We often gravitate towards the cities of South Wales but missing out on the award-winning beaches of the Gower Peninsula would be a crime. It also makes for a great starting point as you make your way north. The Gower Coast path stretches 43-miles and has been voted one of the UK’s best walks, with Rhossili, Three Cliffs and Oxwich bay being standout stretches and Gower being the UK’s first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Welsh writer Dylan Thomas lived in the village of Laugharne for over two decades, making the walk to his home something of a literary pilgrimage for those who love his work. Cliffside pubs, castles, and spectacular views are guaranteed on this magnificent hike. Don’t miss the colourful fishing village of Mumbles where you can try local favourite Joe’s Ice-cream.

This part of the journey will take you along the incredible National Trail, which follows the Pembrokeshire Coast Path and has been designated a national park since 1952. Your hike will take you through fifty-eight beaches, fourteen harbours, and the UK’s smallest city: St David’s. This tiny city is a treat for history and architecture lovers; the spectacularly gothic St Davids Cathedral and St Davids Bishop’s Palace both dominate the horizon. Numerous films have been shot along the beaches here and, when an epic battle on horseback needs to take place, this area is often the first port of call. A particularly dynamic stretch; cliffs melt into woodland and back out to golden sand at a moment’s notice. During the summer, buses continuously run along the path to take you to your next guesthouse as the sun sets, or for a meal of seafood in one of the coastline’s many special restaurants.

Often overshadowed by other beauty spots in the UK, the Llŷn Peninsula is an underrated area with outstanding rewards for hikers. These rewards include three of the UK’s most well-preserved coastal castles: Harlech, Caernarfon, and Criccieth, as well as the romantic Italianate resort of Portmeirion. The walks here are wild and dramatic, surrounding the mountainous Snowdonia National Park, stretching out towards Ireland, and dotted with fishing villages, farmland, and coastal cities. Views of the mountain Cadair Idris and the Mawddach Estuary will stay with you long after you finish your trip. The Llŷn Coastal Bus helps make the 100-mile path accessible for those who want to see as much of this inspiring area as possible.

The 130-mile coastline of historic Anglesey falls almost entirely within a designated Area of Outstanding Beauty and takes you across cliffs, dunes, marshland, coastal villages, farmland, and woodland. The island is famous for its standing stones, ancient burial grounds, medieval churches, and World Heritage-listed castles. The highest point of the hike takes you to the peak of Holyhead Mountain, keep an eye out for fluffy wild Welsh ponies as you go. Other stand-out areas include the breathtaking Southstack Lighthouse, built on the summit of a small island and the sea arches at Bwa Gwyn. From the Isle of Anglesey, you can also take the ferry over to Puffin Island, the largest bird colony in the British Isles. Puffin Island is home to 750-species of birds and the ruins of a 12th-century monastery. Two weeks would be an idea timeframe in order to fully enjoy this section of the coastal path.