The Welsh Coast Path- February 2020
Nature’s calling We hope you’re all well and we’re excited to welcome you back to Treberfedd for a summer of fun, laughter and joy. In the spirit of summer (and fun!) we’re going to be doing a series of “Things to do and places to visit near Treberfedd”. So grab a cup of coffee and settle down for series 1.
For many of us 2020 was the year we discovered the goodness that comes from being within nature, whether that was in our gardens, our green space or on our daily walk. We appreciated the stillness and calm that came when all else seemed so unfamiliar. We sought comfort and joy from watching the birds and the flowers bloom and the trees change through the seasons. With the spring approaching, their world moves swiftly on, to start another cycle and blossom once again.
With this in mind we thought we’d delve into the Welsh Coast Path, and all it has to offer, perhaps not all 870 miles of it, but the Ceredigion section which weaves from Cardigan to Aberdyfi, and just a short drive from Treberfedd farm.
The Coastal Path Perfect for the keen hikers or Sunday strollers with a local cafe or pub never too far away and plenty of beaches to build a sandcastle on or go for a paddle. Below are some categories of what makes the coastal path so great and versatile for the whole family. We’ll also list some of our favorite routes and hot spots to grab a bite to eat.
There is also a free Welsh Coast Path app which brings the coastal path to life. You can plan routes, see where you are, get live weather checks and tide times, see what facilities are available and learn about the local area. Learn more about it here.
The wildlife Whether you just like listening to the birds and watching them swoop through the air or maybe you’re a keen bird watcher and wildlife enthusiast there is no denying the Ceredigion coast path boasts a whole lot of wildlife spotting. From grey seals to manx shearwaters. Some fun wildlife facts: On the RSPB Grassholm Island (which is a tiny bit of rock sticking off Pembrokeshire) there is a whopping 39,000 pairs of gannets making it the largest colony of Gannets in the world. Half of the world’s manx shearwater population is in Wales. Skomer island supports 120,000 breeding pairs. Chough translates to Bran Goesgoch in Welsh meaning “Red-legged crow”. Is the rarest crow member and only a few hundred pairs in the UK, three quarters of these are found in Wales. The Peregrine Falcon can be spotted on the coastal path it’s one of the fastest animals on earth, reaching up to speeds of 200 mph! Cardigan bay is home to one of the UK’s largest resident populations of bottlenose dolphins. You can also find the Risso’s dolphin, common dolphin and minke whale. You can go on a dolphin watching adventure at Newquay boat trips.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfJNmyCiOvI A short video made by the Wales Coast Path, showing some of what the coast path has to offer.
The best cafes and pubs All the swimming, splashing and wildlife spotting can build up quite the appetite and a beach day is never complete without at least one ice cream stop. So here are some of our favourite pit stops. Caffi Patio in Llangrannog serve the most delicious food and the best homemade ice cream, it’s also right on the beach. Also in Llangrannog is The Beach Hut cafe which serves tasty fish and chips perfect for a Sunday lunch or an evening meal after a hard day of exploring. The Plwmp Tart in Penbryn is perfect for a light bight before heading on down to the beach. The Ship Inn in Aberporth is another great pub for family lunches and evening meals. Newquay has lots of places to eat but The lime crab for fish and chips like you’ve never had before followed by ice cream at Creme Pen Cei is definitely what we’d recommend!
Our most loved walks Cwmtydu to Newquay- 3.8 miles, about 2 hours each way. Cwmtydu is a 30 minute drive from Treberfedd and there is free parking right on the beach, then make you’re way North along the coastal path to Newquay where there is a lovely sandy beach to play on, boat trips to take and lots of lovely food to eat. Tresaith to Aberporth- 1.5 miles, about an hour each way. Tresaith is 30 minutes from Treberfedd, you can park in the top car park, and join onto the footpath to head South down to Aberporth, Tresaith and Aberporth both have lovely sandy beaches, great for swimming. There is a good choice of places to eat in Aberporth so you won’t need to take a packed lunch. Penbryn to Llangrannog- 1.7 miles, about 1.5 hours each way. This is another favorite of ours with absolutely stunning scenery and a great sandy beach once you arrive in Llangrannog.
