on the season you choose.

May and June are outstanding months. The coastal vegetation is lush, seabirds are nesting on the clifftops and sea stacks, and the light over the Irish Sea can be spectacular. Days are long, temperatures are comfortable, and the route is pleasantly uncrowded. This is also prime time to spot puffins around South Stack.

July and August bring warmer weather and the best chance of clear views across to the Snowdonia mountains. The path gets busier around popular sections like Beaumaris and Holyhead. Book ahead and you'll be rewarded with the island at its liveliest and most colourful.

September is a fine choice for those wanting quieter trails. The weather often remains settled, the sea takes on a deeper blue, and the coastal heather adds rich colour to the clifftop sections.

October through to April is perfectly walkable and the island has a raw, dramatic quality in winter. Expect strong winds on exposed headlands, shorter days and some path closures for maintenance. The rewards are solitude and a very different kind of beauty.

Getting There / Transport

How do I reach the start in Holyhead?

🚆 By Train
Holyhead is well connected by rail, with direct services from Chester, Manchester, and London (via Bangor). The station is right on the coast, making it an ideal starting point.

🚌 By Bus
Bus services connect Holyhead with other towns on Anglesey and the North Wales mainland.

🚕 By Taxi / Car
Driving is straightforward via the A55 across North Wales. Parking is available in and around Holyhead if you're starting and finishing there.

How do I get back from the end?

As a circular route, you'll typically finish where you started — most commonly in Holyhead.

🚆 By Train
Return services run from Holyhead to major UK cities via Chester and beyond.

🚌 By Bus
Local buses can also be used to skip sections or return to your starting point if walking in stages.

🚕 Private Transfer
Taxi and private transfer options are available if you start and finish in different locations around the island.

Sample Self-Guided Anglesey Coastal Path Itineraries

Four sample self-guided itineraries based around 8 hours per day, starting from Holyhead and walking anticlockwise. Click through for full day-by-day route guides with stage descriptions, or create your own custom plan above.

9-Day Explorer Itinerary

A relaxed pace with shorter days — ideal for taking in the highlights

Nine days at an explorer's pace is the most relaxed way to walk the Anglesey Coastal Path. Averaging around 23 km per day, this anticlockwise itinerar…

209 kmTotal distance
2,120 mTotal ascent
View full 9-day route guide

8-Day Hiker Itinerary

The classic walking pace — steady days with time to enjoy the coast

Eight days at a comfortable hiking pace is the most popular way to walk the Anglesey Coastal Path. Averaging around 26 km per day with roughly 8 hours…

209 kmTotal distance
2,120 mTotal ascent
View full 8-day route guide

6-Day Fastpacker Itinerary

Bigger daily distances for experienced, fit walkers

Six days at fastpacker pace covers the Anglesey Coastal Path with longer stages averaging 35 km per day. This anticlockwise itinerary from Holyhead su…

209 kmTotal distance
2,120 mTotal ascent
View full 6-day route guide

4-Day Trail Runner Itinerary

A long-weekend challenge for experienced endurance athletes

Four days of trail running around the Anglesey Coastal Path, averaging 52 km per day with around 8 hours of moving time. This anticlockwise itinerary …

209 kmTotal distance
2,120 mTotal ascent
View full 4-day route guide

8-Day Anglesey Coastal Path Hiker Itinerary

Walk steadily at a relaxed pace, take short breaks, and enjoy the scenery. • 208.9 km total • 2120 m ascent

DayFromToDistanceAscentTime
1HolyheadTrearddur Bay18.1 km319 m5h 54m
2Trearddur BayRhosneigr25.8 km160 m7h 6m
3RhosneigrDwyran32.4 km194 m8h 54m
4DwyranBeaumaris27.7 km290 m8h 6m
5BeaumarisBenllech26.4 km332 m8h
6BenllechAmlwch Port24.6 km348 m7h 36m
7Amlwch PortChurch Bay31.2 km330 m9h 12m
8Church BayHolyhead22.7 km147 m6h 18m

6-Day Anglesey Coastal Path Fastpacker Itinerary

Fit and experienced, maintain a strong pace, take minimal breaks. • 208.9 km total • 2120 m ascent

DayFromToDistanceAscentTime
1HolyheadFour Mile Bridge32.8 km435 m7h 42m
2Four Mile BridgeDwyran43.5 km238 m9h 18m
3DwyranPenmon37.2 km404 m8h 30m
4PenmonAmlwch Port41.5 km566 m9h 54m
5Amlwch PortChurch Bay31.2 km330 m7h 6m
6Church BayHolyhead22.7 km147 m4h 54m

4-Day Anglesey Coastal Path Trail Runner Itinerary

Combine running and fast hiking, carry light gear, focus on efficient progress. • 208.9 km total • 2120 m ascent

DayFromToDistanceAscentTime
1HolyheadRhosneigr43.9 km479 m7h 6m
2RhosneigrMenai Bridge53.2 km376 m8h 12m
3Menai BridgeAmlwch Port57.9 km788 m9h 36m
4Amlwch PortHolyhead53.9 km477 m8h 30m

We hope you have found this free planner helpful. If you need any help with booking your adventure, including accommodation and bag transfer:

Big Trail AdventuresVisit Big Trail Adventures

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